Gross Vehicle Weight and Nose Weights - all Models

[johnplum]

I need to choose the right safari for myself and two children: 4 berth would most likely be best. My citroen TD is an excellent tow car, but I want to weigh it all up carefully. I imagine the 15/4 is the limit to my towing capacity, but I don't know the weight of that Safari.

Braked Towing Limit for my diesel is 1200kg, nose weight 85KG.

Q. Do you know where 5 can get the specs for weight for the various safaris - 12/2 15/4 and 17/4? I don't know the GVW for the 15/4 or the nose weights for any model

I have this info so far:
--------------------------
Safari 17.4: Gross Vehicle Weight: 1,286 kg
Safari 13/2: 2 berth - 1977: Gross Vehicle Weight: 833 kg

[rdjpb]

Hi John

I've got some data from literature on 1978 and 1981 models but bear in mind that when I used this previously to answer a question on tyre sizes it was wrong - but Brian was on hand to correct me!

The weights I am sure are very dependant on year as well as model but this might be some use.


15/4
1981 -
Average weight ex works 960kg
M.G.W. 1140KGS
Nose weight 70kgs

1978 -

Average weight ex works 920kg
M.G.W. 1200KGS


13/4

1978 -

Average weight ex works 820kg
M.G.W. 1032KGS

No 13/4 model in 1981

17/4
1978

Average wt ex works 1040kgs (17/s - 1070kg)
MGW 1300KGS (17/S - 1300KG)

1981

Average ex works 1100kgs
MGW 1286KGS
Nose weight 70kgs

i.e. you need a chelsea tractor for a 17ft.

I have taken these from the relevant year sales literature and assume no liability!- but hope this helps

Paul

[margo]

Hi and welcome,

I can’t comment on the nose weights as this depends greatly on how you load the caravan. Gross weights can vary slightly depending on build year which appears very apparent in what Paul writes above. I can provide you with the following for 1980 build year.

12/2 948 kg Max
13/4 965 kg Max
14/2 1009 kg Max
15/4 1141 kg Max
17/2 1275 kg Max
17/4 1286 kg Max
17/S 1300 kg Max

As you can see the 15/4 onwards are quite heavy beasts for the average tow car. Car to caravan weights are usually based on the 85% rule (unofficial guide apparently) – basically the loaded caravan should not exceed 85% of the kerb weight of the towing car.

Good luck…

[johnplum]

Thank you both Paul and Margo. This, together is very useful information for me.