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Copyright Just4me.NL

Mick · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 11:15 am Post subject: New to Caravanning

Hi all

Have just purchased my first caravan, a Bessacarr Cameo 625, second hand 2006 model.

Tow car is a Kia Serento XT auto.

The spare wheel and carrier has been removed and the wheels have had Tyron bands inserted. Is this a way of reducing the weight of the van or should I be worried about not having a spare wheel.

roboughton · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 2:53 pm Post subject:

I would not go out without a spare, even if you carry it in the car to save weight in the CV. You will not be able to move your van if the tyre goes, not much fun at 8pm on a sunday when you are going home from a weekend away and cannot get a spare tyre.

Did the van not come from the dealers with a spare? i am sure all elddis have them mounted under the van these days.

Fidgitsmum · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 3:09 pm Post subject:

Hi Mick and welcome

Lesley

Mick · Posted: Tue Jul 03, 2007 5:37 pm Post subject:

Mick · Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 8:36 am Post subject:

Been back to the dealer at Highbridge to collect spare wheel.

I have had to store it in the gas locker as the fixing points for the ALCO carrier are blocked by the Reich mover.

roboughton · Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 9:27 am Post subject:

You can rest knowing that you are safe if you have a flat, as for storage you probably have better access in the gas locker to be honest.
you can buy another undercarry bracket and fit it out the way.

GJB · Posted: Fri Jul 27, 2007 10:58 am Post subject:

Hi Mick and welcome.
How do you find your Kia as a tow car?
Hope you enjoy the site
Gareth

Mick · Posted: Sat Aug 04, 2007 4:39 pm Post subject:

Hi Gareth
Not easy for me to comment as its my first time towing.
There seems to be plenty of power for hill climbing etc, fuel economy is about 20 ish when towing and 25 solo, I've been told this will improve as the engine runs in.
One little niggle I have found which may be common? is a slight rocking movement, especially on bad roads.
Mick

cfadmindave · Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2007 4:13 pm Post subject:

this rocking only occurs when towing right ?

I am not familiar with your unit, what's the weight ratios between the van and the car?

Mick · Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2007 7:15 am Post subject:

Yes only when towing, everything is fine when solo.
The weight ratio works out at 91%.

The nose weight is approx 95k, the book recommends 100k.
The car should take up to 140k.

The van is 8m twin axle.

Mick

Westcell · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 9:30 am Post subject:

Hi Mick

You shouldn't have rocking, but all said and done you are towing a heavy beast, your car is new to you and towing a caravan is new to you so it might simply be the normal twing characteristics which you are experiencing for the first time.

A few hints and tips.

Don't get too close to any vehicle at speed. For example a lorry or van in front of you .... drop back from within it's wake if you are going at similar speeds and are not intending to overtake.

If you are going to overtake make sure you take notice that when you are level and just pulling past a lorry or van you will get suction towards the vehicle. Gently ease and feel your way don't grab at the steering wheel and cause any king of exaggerated snaking motion. You will understand after you've eased past your first artic..

Clean stabiliser pads and shiny dry ball will help.(no grease or oil)
Don't put heavy items at the back or high up in the van (put them in the car if you can or on the floor above the axels in the caravan).

correct noseweight

and definately no sloshing water in any onboard tanks - these will cause a rocking pendulum effect no matter how well you load the van or avoid being too close to other vehicles.

Hope these things help... If you haven't already you may want to join one of the major clubs like caravan club or camping and caravanning club. There books which come free offer fantastic advice for inexperienced caravanners.
Good Luck

Phil

Mick · Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2007 2:26 pm Post subject:

Hi Phil

Thanks for the tips.
I think you may have solved my problem when you mentioned the rocking pendulum effect.

I have stowed the awning under the rear bed at the back of the van, at over 40 kilos it may be the cause of the rocking.

I will move it nearer the center of the van next time I go away.

Another problem arose whilst reading the manual, it states that the nose weight should be 100 kilos, but in another section it says that the nose weight should be 7% of the MTPLM which is 1895 kilos.
7% of 1895 works out to be 132 kilos ??

Mick

Westcell · Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2007 9:09 am Post subject:

Hi Mick

Your noseweight is also subject to the allowable amount of weight your vehicle can cope with on it's towhitch.

I am quite sure that 112kgs is the max usually allowable your type of setup should be more suitable with. However don't forget not to go over your 285kg user payload limit (according to PC magazine)

There is a fair bit of seemingly conflicting advise out their but the one point which I think you have now picked up on is the fact that heavy weights at the rear of the van in itsel will change the nose weight. So start by loading your van as discussed with your additional possessions trying not to use the rear of the van to change the nose weight.

Once all your stuff is loaded in sensible locations you can then adjust your nose weight by utilising your front locker or interior floor preferable forward or on the axle line.

Also make sure nothing is allowed to roll around like bicycles or large bottles or cans of drink. Too little a nose weight will also cause pitching and rolling.

Good luck

Phil