Towing with a Citroen Picasso

Hello there, This is my first posting, so I'm a newbie!

I wonder if some of the more experienced caravan enthusiasts can help me with the perennial question of towing limits. 

Sadly, I have just had to let my old Mitsubishi Pajero go for scrap. (The old girl could have towed our house!)  We are now left with my wife’s car, which is a 2004 Citroen Xsara Picasso. It is a 2 litre HDi with a manual gearbox. She has owned it from new and it only has 40,000 miles on the clock and has just had a new cam belt and full service. 

Our caravan is a Bailey 2001 2 berth Senator Vermont with a MTPLM of 1392 kgs. The Picasso has a kerb weight of 1300 kgs.  

Our plan is to go to France for several months later this year with the caravan and use it as spare accommodation for friends and family at our little cottage in the Loire Valley. But we also want to use it occasionally to visit other parts of France.

 My problem? Well I know about the 85% rule, and our outfit would be way over. However, I have read in some forums that if the weight in the caravan is reduced to the minimum and the bulk of the load is in the car, then the van is ok to tow.  Frankly I’m a bit confused! 

As I see it, we have two options:

1)      Sell the Vermont and try and find something lighter – with a budget of up to £6k

2)      Use the Picasso to tow the Senator Vermont.

 I’ve been caravaning for three years, but I’m no expert and I’d be grateful for any practical and realistic advice. (Especially from other Citroen Picasso owners!)

 Many thanks

Matelot