MOK79

Is it a hard thing to do, bearing in mind I have never towed anything in my life.
Its a big 20ft twin axel caravan and someone said not to tow it. But surely it can't be that difficult can it ???

Advice welcome

LG John

What you towing it with? Normally require a 4x4 for a twin axel van and usually a fairly heavy one. A van that size can't be legally towed by something Mondeo sized IIRC.

MOK79

Will be using a Volvo XC90 so would have thought that would be ok for the job ??

RRH

You need to check the towing weight of the car, and the weight od the caravan, as that'll be heavy.

It could be a bit of a handfull even if you're experienced at towing.

If it gets a sway on, and you don't have the weight or experience to deal with it, its a massive accident waiting to happen.

ronjeramy

iTrader: (1)

Is that the big 4x4? It should be upto the job, but check the towing weights.
As fir towing it just take it gently don't excede 50mph, if you get a wobble on dont sudernly back off. Do you have a stabliser bar/hitch? On a big van like that you should.

MOK79

Ok slightly put off now

MOK79

Yeah its the big 4x4. How would I know if I had a stabiliser bar/hitch ???

ronjeramy

iTrader: (1)

On the hitch on the caravan it will have an extra handle which you will pull down an it will clamp the towbar on the car, the towbar must also be dry and free from greece or there will be a blade that attaches to the car and sits on a nylon block on the caravan (that's the best way I can discribe it ) if you are going to travel a long distance I would insist on one!

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

If you passed your test after Jan 1997, Check you weights on the caravan's VIN plate and car manual, as your license won't have B+E entitlement. Which with a big caravan will probably mean your license won't cover it.

B+E you can tow what your like (within reason) up to vehicle's rated towing rating.

MOK79

Yeah I did check. I am covered

Leslie

If you make sure that the centre of gravity is in front of the caravan's axle then you should not get a wobble.

Les

MOK79

How do you mean Les

ronjeramy

iTrader: (1)

He means that you pack the caravan correctly and evenly and not overload it.

MOK79

thats what I thought.

I think I'm gonna pass on towing it. Starting to doubt my capabilities now. Thanx for all the advice.

scooby L

Just be sensible mate, and you'll be fine.

The double axel should aid the stability but loading the front tow hitch correctly (70kg of positive weight) helps no-end.

Take things carefully and slowly is neccessary..and it'll be a doddle... try to rush or crack on (on the m-way) and unless you're experienced..you can get into a wee bit of bother quite quickly!

Jue M

If you check, I think you will find the Volvo XC90 has a maximum braked towing limit of around 2250Kg. Multiply this by 85% for your margin of safety, which gives you a towing limit of 1912KG. The heaviest twin axle caravan available within the popular UK brands, is around 1915KG. So you should be fine.

tanyatriangles

iTrader: (2)

Don't do that. Towing isn't a black art, it's easy if you take your time and THINK AHEAD:

ALWAYS change down BEFORE the hill, not on it.

DO be aware of the size of your outfit, (car+van) and make allowances
Pull out SMOOTHLY

Brake SMOOTHLY..anticipation helps.

Change gear SMOOTHLY

When turning left, or right, DO ensure you swing SLIGHTLY in the opposite direction first to give your outfit chance to make the corner WITHOUT cutting it.

When overtaking, DO NOT pull back in unless you are sure the rear of your unit is clear, (mostly you'll be overtaking slow lorries and they will tell you wne it's clear to come back in with a flash of their headlights, but SOME DON'T, so be careful).

If towing after dark, check headlight alignment: cars towing vans often blind others because of the weight on the towbar.

Check, and ADHERE to the noseweight for YOUR VAN!

Load carefully: heavy stuff over the wheels, evenly distributed otherwise, but NO heavy stuff at the rear and, once loaded, check noseweight again.

Twin axle vans are quite stable, but are a PIG to reverse, and an even bigger pig to manoevre without a car pushing, or an electric mover. It's real hernia country, so be aware.

DO fit and use a stabiliser.

How come you are going to tow, but no nowt about it? Have you bought or hired a big van?

I've towed thousands of miles, all over France, to the bottom of Spain, (twice), over passes that would make your eyes water, all with no mishap except one puncture, and the wheel fell off an early cheap van.........luckily at a slow speed so we got away with it, so........
DO check and use a torque wrench to tighten wheelnuts

rossyboy

iTrader: (8)

4x4s and vans to pull a twin axle?

Pah! back in 1990 my dad towed a 5 berther with a 2.8 Granada, rear wheel drive, 4 kids in the back at up to 80mph

I'm not recommending it, but the car managed it fine on a 1,200 mile journey.

mykp

I am damn sure if my mum can tow a similair sized caravan, you should be able to.

Just try a short journey beforehand to build confidence, just take it for a drag round the block one sunday morning. If you come back with brown trousers then you know a big trip is something your not meant to do.

Personally the only reason I hate it is because you have to go so slowly and it takes ages to get there.

MOK79

We have hired one for a week in the summer. But the company I am getting it from are able to deliver to location.

Leslie

The packed caravan should be nose heavy when you attach it to the car. If it is tail heavy it will be unstable and is likely to get into a wobble and it will be the tail wagging the dog at the rear of your car.

Does not have to be very nose heavy, you dont want it to be putting any more weight on the car rear springs than necessary, but it should never be tail heavy.

Les

Jue M

The noseweight limit for the XC90 is 90KG.

Have a look at www.practicalcaravan.com

tanyatriangles

iTrader: (2)

But you need to check the recommended noseweight for the VAN too: the car's is a MAXIMUM

Vans vary between 50kg and around 100kg, with most on 75kg these days.

Jue M

Agreed, you should always check, but as a rule 7% of the vans MTPLM is its noseweight allowance and I don't think there are many TA's that fall under 90kg (1285KG MTPLM) so your XC90/tow ball are likely to be the weakest link.