Sunday, Jan 06, 2013 at 13:41
Hi macy517,
There are a few things to
check when looking at a total towing set-up.
From a vehicle perspective, ensure that the towbar/ball etc is rated to the weight of what you are towing. Just because your vehicle is rated to tow 2000kg, does not mean that your tow bar is. Dealer may have different options of the towbar weights that they offer (e.g. from memory, Commodores have a 1200, 1600 and 2100kg kits).
Check to see if your vehicle is capable of using Weight Distribution Hitches. (Pathfinders void your Warranty if used, and have caused towbars to break away). I would highly recommend Weight Distribution Hitches if you can, as they level the vehicle and caravan out and make handling and more importantly steering response is better as your nose of your car isn't pointing to the sky. I also reduces the load on the rear
suspension. Don't forget to install the electric brake controller in the vehicle if the caravan is equipped with electric brakes. In my opinion (some may disagree), electric brakes are much better than the older style over-run brakes that still are out on the market.
Double
check your Vehicle/Engine/transmission weights. These can differ between set-ups. Having a quick look at the Volvo website, these range between 1600, 1800 and 2000kg for the current XC60. Be mindful of your GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) for your vehicle. This is the total weight in which your vehicle can carry. This includes people, fuel, luggage etc. For the XC60 D5 Diesel, this is 2505kg, with a Tare Weight of 1805. This leaves you 700kg for Fuel, People etc.
Generally speaking, from a caravan perspective, most manufacturers aim for a Ball weigh of 10% of that of the weight of the Caravan. So assuming that your vehicle has a towball rating of 150kg, you would be looking up to a 1500kg van approx. The smaller Jayco Expandas have a Tare Ball weight of 130kg and 1363kg Tare Weight. Be mindful, when looking at your figures for Caravans, that these are Tare weights of an unloaded van. They will quickly increase when loaded. Jayco states that carrying capacity of 300kg is allowed, taking your weight up to 1663kg, and I am guessing a towball weight of around 160kg. Your Flamingo's are up around the 1200kg Tare weight also.
From a caravan, something that you may (or may not) wish to consider are the off road style camper trailers. I know that you mention that you are not looking at using them for off-road use, but plenty of people buy these and only use them in caravan parks. Some of these are pretty
well setup these days, including hard floors, full kitchens etc. Some have both on-road and off-road models. I would recommend going to one of your local Caravan & Camping shows. This will give you plenty of different options to look at and think about. Will also give you a heap of ideas that you have never even thought of. Every time I go, I always find something new.
And finally, before buying one, Hire one for a weekend and decide if it suits. That small outlay may highlight something that may change your mind.
Plenty of generalisations here, but hopefully it is helpful, and hope you enjoy your Caravanning.
AnswerID:
501846
Follow Up By: GEMAC Solar and Power - Tuesday, Jan 08, 2013 at 16:29
Tuesday, Jan 08, 2013 at 16:29
best response so far and that is to go with the off road camper.
A little more setup time but less weight and height.
And maybe more options/bang for you buck as
well
Regards
Geoff
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778366