I'm working out my weights and reckon that with the caravan I plan to buy, when fully packed, I will be pretty close to the gross train weight for my car (the towing ratio is around 80%, noseweight is fine, and engine size/power is fine - 1.9 diesel). I have been advised that this should all be OK as long as I don't go above the gross train weight. What I really need to know is how realistic my calculations are for the car + van contents.
So far, the combination below will take me up to 15Kg of my gross train weight. Have I missed anything (I don't plan to take a TV)? Have I under or over estimated any weights below. Your comments very gratefully received, thanks...
The weights in the above list are all approximate. The best way to weigh items is on a set of bathroom scales. When weighing clothes place them in a box or crate and subtract the weight of the box or crate from the total.
Hi, May I suggest to you when you buy the new caravan, load it up correctly and take it to your nearest weighbridge. Weigh the caravan, then the car (empty but with a full tank of fuel) and work out the difference. The ideal weight of the fully laden caravan should not exceed 85% of the car's kerbweight.Never load the caravan above the gross permissable weight or you could be in trouble towing, or even worse if the police weigh your van you could face a hefty fine. I know people who have had this problem! Some things can be left at home to help keep weights down....take only one gas bottle, use a lightweight step, heavy duty wheelclamp can stay at home if you use a hitchlock...etc...etc....Floyd.
I think your clothing and toiletries allowance is a little low, depends how long you are going for, does that include towels and shoes? Food 2kg? A bit unrealistic possibly. What about toys and books etc? You list 4 chairs but no table, are you going to use the caravan one? Does the weight of the van already include the EHU cable?
Thanks for your help everyone. Sadly my conclusion is that it's just not going to be possible to tow anything decent with a Renault Grand Scenic. If only I'd been able to look into the future when I bought it new a year ago - had no intention of getting a caravan then at all!
Our spare wheel fits in the shower perfectly (end washroom) and this helped when we were towing with our 2 ltr Mondeo. Now have a 4ltr 4x4 (I know, but we got it cheap, just as well because of the fuel consumption!
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Topic: Weight of contents - is this OK?
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