Towing A Caravan

[crisper]

Hiya... any seasoned caravaners out there today? Were really keen on the idea of getting a caravan.. but are complete novices...My question is.. we have a 2010.. 1.8 focus... would this be big enough to tow a light weight caravan... Lunar 2 berth for example! Thanks for your help.. Mrs C x

[shoota]

Yes.

[crisper]

Thanks Shoota....I feel a shopping trip coming on!! lol x

[shoota]

Lucky you!

[Mosaic]

Think also about where you'll keep it when it's not in use.

[Buenchico]

This calculator might be useful:
http://www.whattowcar.com/

Don't worry that the information initially required doesn't seem detailed enough. (e.g. you're initially only asked for the make and model of your car, with no reference to engine size). You're asked to refine the details on the next page.

[crisper]

Thankyou Mosaic for that.. were very lucky here.. there are a few storage places near to us..ranging from about 8.00 per week..depending on how secure... accessable etc! Mrs C x

[crisper]

Thankyou Buenchico.. very helpful... I'm getting really excited now!!! *Chortlesplutters* Mrs C x

[TWR]

Take a tip Crisper, pulling a caravan is not as simple as it looks, if you have friends that have one ask them for advice regards the loading inside, the hook up, the anti Jackknife devise, the gaz bottles & storage, the Electrics on the site you decide to stay, the driving & the hazards that go with it, A good spare wheel, & the surface when you park up, lastly, a good anti theft lock when you leave the van. Good Luck & safe driving.

[sddsddean]

Don't forget to check your driving licence to see if you have the right class of licence. You need a B+E. This used to be automatic when you passed your car test, but if you passed after January '97 you won't have it.

[boxtops]

don't forget about insurance too - you need separate insurance for the van. When you are towing it you'll be insured for third party damage but not necessarily for damage to the van itself - as my colleague found to his cost when the van rolled down a bank. The van wasn't covered under his car insurance.

[sddsddean]

My 'slight' mistake. Check the weights on this page under 'Cars'...you might need B+E.
https://www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories

[boxtops]

Just spotted this in Related Threads, too http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Motoring/Question1258063.html

[Barmaid]

I would think that it will tow a small caravan. What you need to do is look in your manual and find out what the kerb weight of your vehicle is. You then need to buy a caravan and i think (and you need to check this with someone like the caravan club website) your caravan should be 20% less than the kerb weight of your car. You need to seek some sensible advice - I'm really not sure I have got this right. I researched all this a few weeks ago when we were looking at a caravan but I cant remember!!!. The CC website is very good for this type of thing.

[sherrardk]

You hire touring caravans (we did it once), why not try it to see if you like it?