Trailers

Dilly recently posted about not having enough room to sleep in their BraziBay because of the amount of 'stuff' they had in the cabin. I know how this feels. Whenever I head off on a camping trip I do max-Max-out in the rear of the cabin with awning, bbq, flagpole, etc.

So, as I'm not keen on roof racks, I'm wondering if a trailer might be a worthwhile investment? Those Erde trailers that Halfords always seem to have look decent:

Halfords - Erde Trailer

I have been thinking along the same lines, as we plan on taking 'tons' of stuff over to the Emerald Isle this year, and if we wild camp there's always a scramble sorting out the cabin. My worry is just the towing aspect, we all know what the van's are like in the wind on a motorway or main road, bit concerned what it would be like with a trailor as well?

I don't think a little trailer would have that much impact - stick a trailer-tent or bigger and that might. You've also got to factor in the cost of having a towbar fitted too, but once it's on it's there isn't it?

We know an outfit not far from you that can fit bespoke Kombi towbars too. The term club discount comes to mind!

If you feel you need more space with the family growing, it may be worthwhile investing in one of these which is inbetween a trailer and caravan. http://www.stimsondesigns.com/index2.php?link=multipod

Designed by a well recognised designer.

Multipod, very clever. The lift out galley could be very useful for those who need to use their bus as a people carrier day to day. nice one ollive!

i have an erde trailer and when its on the back you dont notice as you cant see it or feel any drag. Id recommend one.

Same conundrum with a family that wants to take more gear so plumped for an erde 122 trailer. Big enough to take the bulky items and fit 4 bikes on top, but not too large. Never contemplate reversing - just disconnect and take away all of the stress. Look at erdetrailer.co.uk - really helpful people.

Tilly wrote:

Or, with a tow bar fitted, one of these might be an option. Not clear if you can mix bikes and storage though.

Not so useful when you want to open the engine lid though I'd imagine Tilly - for instance to plug in the mains hook up.

Tilly wrote:

Or, with a tow bar fitted, one of these might be an option. Not clear if you can mix bikes and storage though.

Fiamma do a similar box that fixes onto the bike rack, I am sure I saw this on Denni's bus.

This is currently on Ebay

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Teardrop-Trailer-Caravan-Hot-Rod-VW-Camper-/330580730408?pt=UK_Campers_Caravans_Motorhomes&hash=item4cf825a228

TimV wrote:

Not so useful when you want to open the engine lid though I'd imagine Tilly - for instance to plug in the mains hook up.

Mine has a tilt function so you can do exactly that, but to be honest I have enough clearance to plug it in without tilting, probably would need to use it if i had bikes on it.

Problem solved yet again then. Good stuff.

when not using the trailer i have a bike rack that fits on the tow bar for four bikes. basically i removed the small box section on the tow bar and replaced it with another (the replacement bolts are longer) and this has two holes for the vertical bars to fit it. the bikes are then lifted on. Yes, the engine lid is restricted but just enough room to hook up with hookup in engine bay

Good to see you use a trailer board Baydreamer. Really hacks me off when so many flaunt this law.

Tim, just a thought, when not taking bikes you could use your bike rack and one of these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FIAMMA-CARRY-BIKE-STORAGE-CARGO-BAG-FiammaCare-/300566311658?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item45fb25f2ea

or home made box?

fwiw

Kev

Looks a good idea - particularly if you do not have a roof rack

See this new trailer that is coming out

I'm liking it - what are your thoughts

What is the maximum weight a camper can tow

www.retrolighttrailers.com

From the 1979 VW Transporter Instruction Manual:

Going back to the original question, “What’s it like to tow a trailer behind a Kombi?” I’ve towed all sorts of things, I have a full C&E licence, which means I can drive 44 tonnes artics, and I’ve driven, parked, reversed, unloaded the most weird and wonderful things from tiny trailers, caravans, horseboxes to the full 44feet trailers etc.

Allowing for the fact the engine on the watercooled is only 1400cc, therefore it’s not the most powerful towing vehicle in the world, it is not bad. I’ve only towed a small camping trailer (6’) behind ours, and other than it makes the combined length quite long it doesn’t slow me up much.

I can just see the wheel arches in both mirrors, so I always know it’s still there, and using the side mirrors I can reverse it quite happily.

Fuel consumption is increased slightly from about 33mpg down to 30mpg. I have found though that the trailer when loaded does seem to cut down on the crosswind effect, but that may be just my perception.

My only reservation with using the trailer is to try not to use the service stations on a Saturday on the M5 south of Bristol. They are full of numptys who tow caravans once a year and have absolutely no idea how to drive forwards let alone how to reverse into a space without hitting something by accident.

I really struggle to reverse with my Dbeilt traier. When I say struggle I actually mean it's impossible! I can't see any part of the trailer!

Dizzy lizard kindly gave me a reversing camera but haven't had chance to fit it yet. I'm hoping it will help. If not I'll just avoid reversing!

absquatulation wrote:

try not to use the service stations on a Saturday on the M5 south of Bristol.

I entirely agree, and try to avoid motorway services at all costs (mainly the price of the fuel).

On the same note, if you find you need to fill up on your way to the southwest, between Gordano and Sedgemoor services, there is a Morrisons just off junction 21 towards Weston-super-mare. A lot cheaper than motorway prices, and only short way down a dual carriageway and turn right at the first island.

(Avoid coming off at Cribbs Causeway Junction 17, a nightmare at any time)