Towing with SWB

[Kato]

Not sure if this should be on here or on Caravans, Tents and Trailers & Towing.

Just wondering if anyone tows a caravan with there SWB.
We have a 24ft single axle with a 1400kg (MTPLM for those who know what i'm on about)

Was considering taking the SWB and caravan to Driffield show but have not tried them both together.

[Rich_P]

It should be able to pull it (it certainly is legal to do it), but there is a problem!

Caravan A-Frames are not made out of brilliant materials and flex easily.  The suspension on the Series can fracture the A-frame on a modernish Caravan (1990 onwards I think).

[Kato]

I do not like the sound of that. Service and repair cost for the caravan are bad enough.

[dave_2A_2.25Turbo]

depends how hard the suspension is.  With paras it should be fine

[electricbluebadger]

Used to tow a 17ft tabbert (very big n heavy van) approx 1300kg unloaded with my old series 3 and with our lightweight, never fast but used to get all over the place slow n steady (50ish).

Unless you are really severe with your gear changes and braking the van will be fine, i remember one company (but not sure who) did a spring cushioned tow plate but never needed one and never damaged the van.

Go ahead n do it, just take your time

Cheers Steve

[Rich_P]

I think it is possible to purchase a damper that prevents this excessive strain occurring on the A-frame.

EDIT:  For reference, the Caravan Club magazine covered this a while back I've been informed.

[Kato]

Thanks for the advice folks.
Will have a look through CC magazines (bound to have binned the one i want)

[Paul Woodward]

I've towed our caravan with my 88 (MTPLM 1300kg). It wasn't a very pleasurable experience but we got there in the end. The van tends to push the Landrover around quite a bit, I guess due to the relatively short wheelbase? The 235/85 BFG muds probably weren't helping much either.

[muddyjames]

The damper thing your on about is by dixon bate and called a shock link. They are about £380 new but I just got 1 off flea bay for £200.

With a single axle you should be ok and the caravan pivots on the 1 axle easier than 2 axles.

My dad had a series 3 diesel and towed a 17ft 1200kg to the south of france and back TWICE. It was a 1000mile trip and boy did we know it once we had done it! No overdrive either.

We (me n my bro) used to sleep in the landy (bro in boot me on foot well using seat base as pilow) and my dad used to drive through the night. I am sure that is why I am slightly deaf now!!! Those were the days :lol: