My First Ever Caravan Towing Holiday

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TONUP

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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
 
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
 
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
 

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