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[SteveAvfc.]

Today i helped a friend out by letting park his caravan on my drive way. All i know about the van is its a swift and its about 20ft+ long and is twin wheeled based .
He has said he is up for selling it and has given me first refusal, so now the question having never owned one should i or should i not go for it, what are the pros and cons.
I would like sensible answers please but guessing that wont be the case with some Oofers.   

[Andy B]

First of all is your car heavy enough to legally tow it? Also, if the kerb weight of the car & the max plated weight of the caravan (MTPMW?) is more than 3500kg & you passed your driving test after 1997(?) your licence isn't enough unless you take a 'towing test' B+E? 
Check for damp. Check for damp. 

[STMO123]

Today i helped a friend out by letting park his caravan on my drive way. All i know about the van is its a swift and its about 20ft+ long and is twin wheeled based .
He has said he is up for selling it and has given me first refusal, so now the question having never owned one should i or should i not go for it, what are the pros and cons.
I would like sensible answers please but guessing that wont be the case with some Oofers. 

Not.

[Seth]

Sounds like a Swift Conqueror, and if it's got grey window rubbers just forget it.

Am damn sure that it's not only illegal but unsafe to tow a twin-axle 'van with any Omega.
The caravan is heavier than the car - so you have a 'tail wagging the dog' situation.

To give you an example, (and in simple terms):


Our 'van's laden weight is actually 86% of the laden weight of the car.
Without perusing both handbooks for the actual figures, and is a well-balanced outfit.

 

[tidla]

Parked on you drive for a couple of days is one thing. Blocking out the light week after week will soon get on your wick.

Just book a Nice hotel when you need it.

Or

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiVhTvSwni0

[Turk]

Also, there's the ridicule and being regarded as a mobile leper to deal with.    

[Vamps]

We get away with it as our caravan is a 'Static' 

[Entwood]

From a weight point of view ... Things you NEED to know before you even start.

1. Vehicle Max Allowable Weight

2. Vehicle Max Allowable Train Weight

3. Caravan Maximum Permitted Total Laden Weight - MPTLW

Don't even think about actually weighing anything .. these are the published (or plated) maximum weights

From a LEGAL point of view .. it is ILLEGAL if the Vehicle +the trailer (van) exceed the Vehicle maximum allowable train weight

If the vehicle + the van weigh more then 3500 Kgs you need a B+E licence

From a SAFETY point of view it is DANGEROUS if the trailer (van) weighs more than the vehicle

All the numbers you need are on the car VIN plate and the 'van weight plate (usually by the door).

It is these PUBLISHED figures that the Police will use to decide if you are breaking.
the law in relation to your licence.

If you get stopped by VOSA they will be dealing with the actual weights involved and will either have portable weighing gear or take you to a weigh bridge before deciding if you are legal or not....

So, in summary, you could be towing an empty van with an empty car and be breaking the law if the plated maximum weights arean illegal combination, or your license is insufficient.

You can be driving a legal combination on plated weights and licence and still be breaking the law if the ACTUAL weights are greater than those plated weights - basically an overloaded setup.

Research before starting, and don't overload 

[Andy B]

....(

Am damn sure that it's not only illegal but unsafe to tow a twin-axle 'van with any Omega.
The caravan is heavier than the car - so you have a 'tail wagging the dog' situation.
 ....

I know what you're implying Byron, but to say that you can't tow a twin axle caravan with an Omega is just too broad a statement. As you say, it's the weight of the caravan you need to take note of, there's a twin axle version of mine that's not much heavier & within the capabilities of an Omega. 

[Andy B]

....
If the vehicle + the van weigh more then 3500 Kgs you need a B+E licence
 ..... 

Depends when he passed his test 

[Lazydocker]

....
If the vehicle + the van weigh more then 3500 Kgs you need a B+E licence
 ..... 

Depends when he passed his test 

He still needs B+E, but he might already have the entitlement

[SteveAvfc.]

....
If the vehicle + the van weigh more then 3500 Kgs you need a B+E licence
 ..... 

Depends when he passed his test 

1978

[Andy B]

....
If the vehicle + the van weigh more then 3500 Kgs you need a B+E licence
 ..... 

Depends when he passed his test 

1978

You have grandfather rights then .... like me 

[Entwood]

....
If the vehicle + the van weigh more then 3500 Kgs you need a B+E licence
 ..... 

Depends when he passed his test 

1978

You have grandfather rights then .... like me 

... but only if his licence actually SAYS B+E  ... which, I agree, it should, but I also know of a couple of folks who have had to fight to get it .... when the computor says NO .. it is hard to overturn ...

[SteveAvfc.]

....
If the vehicle + the van weigh more then 3500 Kgs you need a B+E licence
 ..... 

Depends when he passed his test 

1978

You have grandfather rights then .... like me 

... but only if his licence actually SAYS B+E  ... which, I agree, it should, but I also know of a couple of folks who have had to fight to get it .... when the computor says NO .. it is hard to overturn ...

Licence says YES