Advice for towing a caravan

[Dr Mike Oxgreen]

I'm thinking ahead to this year's summer holiday, which is going to be a caravanning tour. Not sure where yet, but I've definitely decided that the Chimaera will be my weapon of choice.

So, can anyone recommend me a tow bar fitter?

I guess the torque of the RV8 will make the TVR an excellent tow car, but I've never towed before; does anyone have any tips for towing a caravan?

[chris1972]

Dr Mike Oxgreen said:

I'm thinking ahead to this year's summer holiday, which is going to be a caravanning tour. Not sure where yet, but I've definitely decided that the Chimaera will be my weapon of choice.

So, can anyone recommend me a tow bar fitter?

I guess the torque of the RV8 will make the TVR an excellent tow car, but I've never towed before; does anyone have any tips for towing a caravan?

This sounds like the basis for a Top Gear challenge!

[misteradz]

We're up a little too early for the April fool's jokes!

Adam

[kennybgr8]

Yea 1st April those were my thoughs, I have towed a caravan in the past with a big enough car to do the job, the thing is you have to consider the weight of your Chim in relation to the weight of the caravan and the Chim possibly weighs less than the Tow not a good combination,,,

[blaze_away]

As a guide the caravan (fully loaded) should weigh no more than 85% of the cars weight

I think a chim is 1070 kgs therefore the caravan should be no more than 900kgs,

I have a two berth caravan it weighs 1200 Kgs,

Here is a good guide http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/media/22441/thinking%...

[blaze_away]

As a guide the caravan (fully loaded) should weigh no more than 85% of the cars weight

I think a chim is 1070 kgs therefore the caravan should be no more than 900kgs,

I have a two berth caravan it weighs 1200 Kgs,

Here is a good guide http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/media/22441/thinking%...

[phillpot]

Tow bar could be a bit tricky to fit?

Have you considered something like this.....(obviously you wouldn't need such a long ladder)

[Robert Lees]

you are kidding right? Isn't it illegal to enjoy driving and own a caravan ?

if not try to beat world record for towing a caravan

The 8000cc V-10 engined two seater Viper, towing a standard Abbey Iona caravan, was driven to a maximum speed of 127.8 mph on the main runway at RAF Alconbury in Cambridgeshire.

[jamienshelly]

what about these (i like the union flag).

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&source=images...

[Dr Mike Oxgreen]

phillpot said:

That looks awesome!! How cool would that look on top of a TVR?!

[jamienshelly]

Dr Mike Oxgreen said:

does anyone have any tips for towing a caravan?

The best tip is, Get someone else to tow it and enjoy the drive to the site

[K4TRV]

Dr Mike Oxgreen said:

That looks awesome!! How cool would that look on top of a TVR?!

.................nearly as cool as towing a caravan with a TVR.

Happy anniversary of the Royal Air Force as well.....................

Trev

[Bassfiend229hp]

I think you'll be fine just bolting the towing hook to the rear valance - plenty of structural strength there so no need to worry - and with that much torque I'd plump for one of these behind you...

[pk500]

Best tip is burn the caravan and stay in a hotel

[angus99]

You Might manage to tow one of these

http://www.sussexsportscars.co.uk/classic_car/1334...

[chris1972]

I think it depends on what engine is in your Chim. The 500 has plenty of torque and should be able to manage the below, whereas, with a 400, you may want to limit yourself to a 737 or something. Definitely get the geometry done first as it can make the back end squirm a little.

[daveparry]

There is a good towbar place in Fareham, i got mine there!

[Chilliman]

When I lived in North Devon many years ago the summer roads were filled with nice people towing caravans, and slowing the normal traffic flow up a little bit. I often offered advice to these nice people, but it was never really taken on board, or I think, much appreciated...

[over_the_hill]

I posted something similar a few years back just as a fun theoretical question.

The general conclusions were fitting any sort of tow bar would be tricky given the low ground clearance.

Getting going might be OK but stopping could be a problem seeing the Caravan overtake the car.

[Goaty Bill]

The griff girlz are gonna love this thread when they find it.