Towing a caravan with VW Campervan

Normanw44

I have a small caravan (1200kg MTPLM) and am considering a VW Campervan as a tow vehicle.

Can anyone please give me some guidance, or offer experience of having done so?

Thanks.

eribaMotters

Do you mean one of the new electric campervans, or the old school camper. I've seen both pulling Eriba caravans and a T@b 400. I'd have a look on the specialist vehicle forums. You could start here:-

Volkswagen ID. Buzz | Facebook

Colin

DavidKlyne

My next door neighbour tows a quite large caravan with his T5 campervan. he also tows his caravan with a pick up truck, not sure how he decides which one to use?

David

Normanw44

Thanks for comments so far, I'm thinking a VW T6.1 or California. Maybe 150 bhp version?

eribaMotters

You should be fine. Have a look here and enter the VW and caravan details.

TowCarCalculator

Colin

Tinwheeler

Quite a few people tow their caravans with Transporters, either in the van format or converted to campers.

Rowena

I've just had a chat with our Technical Manager at the Club and towing a small caravan should be fine (feel free to contact our technical support team when you know what VW campervan you will be potentially towing with) but it's worth noting that you wouldn't be able to have gas in both outfits on a single pitch on our Club campsites because of fire safety regulations so please bear this in mind.

eribaMotters

Rowena,

is "you wouldn't be able to have gas in both outfits on a single pitch on our Club campsites because of fire safety regulations " a commonly known fact.

I would have expected the fire risk from a gas cylinder in a vehicle to be comparable to that of the vehicles fuel tank. Surely it would also be no different to the use of a gas bottle powered BBQ or hob on your pitch.

Colin

Tinwheeler

It’s a fact known by me. I can’t say how common I am. 😀

DSB

https://clubtogether.caravanclub.co.uk/discussion/comment/885279#Comment_885279

🤣🤣🤣

David

nelliethehooker

https://clubtogether.caravanclub.co.uk/discussion/comment/885279#Comment_885279

You're one of a kind , aren't you?😉 😁😁

Normanw44

Thanks all. I was hoping someone with experience of towing with the 110bhp engine would provide some feedback. Please.

eribaMotters

I have towed Eriba's at 900kg, 1000kg, 1200kg and1300kg with a VW Touran and Skoda Yeti. Both had the same 110bhp 250N/m torque 2L diesel.They towed fine, including the south of France, but progress was leisurely.

Colin

eurortraveller

Normanw44, with the Club’s rule on not allowing the use of gas in both the campervan and the caravan I think you will find few people here on Club Together who tow with a VW Camper. The restriction is less strict on other campsites and Aires.
As far as the choice of vehicle goes the replies on the specialist VW Camper forums indicate that the 150 bhp engine is preferred by those who tow a caravan with a VW Camper.

MikeyB

I'm not sure if the OP intends to use the gas in the Campervan when on site. If he has no intention of doing so, then surely having a bottle in the campervan is no different than me carrying a spare bottle in the car.

eribaMotters

I know carrying a spare bottle in the car is not a good idea. What I'd like to know exactly why is:-

"you wouldn't be able to have gas in both outfits on a single pitch on our Club campsites because of fire safety regulations "

Colin

Tinwheeler

Have you asked CAMC? I know it’s been discussed in depth before but I can’t remember the reasons.

eribaMotters

I was hoping Rowena as admin would pick up on it as she posted the comment. It is not something that will effect me, but I would like to know the exact reasoning and I'm sure those effected will need to know the reasoning.

Colin

Tinwheeler

Tag her and she might. It’s more positive than hoping👍🏻

@Rowena