Car to caravan weight ratios

kath99 replied on 30/01/2017 12:18

kath99

Posted on 30/01/2017 12:18

This is my first post. Yesterday I put a deposit on our first caravan, finally. I've read and reread your words of wisdom about weights but the only one that sticks in my thick head is the 85% guideline. Having recently bought a bigger car to open our options, I've now put a deposit on a Lunar Ariva, one of the smallest caravans (MTPLM 999kgs). Our new car - a 2 litre Zafira Tourer kerbweight 1780kgs is probably a bit overkill, but we are inexperienced and quite nervous of towing - up hills and round corners anyway! We decide and pay on Thursday.

My questions are about this heavy/light car to caravan ratio . Will it cause a problem for loading? Can all our packed stuff be handled comfortably in the back of the car? Or do I need to even the ratio by storing in the caravan? In which case have I made a mistake in thinking a lightweight caravan is the best choice for nervous beginners?

Thanks in advance. kath

24 replies

DSB replied on 01/02/2017 20:52

Moderator

DSB

Caravanner

Posted on 30/01/2017 17:42 by cyberyacht

Your tow car to van ratio will be fine. The thing to be sure of is not to overload that caravan. It's surprising how all the bits and pieces add to its weight. As has been suggested, take it along to a weigh bridge to make sure you're within your vans axle limit.

Posted on 01/02/2017 20:52

I agree entirely with CY. I'm sure there are many caravans on our roads that are overloaded. In fact, I wouldn't mind betting that there are more caravans on the road that are overloaded than not! (A rather sweeping statement, I know - and a gut feeling only) Amongst those who are less likely to overload are those on such forums as this who become more aware of it.

A visit to the weighbridge occasionally will be an eye opener for many.

David

1 person likes this

stephen p replied on 02/02/2017 18:28

stephen p

Campervanner

Posted on 01/02/2017 20:52 by DSB

I agree entirely with CY. I'm sure there are many caravans on our roads that are overloaded. In fact, I wouldn't mind betting that there are more caravans on the road that are overloaded than not! (A rather sweeping statement, I know - and a gut feeling only) Amongst those who are less likely to overload are those on such forums as this who become more aware of it.

A visit to the weighbridge occasionally will be an eye opener for many.

David

Posted on 02/02/2017 18:28

I agree! I use our local weighbridge several times a year. It is very easy to exceed the MPTLM particularly if you have lost a chunk of your payload with a motor mover.

And yet in my travels I have never met another caravanist who has their caravan weighed.

replied on 04/02/2017 11:19

Posted on 04/02/2017 11:19

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

kath99 replied on 04/02/2017 14:25

Member

kath99

Posted on 04/02/2017 14:25

Thanks for your all your replies. It's now ours, and stored at the dealers while I am getting the towbar and insurance sorted. Then we'll have the big handover and be off right away. I might post a Story about our first experience, if I have some amusing mistakes to impart!

kath

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