I was on the Toowoomba - Brisbane road last week and saw one being towed by a two series BMW which would not be a lot different from a Corolla in size.
Seen many a motorbike towing a small van - camper trailer or teardrop. Rule is with a motorbike the fully laden trailer must be lighter that the bike plus rider. I've been camping with people who turn up at pulling the van with either a bike or a car. Google "motorcycle teardrop" or "motorcycle camper". These vans are used a lot behind small cars - even old FJ Holdens. And you may not have to register it.
-- Edited by Spydermann on Thursday 3rd of September 2015 11:02:24 AM
Just keep in mind Twodogs that they are not all the same, teardrops I mean. One I looked at at Mansfield was made in Adelaide and it weighed a TON. Also, think of the awkwardness when getting in and out of that tiny door on the side. It was more than I wanted to ever do again after that first time. I ended up with a Dingo camper - just a tent on a six by four trailer, only takes fifteen minutes to set up and was $4000 including registration and annexe. I am happy with it and it tows very well behind my x trail, you don't even know it is there. Hope you find something that suits you. ...Val
A friend has one he built himself and tows with a Hyundai Getz, he did tell me the towing limits at one stage but they were well within the limit range etc;
PS: He was an experienced retired engineer who knew his weights and measures etc.
Just another thing to consider if you are looking at either of the two 'popular' mainstream teardrops - Avan Weekender or Jayco J-Pod
The Avan weekender (in Adventure pack format) has an ATM of 925kg and ball weight of 70kg and has electric brakes.
The Jayco J-Pod has an ATM of 749kg BUT does NOT have brakes (not even as an option).
Your Corolla with a braked ATM of 1300 is OK, BUT its unbraked rating is only 450kg, so is NOT able to tow the J-POd.
I have a Kia Cerato - braked 1200ATM, unbraked 450ATM and 75 ball weight (so, not unlike a Corolla) - I have no trouble towing an electric braked Avan Aliner 1100ATM and 71 (measured) ball weight - I'd have the Aliner any day over a teardrop. If an Aliner is too big for you, the Avan Sportliner sits about midway between an Aliner and a teardrop in size.
Regards, Brian
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Wondering about ShortNorth ? - Short North is the railwayman's nickname for the NSWGR main line between Sydney and Newcastle
As an owner of a tear I can tell you that most tears including home made are not much heavier than about 750kgs. Like all vans it depends on how much gear you carry. have towed mine with a old (81) Mercedes 3L diesel not known for their towing ability and also towed it with a Hyundai Excel 1.3L. All up with battery 20L water and food, clothing etc. it weighs 650kgs. I would say since we have had the tear the 15.6' Millard is looking for a new home soon. Fantastic for holidays and with a small solar panel we don't have a problem as its 12v only so unpowered sites suit us to the ground and the economy is fantastic without 1-3 tonne brick behind us. Go for it your Corolla will handle it with ease and you will wonder why you didn't do this years ago.
Ours is 10'x4' plus draw bar and sleeping area is 6'6"x4' with kitchen at rear and we find it very comfortable
Pete (slight perceived bias)
-- Edited by Pete49 on Friday 4th of September 2015 12:41:12 AM
Thanks more food for thought. Will have to get out and look at all suggested options.
Only been away once and so hard to find somewhere to stay with my dogs.
Looking forward to some travelling again will start checking them out.
