My First Ever Caravan Towing Holiday

[TONUP]

Well after buying a caravan last October (1400kg Single Axle Bailey) and the Terrano in a month before to tow it I can honestly say I don't have any regrets. I loved my Peugeot 406 and tent, but there is no comparison in the levels of comfort offered, Just getting back from a long weekend in Somerset, which was only a 75 mile journey from my home I thought I would share a few observations... just for fun!!

* The thought of towing a caravan is a lot more worrying than actually doing it. The caravan didn't wave about like a puppy dogs tail and it will fit on normal A Roads without any problems.

* The Terrano 2 went like a dream. Cruising a 60mph was no problem and changing down from fifth for motorway hills was largely avoided. Obviously fuel consumtion was changed. I reckon I got something in the low 20's I.e from full to just above three quarters for the 75 mile journey.

* Electric Hook Ups are essential in the winter and I think probably in the summer.

* You'd be amazed how much water two of us and three dogs got through. I filled the 40 litre aquaroll at least twice a day. Same for the empting the Wastemaster thingy. I still don't know if I'd pay the extra for a premium pitch though.

* Awnings are hard to put up ... hopefully the first time only

[zippy656]

we had an 806 with our caravan, ( a bailey 1241kg ) but it needed a LOT of cash spent on it. so just before a holiday I decided wed change it. pick up our T2 on a wednesday evening, went a way to Kent on the thursday.

2200miles i didnt feel any wobble or notice it was there rely, unlike the 806 that needed to be worked. the T2 didnt seam any different, but id ont had a 15 min test drive befor hand.

so tonup, can i put you down for the wiltshire rally then! as we need a awning for extreme to sleep in, i dont have one..


but as a tugging car its better than most. but as my caravan is 22' and only 1241kg is not noticeable at all.


Zippy

[BigBlack]

Ive towed my caravan with several cars (a Coachman, 1300kg)

Terrano 2.7TDi - like a dream, never noticed van on the back!!!
Zafira TDCi 150bhp - no worrys with boot fully loaded, but noticable when passing wagons.... and absolutly cr*p on wet grass!!!! :doh but does do 37mpg with 'van on!!!
Ford C-Max 2.0TDCi 120bhp - SCARY!!!! front end felt really light nd twitchy, and seemed to wave over every bump!!!!

I now use the Terrano for winter/wet touring... and the Zafira for summer! :cool:

Couple of responses to your comments:

Electric Hook Ups - essential if away for more then a weekend (for us anyway)... although you can go to some fantastic CL's if you dont want hook ups (or telly!!!)
80 Litres of water A DAY??? :eek: are you sure your drain bungs are tightend properly??????
Awnings - get easier with time and practice! I can almost put up our full awning just using the missus to hold the middle pole... porch awning done ny myself - wether I need help or not!!!!

Another essential for your caravan is a tow rope.... never under estimate the plesure of towing motorhomes of wet/muddy fields!!!! :lol :lol :lol