Towing - Car or van(?!) but also for camping

[R_H]

So turns out being an adult means that towing becomes your responsibility - who would have thought! I have been spoilt with my dad towing in a Ford Ranger but he is looking to downsize, so it is time to think about towing vehicles.

I am starting to tentatively look at my options. At the moment my partner and I have a small hatchback each but with work from home and moving the horse to a yard within cycling/running distance, we are seriously thinking about selling the less economical one. But then getting a second vehicle I can tow with - I am thinking standard 4x4.

Towing wise it will be one 16.2 horse in an Ifor Williams 505.

However my (non-horsey) partner likes the idea of getting something that we could occasionally camp in - his ideal would be a vw transporter van (although any suggestions welcome), that we could kit out a bit. I don't think I have ever seen anyone towing with a van - is this even possible/feasible? If not advisable, we can at least close this idea off!

If not a van, has anyone ever done anything clever with their towing vehicle (4x4) to be able to camp in? Or can recommend a good vehicle that this may be possible in?

I still have my trailer test to do but if we have an idea of the potential vehicle, I can get budgeting and planning!

 

[scruffyponies]

I did a bit of an analysis the other day and concluded that the Seat Alhambra would be a good choice... 7 seats if you need them, 2.2 tonne towing weight, and HUGE van-like capabilities, so could be used as a camper if you chose.

Lots available for peanuts second hand on account of being quite common and ugly AF. Fairly economical, reliable VW underpinnings and parts are cheap.

 

[ROG]

Does partner have B+E?

 

[JGC]

We had a Peugeot Boxer that was fitted out as a camper and used to pull the trailer with that. Great set up at shows. I'm not sure how good it would have been in mud, mind. We loved it, but not sure you'd have wanted it as drive about vehicle. We have been looking at the modern VW style campers, partly to tow with but they are big bucks, even second-hand (and no loo facilities, which I don't love the idea of). You need the bigger heavier models to be able to tow enough.

 

[phizz4]

Have a look at the long wheelbase Custon Transit. Lots available second hand (you can get a good used one from the AA when they change theirs). Very car-like to drive, sat nav, heated seats, central locking etc and a better vehicle in my experience than a VW transporter, and cheaper to maintain. Just don't buy one from a leasing company as they are often 'clocked'.

 

[HeyMich]

I know 2 families who tow IW511s with VW transporter campers. It's a great set up!

 

[R_H]

Does partner have B+E?

No, and would likely only be me doing the test.

 

[Batgirl]

Look up car camping, you'd be amazed what you can do with a 4x4 ?

I have a Hyundai Santa Fe that I tow with and camp in with a tailgate tent for longer stints.

 

[Steerpike]

I know someone in endurance who tows with a transit high top I think it is, he camp's in it over night.

 

[Abi90]

My friend has a Defender that he’s converted into a camper and it’s amazing. It would also tow really well. Excellent for holidays and stay away shows!

 

[sunnyone]

We had a Citroen Jumper 1.9 diesel van that was surplus to our business requirements and converted it to a camper with all amenities except gas, so no changes to notify to DVLA. It only went when the cost of the repairs exceeded its value by some margin. Your view of the road and countryside is much better than in a car. We now have a camping car, which is based on a Fiat Ducato van as we really missed not having the benefits of the Citroen!

If you do fit out a van make sure you fit decent insulation and ventilation before anything else: being too hot or too cold could ruin everything.

Can you tow with a van?
Most definitely, but we only did local journeys in the UK with the horses in the trailer. But here, in France, we've used at least 3 non-motorway routes over the Pyrenees with no bother for van or trailer as our trailer tends to get used for moving household goods around, or even just going shopping for large, bulky items. We just have to remember the height of the trailer when approaching over hanging rocks or car park barriers.

Definitely you should consider dual-purposing your vehicle.

 

[bubsqueaks]

I know 2 families who tow IW511s with VW transporter campers. It's a great set up!

ooh Im thinking of doing just this next year - selling lorry, buying VW & trailer, was slightly worried about looking travellerish but good to know others have done likewise!

 

[sunnyone]

Just don't buy a white van if you can help it.

 

[scruffyponies]

Just don't buy a white van if you can help it.

Agreed - you'd constantly be being stopped, and have to carry your receipt for the trailer with you everywhere.