Wow thanks all, no wonder my husband did a quick google and gave up! I really never imagined there was so much to it! Does anyone know of any potential pitfalls other than weight to towing with a car such as my Audi? It doesn't have a towbar fitted so we would need to get this done is there anything we should be particularly wary of here? We can fit us all and more in my car, When we go camping with tents all the equiptments goes with my husband in the zafira with seats down and me and the 3 boys travel in my car with the dogs in the boot with a mesh guard and then theres still room in the boot and front seat for bedding usually, the boots on the sportbacks are huge. I understand we need to be careful with the weight in the van, does the 207kg "payload" come included in the caravnas weight? Is that an allowance of sorts for things we can put in? You've all been so helpful, so much more so than dealerships thank you!
The 207 kg is included in the caravans weight, and you are correct it should be viewed as an allowance for clothes etc.
You must take off this "allowance" the weight of the battery (appx 23kg), gas bottle/s(appx 13kg ea), and a motor mover if you decide to fit one (appx 40kg).
Hello,
We just moved from tent to caravan and went through this exact same scenario.
My husband only moved to the UK in 2006 so he has a post 1997 drivers licence. Your husband may well have taken his driving test before January 1997?
Our car is quite light.
There are websites which will tell you the weight of the caravan you are wanting to tow and will match it to your car telling you if it is a good match. This worked very well for us and then learned what "MTPLM" was good for our car so only had to check this (generally given in the information on the caravan). We successfully bought our first caravan, have had our "Maiden Voyage" and loving it. Hope you find all that you are hoping for
Hi. If you are on Facebook have a look at Venus caravan owners .page you will find a lot of info about the caravan you have looked at also the page admin may be able to help out about towing weights.
Quote: Originally posted by Horsemadhayley on 11/7/2018
Lunar Venus 590/6 ... MTPLM 1395kg
Audi A5 S-line Sportback 2.0 TDI... cars weight plate the figures are 2065kg and under that 3745kg.
Because you're limited by license restriction to 3500kgs, please be aware this is PLATED weight and not theoretical. Example, the two weights you list for the Audi from the VIN plate are its MAM (max authorised mass, eg loaded weight), of 2065kgs and its Train-weight (car weight + max trailer) of 3745kgs.
In your case, you need the Audi MAM and the caravans MTPLM, which is 2065kgs + 1395kgs = 3460kgs, so this combination puts you just 40kgs within your license restriction.
Many folk will refer to kerbweight and the caravan having to be 85% of this, but in reality, nobody drives their car at kerbweight, and certainly with your family, dogs etc., the Audi will be at a reasonable weight match for the van you've indicated. While a reasonable starting point, the kerbweight as a reference is to some degree outdated
As for the Zafira, thats quite limited and you're only option if using that as a tug would likely to be the folding camper idea as already suggested.
Finally, please do not use free matching sites, example towcar.info and whattowcar.com. Both of these are dutch based and as such rely on euro, non-UK data for their matching program and often delivery inaccurate results.
Hi all! Just wanted to come back and say thanks for all of your help! we decided against the venus after much consideration and went for an older (cheaper) 2009 Bailey Ranger 540/6. Similar layout and weight but a lot less money! We have had it properly tow checked and is a good match with my Audi and I have signed us both up to a 2 hour towing course (wont get any qualifications at the end but just as we are both inexperienced). Really excited to pick it up and get on the road but also really nervous as everything is so new and we feel clueless! Cant even figure out how to buy an awning for it lol, but thanks all for your help and advice
Don't be frightened to ask for advice on here or when you go away ,people will always help. Also check Facebook for a Bailey ranger page , they will have loads of info.
But most of solemnly the freedom of caravaning
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Please help towing limit lightweight van
