Have just posted on the introduction page. Have just purchased a New Age Manta Ray 16ft. This was the van we wanted for the two of us at our budget. It has a tare 0f 1800 and GVM 2100 and I will tow with a Holden Caprice V6 ( tow max 2100 ) . After research I am confident that this car will tow the van until such time as we decide we need to upgrade to a 4WD.
For our comfort can I ask your opinions if I am doing the correct thing by keeping this car to tow this size of van. Will she be up to the job without problems ? Towing on roads only. Any feedback / comments appreciated. As I say once we are confident towing and decide we want to go further afield with experience and take drives over more rugged terrain we will upgrade to a more suitable tug. Thanks again for reading
I think the van is too close to the cars maximum. However, it would be legal, and should handle it, albeit at the top of its capabilities.
My main worry would be the van. I know what the VIN plate says, but I would be getting it weighed at a weighbridge to check that the weights are correct. If not, then you have a problem if the tare has been understated, as if the van does have an en-suite, it will be difficult enough staying under the plated ATM with water in the tanks, without finding out that the weights are inaccurate (below actual when weighed) and you can't carry the full 300 kg load. If the weights are not correct, I would be contacting the manufacturer to get the plate changed to the weights you find, so that your load is not reduced, and buy the 4wd immediately to cope with it.
Good luck with it anyway.
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Regards Ian
Chaos, mayhem, confusion. Good my job here is done!
Hey Barry, yes I agree you are right up there with your max weight, but the car can do it, it will be a lot of hard work for your car, in other words, she will be working hard, hence your fuel bill will always be at the max, most likely around the 23 ltrs per 100 klms, Its all up to you buddy, take it easy but do check your weight, if something does happen, your insurance company is always looking for a way out. Have fun mate
I was aware that the car / van combo was close to ( although legal ) the limits of the car and I have been worried/concerned about this. Safety no one priority !! I have this weekend traded the car and purchased a NEW 2015 Mitsubishi Challenger turbo diesel
Tare 2000 / GVM 2700 ( payload 700 ) Max Tow ( claimed ) 3000 kgs GCM 5650 Kgs Van ATM 1800 / Gross 2100
Wanted a more suitable vehicle so the wife can drive it ( she cant climb into a full size 4WD even with step boards at 5.1 !! ) and this SUV is more 'family' friendly with a massive amount of cargo room and decent off road capabilities. On run out and we both liked the feel of it and am now confident and happy that I will be towing my single axle 16ft New Age with plenty in reserve. Thanks for your advice guys and please reply if you have any doubts about this combo but am sure it will do the job now
We towed our home made caravan around Australia with our 06 Fairline V8 ,van weighed about 900kgs,If we were careful we could get down to 10.5 L/100, average was about 14.
Lawrie
