First Caravan

Loz · Newbie

First Caravan

dave06 · Guru

gday Laurie and welcome to the forum, mate I am not a towing person but may I suggest just having a look in your owners manual and finding out a few things first, I.E. maximum tow weight allowable, ball weight etc, this will give you a "size" that you are legally allowed to tow, but at a VERY rough guess I would say you would be limited in your capacity to possibly under 15 feet, even if the van has not got three beds you can add an annexe, the portable cots are pretty good these days

once you know the size that you are allowed then you can have a nose in ebay and local papers, and caravan places, but please get the info on the tow limits of your vehicle first

perhaps if you "google" the suburu you will get some info on her, but do this before you buy the van of your dreams or it will quickly become a nightmare

Loz · Newbie

Thank Dave,
My Subaru book says MPW 1910 kg and MPAW 1100 kg. I have found a 1974 Viscount which appears to be in excellent condition. Its registered weight is 850 kg.
what are your thoughts on a 1974 model. 34 years old is pretty old but it doesnt leak and it is in good nick with plenty of equipment. They are asking about $5000.
What are your thoughts

dave06 · Guru

the viscounts were, and still are a good solid van, as long as she "presents" right and everything has been looked after and in "reasonable" condition for her age then I cant see a problem

if I was you I would do a bit more research on ebay and private papers, it is a buyers market at the moment with the credit crunch, everybody is hanging on to their money, I'm not saying dont buy the viscount, all I'm saying is have a real good look around, you may be surprised, an asking price of say $7,500 may be brought down to $5,000 cash in this time period, just have squizz at whats available in your weight and requirement range

twobob · Guru

Laurie, Sir Dave is on the money, know your weights

I do not recognise the weight measurments you list, but assume it is saying your TOTAL all up weight is 1910kg car and van, and your max towing weight is 1100kg (thus your car weighs in at 1910 - 1100 = 810kg)

The van is registered at 850kg, but this is normally unpacked but should be wet (includes water in tanks). Therefore you can pack it with 250kg of goods - clothes and food.

At that you will be at max

If your car is an automatic, you may need to seriously consider making sure it has a transmission cooler fitted.

For a first, I would go for the least weight. Also if you find a van you like, connect it and see how it sits on the towball. Check the brakes on the van work as you will need them to be good. A drive around the block with it may give you an idea.

Lastly, as Dave says, ask them if they will take an offer, and discuss the price, it is a buyers market, and an old van can be got at a reasonable price