Light weight Caravan?

[howardjs]

Here are 2 lightweights seen at Stoneleigh 16
One by MEV and one offered as a kit by Canyvan (I think)

Possibly a bit heavy but good for ideas... maybe?
Also not sure about the aerodynamics of the kit? Shouldn't the sloping end be at the front?

MEV van.JPG (131.49 KiB) Viewed 13880 times

Canyvan.JPG (123.59 KiB) Viewed 13880 times

Canyvan aluminium caravan kit.jpg (107.58 KiB) Viewed 13880 times

Howard

[pulhamdown]

Interesting comment about the chassis plate. I have a Grinnall Scorpion, and although the chassis number is stamped into the frame, there is no manufacturers plate. I have just rung Mark Grinnall to see if he could provide one, and he told me he no longer fits them on his new cars. So perhaps not required nowadays? I don't think it's something that's covered in the MSVA test, and it's not checked at MOT time. It would be interesting to find out what the correct current position is.

[Jack602]

The maximum trailer weights given in the 1973 Ami 8 handbook I have to hand are:-Un-braked 360kg, Braked 500kg, so your 300kg target sounds realistic for an un-braked trailer.
Have you considered caravans designed for towing behind bicycles, might be suitable with uprated running gear?

Sprung hitches for braked trailers must be matched to the weight of the trailer.

Trailers made since around 1975, fitted with brakes, must incorporate a mechanism that automatically releases the brakes when reversing (more weight) my trailer has a 1966 chassis plate....

[QFAD]

Thanks for the info and pictures.

Hi Bob,

Ref your weights; for clarity can you please confirm the figures you list are for an unbraked trailer, or are you saying these weights are regardless of a braking system?

From my own reading on the subject, having a braked trailer relieves some of the shear force on the single wheel.

Thanks,

Steve

[billdavies]

Hi,
The weight of the trailer is only one aspect...of course the specials will tow the trailer/camper but the real concern is stopping.
I recovered a friend on the islands using a drawbar and was nearly pushed off the road by the weight pushing from behind as we slowed down. With the loading on the single rear wheel there is little tractive grip to stop sideways movement and if braking is not in the straight ahead direction the unit can jackknife. The same problem does not exist with a double wheeled rear axle ie on my Bond Bug.
If the unit looks alright then plod is unlikely to bother you, unless you are involved in an incident
Bill

[cmwbob]

Steve,
The weights i listed are the safe gross train weights based on towing vehicle torque, traction and stability regardless of braked or unbraked trailer.

On the chassis plate, its possible that with MSVA and the advent of instant access of DVLA online records, the requirement of the Vin Plate may no longer apply. However, if one is fitted then it must be factually correct. AS with most of these anomalies, they pass unnoticed but can easily become a major issue at the most inconvenient time. (i.e. accident investigation, you could be the victim that suddenly becomes the accused).

Bob

[Claus]

Two bed (2,0 m x 1,4 m) sleeper, 280 Kg, with brake

[howardjs]

Hi Claus, Very interesting website, looks like a very vibrant specials scene in Germany.
Howard

[QFAD]

Hi Claus,

Thanks for the picture.

I remember your 2CV based caravan your bright to Charmouth a few years back - very cosy.

Guzzi conversion running fine and a joy to drive, shame the Weber gearbox discussions never came to a successful out come.

We are planning for an adventure to see my brother in Marrakech next year - hopefully the COVID issue will be settled by May 22 - hence all the chassis updates and servicing I'm undertaking. Working on engine breather/filling point conversion as per 2CV. Next is then to tidy up the electric and add aux power/USB ports in the cockpit.

Keeps me busy while in Lockdown.

[kawlomax223]

Here are 2 lightweights seen at Stoneleigh 16
One by MEV and one offered as a kit by Canyvan (I think)

Possibly a bit heavy but good for ideas... maybe?
Also not sure about the aerodynamics of the kit? Shouldn't the sloping end be at the front?

MEV van.JPG
Canyvan.JPG
Canyvan aluminium caravan kit.jpg
Howard

The sloping end IS at the front on the first one.