Novice towers

Greygit
Greygit Forum Participant Posts: 167
edited April 2016 in Towcars & Towing #1

 After years of driving motorhomes we are going to change to a caravan and we quite like the Coachman 2012 Pastiche 520 but in the car match table with our Ford Galaxy it comes up as;

"  Kerb weight: 86% The caravan's laden weight is close to the car's kerb weight, increasing the risk of stability concerns. This outfit should not be driven by novice towers, and does not meet Club guidelines. Note that a small increase
in ratio (to perhaps 90%) is acceptable if all other criteria are passed".

As we will be novice towers we are a little concerned about the table result can the more experienced of you give us your opinions on the result?  Should we, perhaps, look for a lighter caravan?

I should say all the other sections of the report had green ticks next to them.

 

Thanks

GG

Comments

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
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    edited April 2016 #2

    Bear in mind that the 85% 'rule' is only a guidline and in any event, you're 1% over. A Galaxy is  big vehicle .... with a little common sense you'll ve absolutely fine. Just take your time. Cool

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2016 #3

    Gregit, you should not have any problems, 86% is a very satisfactory match.  Just take it steady until you get some miles under your wheels and you will be fine.

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2016 #4

    Greygit, you should not have any problems, 86% is a very satisfactory match.  Just take it steady until you get some miles under your wheels and you will be fine.

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2016 #5

    Woops - double post sorry.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited April 2016 #6

    The lightest Galaxy comes out at 91% of mtplm of the Coachman which is doable with care. Heavier model Galaxy's are in the high 80's percentagewise. Provided you take care not to get into tail-wagging situations - high speeds on motorways/strong blustery
    crosswinds, you should be OK. Given the volume of Galaxy's, I would recommend putting as much heavy kit in that rather than the caravan and run that below its MTPLM if possible.

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
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    edited April 2016 #7

    As well as the obvious speed concerns and tail wagging it is quite easy to upset smooth driving with heavy handed steering.  I once toured with a gentleman who kept getting a wag on and eventually realised his knuckles were white all the time and jerking
    the steering wheel.  Making him relax and not oversteer made for a much more comfortable ride.  Not to mention safer!

  • DSB
    DSB Club Member Posts: 5,675 ✭✭✭
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    edited April 2016 #8

    At the figures you quote GG, I think you'll be fine.  The 85% is a guide, and 86% is only 1% higher.  As someone new to towing, caution should be a keyword anyway - just be 1% more cautious.  Perhaps that might help put things into perspective??

    David 

  • Greygit
    Greygit Forum Participant Posts: 167
    edited April 2016 #9

    Thanks for all the feedback folks but it's all sorted itself out as my "better half" really wanted a swift challenger 530 SE,  so she rang a local caravan dealer who had one in stock and between us we have negotiated quite a good deal.

    For me the plus side was 7 years left on the damp warranty and the solar panel, alarm and tracking system....I'm very easily pleased...and of course the swifts are also lot lighter so no problem with the weight ratio.

    I would also like to particularly thank the posters who mentioned the way of driving when towing as that is the kind of information novices like us will need.

     

    Thanks again.

    GG

  • black caviar
    black caviar Forum Participant Posts: 242
    edited April 2016 #10

    Hello greygit my better half has just done the cc towing course the practical and the manouvering course and enjoyed it very much its given him more confidence and knowledge (just in case you fancy it , its a big thumbs up from mr bc ) 

  • Greygit
    Greygit Forum Participant Posts: 167
    edited April 2016 #11

    Hello greygit my better half has just done the cc towing course the practical and the manouvering course and enjoyed it very much its given him more confidence and knowledge (just in case you fancy it , its a big thumbs up from mr bc ) 

    Yes, I will be doing the course.

  • flatcoat
    flatcoat Forum Participant Posts: 1,571
    1000 Comments
    edited April 2016 #12

    The 85% is a guideline and no more. A caravan outfit badly loaded, with incorrect noseweight and towed like a moron with an 85% match is far less safe than one loaded correctly, towed safely at a 99% match. Sur le continent they simply tow within the law.
    And can anyone seriously tell the difference between 85 and 86%? I did the one day course yesterday at York and learned a lot of useful tips and tricks, highly recommend you consider the beginners course. 

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,582 ✭✭✭✭
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    edited April 2016 #13

    Frankly the difference between 85 and 86% is minimal and I doubt it will make any difference. Take it easy at first and see if it tows well, but I doubt you will have any problem.

  • martindf3
    martindf3 Forum Participant Posts: 65
    edited April 2016 #14

    I dont think anyone has mentioned this but make sure you load nose weight up to maximum pemissable ignore any guidelines . It actually states that in VW Tiguan hand book for towing any kind of trailer .

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