Towing

[mudinuri]

Hi all,

I have been offered a very nice caravan weighing 1100 kgs at a very reasonable price.

Would my 1998 RAV4, 3 door 2L petrol manual be OK towing this? It will probably be just short trips within 50/60 miles of where we live. I worry because the length of the caravan is much longer than my RAV. I know there is a weight limit to towing, but is there a specific length to what you can tow?

cheers all

[alan333]

IIRC if the caravan/trailer is longer than the car then the caravan must have close coupled axles, ie 4 wheels.

[crofter]

Whilst in no way suggesting Alan is wrong. a twenty foot trailer I used to tow around with a Surf was ok so i don't think the length is a factor but more the caravan/towing vehicle weight compatibility.

The confusion may arise if towing a trailer with a draw bar and a truck

In practice a short wheelbase tractor, or tow car is a lot easier to reverse with the trailer on the back

Del

[NORTHERN_LAD]

It does not matter what length of caravan you tow as long as you are comfortable with it. What does matter is the weight of the caravan which, when fully loaded should not exceed 85% of the kerb weight of the towing vehicle.

This not the law but common sense. You can exceed the 85% rule and lots of caravanners do but I personally would not feel comfortable at more than 90%.

[alan333]

Whilst in no way suggesting Alan is wrong. a twenty foot trailer I used to tow around with a Surf was ok so i don't think the length is a factor but more the caravan/towing vehicle weight compatibility.

The confusion may arise if towing a trailer with a draw bar and a truck

It looks like I'm wrong as you say, but in my mitigation at least it's true somewhere, ie with heavier tow vehicles and longer trailers. From Parkers website (note the bit about 4 wheels)...

If the towing vehicle weighs more than 3500kg GVW

Length (excluding the coupling and drawbar) 12m (min 4 wheels)

Sorry for any confusion.

[crofter]

On the subject of things towed, I was a bit gobsmacked when I first saw, as I found out later, a trailer with a glider inside it being drawn along by a car

[gjnorthall]

Theres loads of internet sites where you can safely match your car to different models of caravans - try

http://www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/Caravan-Towing-Car-Match

It's worthwhile visiting a caravan centre - they're usually liberal with advice - obviously in the hope of selling you a caravan.

[mudinuri]

Thanks to all of you for the advice.

Regards

mudinuri

[crofter]

Also hope you have a great day David

Del