Best friend is looking to buy a hybrid camper/van. One of those that is like a little caravan, but with external pull out kitchen. Given her budget, is looking at a 13foot model from Fantasy - tare weight 1800, ATM 2750, ball weight 210. This one seems to have reasonable storage and comes with an impressive array of "stuff" like solar panels. But reviews googled seem to indicate poor follow up service, and maybe an issue with the suspension? An 11 foot Star Vision product has figures of tare weight 1600, ATM 2200, ball weight 110. It seems to have quite a bit less storage capacity.
To me, the ball weight on the second one seems far too low - does it indicate poor weight distribution of the build?
Can anyone comment on that issue for this type of product?
Also, anyone have exeprience with either of these companies?
Best friend is looking to buy a hybrid camper/van. One of those that is like a little caravan, but with external pull out kitchen. Given her budget, is looking at a 13foot model from Fantasy - tare weight 1800, ATM 2750, ball weight 210. This one seems to have reasonable storage and comes with an impressive array of "stuff" like solar panels. But reviews googled seem to indicate poor follow up service, and maybe an issue with the suspension? An 11 foot Star Vision product has figures of tare weight 1600, ATM 2200, ball weight 110. It seems to have quite a bit less storage capacity.
To me, the ball weight on the second one seems far too low - does it indicate poor weight distribution of the build?
Can anyone comment on that issue for this type of product?
Also, anyone have exeprience with either of these companies?
Hi Wendy. Whilst I have no experience with these vans, I thought I'd let you know that ball weight listed is what it was when the van left the factory, either weighed or calculated, and means absolutely nothing. It is generally accepted that ball weight should be around 10% of the total weight of the loaded caravan, but this figure is not quite so important with the shortish caravans being considered here. The larger model you've mentioned has huge carrying capacity of 950kg (2750-1800kg) while the other also has relatively huge carrying capacity at 600kg. Just a note of cautiion though . 11 foot does seem really small, but as I've said, I have had little experience with smaller vans. When loading the van it is best to keep as much weight as possible near the middle of the body, over the axles, and that water tank position will have a big effect on ball weight. Anyway, my point is that listed ball weight means nothing. Good luck to your friend! Cheers
Best friend is looking to buy a hybrid camper/van. One of those that is like a little caravan, but with external pull out kitchen. Given her budget, is looking at a 13foot model from Fantasy - tare weight 1800, ATM 2750, ball weight 210. This one seems to have reasonable storage and comes with an impressive array of "stuff" like solar panels. But reviews googled seem to indicate poor follow up service, and maybe an issue with the suspension? An 11 foot Star Vision product has figures of tare weight 1600, ATM 2200, ball weight 110. It seems to have quite a bit less storage capacity.
To me, the ball weight on the second one seems far too low - does it indicate poor weight distribution of the build?
Can anyone comment on that issue for this type of product?
Also, anyone have exeprience with either of these companies?
Hi Wendy. Whilst I have no experience with these vans, I thought I'd let you know that ball weight listed is what it was when the van left the factory, either weighed or calculated, and means absolutely nothing. It is generally accepted that ball weight should be around 10% of the total weight of the loaded caravan, but this figure is not quite so important with the shortish caravans being considered here. The larger model you've mentioned has huge carrying capacity of 950kg (2750-1800kg) while the other also has relatively huge carrying capacity at 600kg. Just a note of cautiion though . 11 foot does seem really small, but as I've said, I have had little experience with smaller vans. When loading the van it is best to keep as much weight as possible near the middle of the body, over the axles, and that water tank position will have a big effect on ball weight. Anyway, my point is that listed ball weight means nothing. Good luck to your friend! Cheers
