Towing with a Campervan

Lawrencep
Lawrencep Forum Participant Posts: 1
edited August 2017 in Caravan & Motorhome Chat #1

We presently have a Unicorn S3 twin-axle and tow comfortably with a Hyundai Terracan (with tuning box) but I am looking at the possibility of towing with a campervan.  I used to own one many years ago and used it for general driving around as well as holidays but nowadays, a campervan alone will not meet our holiday requirements.  We like especially to go for day-outings and could make good use of the facilities of a campervan.  It would also suit us very well if we were able to use our caravan as a base and to be able to go off for a few days with a campervan and then return to base.  So many extra possible permutations would open up.

Question is: is there a campervan out there that would do the job?  I'm thinking I'd need a punchy engine, ideally giving around 200bhp (or whatever they call it nowadays) but opinions would be much appreciated.  I believe there are VW based campers that fit that profile, even having FWD as an option, although lots of money.  Another factor to consider is in buying a campervan, it would almost certainly mean a diesel engine but where are we going to be in the next two or three years with those?  Don't want to spend a sizeable amount on a campervan only to find the value fall off because of new anti-diesel legislation..  Re. the latter point, van converter firms must be tearing their hair out with worry!

Comments

  • rovinmad
    rovinmad Forum Participant Posts: 102
    First Comment
    edited August 2017 #2

    I have often thought that this is the perfect outfit.  The only stumbling block that I can think of would be to be careful of the gross train weight.  I would think that a converter would use the lowest spec of van that they could in terms of weight carrying so it might be best to start with the right van and get it converted.  I do not know the numbers but I would hazard a guess that a 4x4 long wheel base Transit or VW if there is one available would fit the bill perfectly.  I have seen numerous Mercedes and Renaults/Vauxhalls vans towing big caravans. 

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2017 #3

    White van (travellers in particular) man tow enormous caravans with their vehicles. Whether they comply with MTW as rovinmad suggests is probably debatable.

    Power peaks at about 160ish BHP with the 3Ltr engines but 2Ltrs with 130BHP is more than adequate.

    Panel van conversions are normally just under the 3,500Kg limit.