Towing a caravan with an Automatic Honda CRV

Dexta
Dexta Forum Participant Posts: 18
edited January 2022 in Towcars & Towing #1

Hi. I use an Automatic Mk2 Honda CRV Petrol for towing a Caravan with weights of MIRO.875k & MTPL 1100k. This is a satisfactory combination, but I now have a desire for a fixed bed Caravan. The one that is tempting me is a 2010 Bailey Ranger GT60 460 4. This is advertised as lightweight at MIRO 1055k & MTLP 1252 This does not include the weight of a Mover which I would estimate at 25 to 30 kilos. Does anyone have experience of towing a larger caravan with this Honda. I met a couple last season on a site with a Manual Diesel Mk2 CRV and a very long Pegasus. They seemed to imply that they had no problems with that combination, but it made me feel that I should seek more advice. So if anyone can help it would be much appreciated. Many thanks. 

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2022 #2

    In simple terms, the plated all up weight (MTPLM) of the caravan is the max it can weigh. Subtract the MIRO from that and the difference is the weight you are allowed to add whether it be for tins of beans, motor mover or socks.

    I can’t help with the CRV but it’s best to aim for a match of the caravan's MTPLM being in the region of 85% of the car's kerb weight. You also need to consider the caravan's nose weight vs the max down weight stated for the car's towball. The max towing weight for the car, the Gross Train Weight and the van's MTPLM are the weights which must not be exceeded by law.

  • ADP1963
    ADP1963 Forum Participant Posts: 1,280
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    edited January 2022 #3

    If you know the Caravan you want and if it is possible, try a test run.

  • Dexta
    Dexta Forum Participant Posts: 18
    edited January 2022 #4

    All the weights and measures stuff is accepted. What I would like is to read are peoples experiences of using this particular Car/Caravan combination.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2022 #5

    My apology but I gleaned from your first post the thought that you were not completely au fait with weights. Your comment about the MTPLM not including the mover was a give away. My aim was to keep you safe and legal.

  • Dexta
    Dexta Forum Participant Posts: 18
    edited January 2022 #6

    Thank you very much. ( Long retired tractor and agricultural mechanic )

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,134 ✭✭✭
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    edited January 2022 #7

    You’re very welcome.

  • TheBeast
    TheBeast Forum Participant Posts: 1
    edited January 2022 #8

    Good Evening I tried to tow a compass casita 2020  weight 1250 with a 2018 Honda CR-V it towed like a sack of potatoes, high Revving all the time going up hills and struggled to go into 7th gear with the exception of putting it into sports mode hence I bought a motorhome instead as love the car 

  • Dexta
    Dexta Forum Participant Posts: 18
    edited January 2022 #9

    Hi. I've towed large trailer loads of spuds behind large Tractors, but never a sack full behind my car! My vehicle is a 2006 Honda CRV which is a bit of a different animal to yours, but your experience is quite informative.

  • Storminnorm
    Storminnorm Forum Participant Posts: 5
    edited January 2022 #10

    We use our 2017 CRV AWD 1.6 diesel auto to tow our Swift Challenger which we had weight upgraded to 1500kg, which is also the cars max towing weight due to it being an auto gearbox.  It tows our caravan fine and has also had its fair share of towing in hilly terrain.

  • Dexta
    Dexta Forum Participant Posts: 18
    edited January 2022 #11

    Hi. Thank you all very much for your help. I have just now purchased a 2008 Swift Charisma with a fixed bed which is MIRO 1112kg and MPTL 1310kg. The CRV pulled it home 27 miles from the dealer with no problems. I now have to sadly part with a very nice 2 berth 1999 Swift Island Jura.

  • Mowog1342
    Mowog1342 Forum Participant Posts: 2
    edited February 2022 #12

    Hi, is your CR-V a petrol or a diesel, I ask because I am thinking of buying one. Thanks.

  • dwk789
    dwk789 Forum Participant Posts: 2
    edited January 2023 #13

     Hello,

    Noted your post on your 2017 CRV AWD 1.6 diesel auto.

    I'm trying to choose between one of these and a Ford Kuga 2.0 diesel, approx same year.

    Most of my research would suggest, without a caravan hitched, its similar for both cars. I know their are quite a few variables but I'd be grateful your experience on the mpg of the Honda. General driving/ comuting etc.

     

    Thank you,

     
  • Mowog1342
    Mowog1342 Forum Participant Posts: 2
    edited January 2023 #14

    Not the answer you are looking for as I have a manual 2016 160 hp and I get 48 to 52 mpg regularly not towing, I seem to recall about 38 mpg towing a 1385 MPTLM 2 berth single axle.

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