Looking to the future of the caravan
Comments
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Can't see how a folding van would be lighter. Two panels and a hinge will weigh more than a single one. Cut down on windage though.
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Can't see how a folding van would be lighter. Two panels and a hinge will weigh more than a single one. Cut down on windage though.
Write your comments here...Folding caravans are nearly as old as me..... i remember seeing one get blown apart in a Storm when staying at Durdle Door site in Dorset (i was in a frame tent, that stayed intact...only just.) There were bits of it all over the
site the following day. The Future ?....I dont think so.0 -
Can't see how a folding van would be lighter. Two panels and a hinge will weigh more than a single one. Cut down on windage though.
It does not need to be lighter re the mass ratio point of view as its centre of gravity is low, as is its side area pressure centre etc. Having had one they tow well and are more suited to lighter vehicles relative to a full hieght caravan.
But no the UK ones were not light, though the french ones were lighter than ours.
Whilst technically they are a contender for the short term future I doubt the box shape will ever be "cool" enough to carry it off.
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I agree you can use a bit higher caravan weight as the lower height and centre of gravity will certainly help with cross winds and overtaking vehicles. You do still have to remember if you do lose it then if the trailer is too heavy for the car there is
still the law of physics relating to the weights and the caravan can still take control and end in disaster.0 -
I agree you can use a bit higher caravan weight as the lower height and centre of gravity will certainly help with cross winds and overtaking vehicles. You do still have to remember if you do lose it then if the trailer is too heavy for the car there is still the law of physics relating to the weights and the caravan can still take control and end in disaster.
Yes, though it is not some magic line where one side is too heavy , the physics is not like that. If you "lose it" a surprising light trailer or for that matter no trailer at all, can still take control.
The newer lighter car, will be of modern technology with well managed suspension, and a little though given to the purchase choice could have one suited for the stability related issues of towing. Where I see the greater challenge is the whole drive and transmission will be optimised for the job in hand, being a car, not for hauling over twice its designed weight.
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Irrespective of issues concerning the sustainability of the mode of generation of eiectricity for vehicle propulsion there is no doubt that the motor industry is heading rapidly towards electric cars becoming the norm. Once battery technology can get a
real world range of about 300-400 miles and the cost down it becomes a no brainer. In the medium term demography is a greater threat to caravanning because as the generation of caravanners who passed their test before 1997 dies away the new generation won't
be able/willing to invest in upgrading their training and driving licence. The use of composite materials in the car/van may address this but batteries themselves are at present very heavy. Nonetheless the combination of a lighter car and a lighter van may
solve the licensing problem for some people.For me a lighter and more basic vehicle is attractive but for others awnings/barbecues/satellite TVs will still be must haves and it may not be possible to accomodate these on weight grounds.
It is difficult to see motorhomes completely replacing caravans because there are/will be many who want to transport and overnight a big family/friends and a big motorhome can't do that well in some scenarios. I think however the balance will enventually
shift to motorhomes being in the majority (as I believe is the case in mainland Europe) . Electrification and motorhomisation have profound implications for the fuel distribution industry and the leisure industry repectively especially from a real estate
perspective. I am certain the fuel industry is actively developing strategies for the change that will undoubtedly come. And the caravanning industry ? Well personally I am not holding my breath.0 -
the MH industry (led by the likes of the Hymer group are investing heavily in producing vans that are fully usable (even for families) on a 3500kg chassis.
these are the buyers if the future, not us old license group holders who dont need to worry about weight..
the younger family buyer is currently finding it difficult (with MH or caravan) to find something large enought for the brood (and to tow) yet light enough to meet weight restrictions.
so, light woods and composites are being used, one brand (Frankia) has even made a who,e range this year using a form of Balsa Wood for its interiors, with a significant weight saving.
now Frankia, is an upmarket brand, yet they are prepared to mention the 'B' word in their promo material as a benefit....
also, as Hymer demonstrates, two similar ranges but one slimmer than the other, a fair bit of weight can be saved without a loss in quality/image....
its happening, and its working in MH, but it is customers who will have to accept the changes....
similar changes to caravans might result in lighter tow cars being required....
small, light cvans are very popular throughout europe, but over here.....all bells and whistles and long......(read heavy...)
are caravanners as flexible to accept the change...?
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the MH industry (led by the likes of the Hymer group are investing heavily in producing vans that are fully usable (even for families) on a 3500kg chassis.
these are the buyers if the future, not us old license group holders who dont need to worry about weight..
the younger family buyer is currently finding it difficult (with MH or caravan) to find something large enought for the brood (and to tow) yet light enough to meet weight restrictions.
so, light woods and composites are being used, one brand (Frankia) has even made a who,e range this year using a form of Balsa Wood for its interiors, with a significant weight saving.
now Frankia, is an upmarket brand, yet they are prepared to mention the 'B' word in their promo material as a benefit....
also, as Hymer demonstrates, two similar ranges but one slimmer than the other, a fair bit of weight can be saved without a loss in quality/image....
its happening, and its working in MH, but it is customers who will have to accept the changes....
similar changes to caravans might result in lighter tow cars being required....
small, light cvans are very popular throughout europe, but over here.....all bells and whistles and long......(read heavy...)
are caravanners as flexible to accept the change...?
Write your comments here...in a word.....No.
There will be more overloading than there is now, and there is quite a bit now, 3500kg is not enough. Folk still want their bikes, scooters,sattelite systems, gas barbeques, windbreaks,recliner outside chairs etc., etc., we will need to buy farm tractors
to tow them, when capable cars are legislated out of existance !0 -
Far from leading to the death knell of caravans EVs could be the saviour. Electric motors are ideal for using in a towing application as they generate maximum torque immediately. As for cars getting lighter whilst that might be the case for conventional ICE vehicles it is most certainly not the case for EVs - battery packs are and will almost certainly remain heavy and whilst the energy density of batteries will increase it is likley that this will be applied to increasing range/capability rather than reducing the size/weight of battery in the vehicle. In the medium / longer term EVs will be far cheaper to run and that can only be a good thing when compared against an average towing mpg of say 28.
In 10 years time I am certain there will be a range of EVs that will be more than capable of towing a 1,500kg van for upwards of 300 - 400 miles and that will be rechargeable in less than 15 mins. The technology to do this is not far off now.
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I reckon as all us older farts that passed the driving test before 1997 pop our clogs or just stop caravaning manufacturers will have to devise new ways of getting lighter caravans for the lighter cars of the future. A five Berth 'van capable of being towed by a 900cc three cylinder car will take a bit of thinking about. Maybe high tech trailer tents or folding caravans will start to become a more usual sight?
I think it more likely the younger generation who will be required to take a towing test are more likely to turn to tent camping and motorhomes/campervans than caravans. No test required for a trailer tent or a van below 3.5 tons and if they ever raise the B licence to 4.25 tons it is even more likely.
peedee
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There is a reasonable choice of car and caravan under 3,500kg so there should be no problem in getting started. Presumably those who love the life will move on to the B+E but caravans will have to get lighter as tow cars do. It is noticable though that
the only major manufacturer who do not do motorhomes is Coachman so the rest are hedging their bets.0
