Anyone relatively knowledgeable on caravans?

[Benbay001]

Need a second hand caravan with a payload of at least 300 kg, after water and stuff.
Any suggestions? Is there any way to up rate a caravan to a higher weight (MiRO?)
Gah, all too confusing.
Thanks

[bqf]

Hmmm - why do you need a specific payload? You'd be better off carrying things in your car, especially if they are heavy (like a generator).

What is the tow car you are using, and why do you specifically need a 300kg Payload?

[bqf]

PS My Caravan is 21' long, fairly humougous, and it only has a 273kg User Payload.

I suspect you'll need a twin-axle caravan for that kind of payload.

[mgmrw]

As above, twin-axle unit needed.

Why do you particularly need 300KG of crap on board? Big family?


What're you towing with?

[Benbay001]

I did write "at least" 300kg. Basically, me and my mum, whose business i work for, we exibit at shows.
The tow car will be a Toyota LC so 3.5 ton braked limit.
The car had 700kg payload its self, but we will be carrying more than that, as we all ready carry 1 ton of stock as it is (currently have a van, and sleep at travel lodges)
Any one know a specific model of caravan with a high pay load?
I hear that it can be possible to uprated a caravan when new, but a new one will be too much, especially a twin axle.
Edit: the other think i was considering was stripping out some weight from the van, maybe removing some of the beds that arent needed from a bigger van. but this raises the issue of incorrect weight distribution.. grr

[B'stard Child]

Caravans - Pistonheads!!!

Burn him - burn him now

[Kinky]

You might want PH's sister title

http://www.practicalcaravan.com/forum

I wonder if we can tell how many PHers visit the site

[theironduke]

Periwinkle blue

[bqf]

You'd be better off buying an old truck for carrying the stuff, and towing a caravan with it.

Most Buccaneers have a Payload of 300kg+ but good luck with finding one used, in good condition.

[mgmrw]

personally, a big twin axle caravan such as a conqueror or superstorm.

Remove anything you dont need, such as cooker and fridge etc and all loose objects.

Then work-out what the best tow vehicle is, such as an LDV covoy?

[redgriff500]

Easy option is to buy a van (anything decent is 1 ton +) to tow the caravan.

Fancy pick ups are no use unless the stock is worthless.

[Benbay001]

Its gotta be a 4x4 because it will be my daily drive. They are also more practical, as most of the shows we exhibit at are in fields, more ofthen than not the heavier stuff gets towed out after a light down pour.

[camel_landy]

Benbay001 said:

Its gotta be a 4x4 because it will be my daily drive. They are also more practical, as most of the shows we exhibit at are in fields, more ofthen than not the heavier stuff gets towed out after a light down pour.

Unimog...

[jbi]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Airstream-1957-Overlande...

[redgriff500]

Benbay001 said:

Its gotta be a 4x4 because it will be my daily drive. They are also more practical, as most of the shows we exhibit at are in fields, more ofthen than not the heavier stuff gets towed out after a light down pour.

If you look hard you can find 4x4 versions of many vans as the utility companies use them.

A mate has a 4x4 Sprinter I know there are 4x4 T4 Transporters etc

Although I'd suggest that a set of mud / snow tyres would probably suffice.

[Garlick]

Caravans? Welcome, I'm a big fan.

Soon we'll have a sub-forum, I can feel it.

[eltax91]

You can get vans in 4x4 right? Possibly even get some with a second row of seats. It will still have better storage than a pickup or traditional 4x4, and will help lighten the load on the van...

[Jimslips]

Set it on fire.

[GreatGranny]

Caravans are not ideal for loading lots of stuff into.

The biggest areas are the beds which are at each end normally. Not good for stability.

You would have to remove the whole kitchen which is normally over the axle to free up enough room. Possible to do I suppose but you would obviously have nowhere to cook etc..

Could you just camp?

[Benbay001]

redgriff500 said:

If you look hard you can find 4x4 versions of many vans as the utility companies use them.

A mate has a 4x4 Sprinter I know there are 4x4 T4 Transporters etc

Although I'd suggest that a set of mud / snow tyres would probably suffice.

They are as rare as hens teeth (is that the correct saying?)

GreatGranny said:

Caravans are not ideal for loading lots of stuff into.

The biggest areas are the beds which are at each end normally. Not good for stability.

You would have to remove the whole kitchen which is normally over the axle to free up enough room. Possible to do I suppose but you would obviously have nowhere to cook etc..

Could you just camp?

Camping??!! Im civilized.