All this talk of payloads...

NevChap
NevChap Forum Participant Posts: 180
100 Comments
edited September 2017 in Caravans #1

All this discussion about payloads both for caravans and motorhomes has highlighted the need to be vigilant when loading the 'van or M/H. I think I'm pretty careful and as there are only ever two of us the problem isn't as acute as for a family but heavy items (including heavy food like tins etc) go in the car.

However, the topic reminds me of a situation I saw this year in France. A British double axled  caravan arrived at the site we were on towed by a modest looking people carrier. Out of the vehicle got two adults and 4 children ranging in ages 6-15 at a guess. Then the caravan opened and they started to unpack. First a full size (about 5 feet high) domestic fridge/freezer came out. Then next out was a bike, then another bike, then another bike...six bikes in all appeared from inside the caravan. Last out was the full awning which they needed to store all their 'extra items'.  The mind boggles to think how much extra weight they must have been carrying!

Comments

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2017 #2

    That's a surprise, I always thought that caravanners filled their cars to the gunnels and left the caravan empty.

    Do you really carry food in your car?surprisedsealed

  • Heethers
    Heethers Forum Participant Posts: 641
    500 Comments
    edited September 2017 #3

    You think that's bad, 50 years ago  father in law brought 4 calves back from market in an old caravan, nobody seemed to bother in those day

  • NevChap
    NevChap Forum Participant Posts: 180
    100 Comments
    edited September 2017 #4

    Yes EJB, we have a box of heavy food items, a tin of tomatoes, jar of curry paste, marmalade, marmite etc that is heavy which goes in the car not the 'van.

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2017 #5

    When going away we empty our dry food larder into a box that is carried in the car as we never know when we will be home, and do not want food to be past use dates surprised

  • EJB986
    EJB986 Forum Participant Posts: 1,153
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2017 #6

    All our caravans had cupboards and drawers!?surprisedsealed

    We did go away regularly but used to empty out once a year....nowadays with a MH it's every month so it is 'half stocked' all the time.

    At least we were never troubled by that modern invention 'Use by Dates'.....as I am under  orders I have to abide by them these dayssmile

  • Merve
    Merve Forum Participant Posts: 2,333
    1000 Comments
    edited September 2017 #7

    As I have a cavernous Toyota Surf, all my heavy gear goes in the car. Awnings, canopy etc And a load of other stuff. As I have my Panel, extra battery, mover etc I feel that the car is the place to put everything else.  It works just fine and keeps the caravan well under maximum. 

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