I mentioned at time we bought our new Berlingo that Mrs B and I were thinking of moving from canvas to caravan for holidays etc. We’ve got a towbar fitted and have a towing course booked for the weekend.
Now at point where we have questions about vans, weights, practical stuff etc.
Pat helpfully pointed out that Berlingo’s towing limit of 1300kg MTPLM was quite restrictive – indeed, it's well under the ‘85% rule'. We understand that but it’s a car that suits us in every other way and we don’t want something bigger, costlier and less flexible in other roles just because we tow for a bit of the year. There are actually a few models getting 6-7 berths in at 1300kg MTPLM
Although it will usually just be two of use we want a 4 berth with side rear dinette for extra space and in case ‘kids’ tag along albeit they’ll sleep under awning or in pup tents. The dinette is needed as (a) I tend to read, mess about on net or play with SW radio long after Mrs B retires for night and (b) space for breakfast without clearing bed is an advantage if we’re not dining en plein air or using an awning.
Fashion is for such vans, in fact nearly all vans, to have a massive transverse (full width) rear washroom, almost as big asour home en-suite. We don’t want that, as campers using the site shower etc facilities is second nature. Other than peeing in the night and washing on the odd occasion at sites like Setthorns in the New Forest without bogs etc we won’t use it and prefer the space in the living area.
We’ve identified the Adria Shannon (or its Sportline derivative) and the Elddis Explore 304 as possibles with a preference for the Adria. Possibly new as neither is particularly easy to find second-hand at sensible prices. As we're experienced campers I discount the possibility of not liking camp life at all and only risk is we cannot take to towing.
Any comments on those vans?
Weight wise the Adria’s MTPLM of 1100kg looks about right . Gives us an adequate 200kg+ of payload, though less if we go for local supplier Venture’s Sportline version as extras eat into MIRO/MTPLM gap.
One concern is we’re bumping against car’s Gross Train Weight limit which is its max laden weight plus 1000kg. In other words I need to shed 100kg from a fully laden car to keep within GTW if van is fully loaded. Not a problem if it’s just two of us but maybe if kids tag along.
Am I right in thinking GTW is actual car laden + actual caravan laden? In that case I can cut my cloth, if caravan is assumed to be at MTPLM I’ve got less to play with.
Last edited by: Bromptonaut on Wed 7 May 14 at 21:57
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