Are caravans over 2000kg tare on the way out? How much better to tow a smaller van, better economy often with all the creature comforts now in smaller packages and single axles?.
Are you considering downsizing and the main reason why?
http://www.caravanloans.com.au/guides/top-10-caravans-over-1200kg-and-under-2000kg/
Warren-Pat_01 said
10:21 AM May 14, 2018
The hassle Tony is what is allowed to be carried in these vans. We all want to take "stuff" & when we're travelling through different climates, we need clothing for both the warmer & colder areas. So that generally means carrying little or no water.
I'm doing the exercise now in preparation for a Warrnambool winter - returning via SW & western Qld in August - what portable solar panels do I leave behind?
Eaglemax said
11:35 PM May 14, 2018
Gotta agree with that question. As my van has a tare of only 450kg its so easy to go over the 748kg loaded limit.
Strengthen the drawbar add 15kg, larger water tank add 44kg. And that mobile 90watt solar panel???
I read however that loaded vans weighing 3500kg or way up to max for the tug...where does it end?.
Im suggesting that caravanning has transgressed to mobile palace touring. Has it gone too far? People are free to do as they please but in my experience things go in cycles. That could mean the large van era might come to an end (sales are proving otherwise ).. ..just like the very small van era as I've noticed.
One factor that might prove this wrong is the great abolity for modern 4wd towing ability.
Joda said
11:15 PM May 18, 2018
Think You are right Eaglemax, You have to wonder how much is ego driven with the purchase of these mobile blocks of flats trundling down the highway.
My van is 16.5 cabin & has toilet/shower combo, hot water service, 2 batteries,2 fresh water tanks, grey water tank, microwave, air & heat @ 2 * 9kg bottles, electric water pump All on a single axle (heavy duty).
Touring is our thing so fuel use is important to Us, averaging 12.3lts/100klms (proven at the pump)! What suits Us is probably not for everyone but seems to be a good outfit for 2 people.
Use to tour a lot on motorbikes so present setup is luxury to Me, any discussion I have with other caravanners with large vans is 'oh We could,nt possibly travel with a small van, We need the room' ???? Am I missing something?
Have a good chuckle reading the endless debates about weights atms, gvm, tare, towball downloads etc. etc.
Would only consider a godzilla van if I lived in it full time then I would buy a 4.5 ton diesel truck to tow it,
End of rant.
Joda...
Dickodownunder said
09:10 AM May 19, 2018
People will choose a van based on their personal requirements.
One can overload a small van and tow vehicle exactly the same as one can overload a large van and tow vehicle.
The problem is that consumers are lead to believe that the vehicle they bought in good faith is capable of doing something that it leagally cant. They rely on what the salesman said or failed to read the fine print on what the vehicle can and cant do legally. One only has to read the post by Rocky Lizard this morning providing a link for the towing capabilities of a Nissan Y62 to see how easy it is for a consumer to come unstuck.
Go to any area where there is a collection of caravans and tow vehicles and walk around and asked them have they EVER weighed their combinations. Size does not matter as the majority of vanners are either too lazy to weigh their combinations or really and truly believe that they are legal because the tow vehicle has a towing capacity as advertised.
Joda above got it right, if you are towing a large van then analyse your legal requirements and buy a larger vehicle if required. This analysis can only be done on a weighbridge and by considering ALL aspects of the tow vehicles legal capabilities.
Edit; added link
-- Edited by Dickodownunder on Saturday 19th of May 2018 09:14:23 AM
I'm doing the exercise now in preparation for a Warrnambool winter - returning via SW & western Qld in August - what portable solar panels do I leave behind?
People will choose a van based on their personal requirements.
One can overload a small van and tow vehicle exactly the same as one can overload a large van and tow vehicle.
The problem is that consumers are lead to believe that the vehicle they bought in good faith is capable of doing something that it leagally cant. They rely on what the salesman said or failed to read the fine print on what the vehicle can and cant do legally.
One only has to read the post by Rocky Lizard this morning providing a link for the towing capabilities of a Nissan Y62 to see how easy it is for a consumer to come unstuck.
http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t64646056/tow-test-nissan-y62-patrol-2018/
Go to any area where there is a collection of caravans and tow vehicles and walk around and asked them have they EVER weighed their combinations.
Size does not matter as the majority of vanners are either too lazy to weigh their combinations or really and truly believe that they are legal because the tow vehicle has a towing capacity as advertised.
Joda above got it right, if you are towing a large van then analyse your legal requirements and buy a larger vehicle if required.
This analysis can only be done on a weighbridge and by considering ALL aspects of the tow vehicles legal capabilities.
Edit; added link
-- Edited by Dickodownunder on Saturday 19th of May 2018 09:14:23 AM