Thread: Towing a 24ft, 3t caravan with D4

My van is 21ft 3500kg in travel trim. I have no problems towing it.

With this size van you get very close to your max weights so pack light. Fuel range will also be an issue. You will only get around 400klm on the standard tank. Get a long range tank.

Also make sure the weight of the van is right. Don't trust the compliance plate.

No truer word was ever spoken !
DD

Originally Posted by mowog

Also make sure the weight of the van is right. Don't trust the compliance plate.

G'day. I tow a 23ft Retreat Daydream with my D2a. Its GTM is 2381kg. I don't have any major issues towing it so I can't see you having any trouble with a D4. As already mentioned, keep an eye on your weight. You have to consider water, gas and food/ luggage and stay under your vans ATM and your GVM.
Regards
Robbo.

If buying new and as part of the purchase agreement may I suggest get a weigh bridge cert for that caravan dated a day or so before collection, especially if you have added extras like aircon, awnings etc.

Keeps the compliance plate etc honest and minimises any weight surprises for you and the insurances.

Had a nasty experience buying a 2nd hand van that cost me $1800 to correct. The compliance plate weights were empty before factory options added but not reflected on the plates. Also found out that was running 1.7t leaf springs on a 2 ton van as well as piddly brakes.

ADRs state "must be braked" over 750kg... NOT "must be suitably braked". New caravans are better now due to liability issues.

Thanks for all your replies much appreciated.

I will be using the standard D4 tow hitch (smaller plough the D3) does anyone have any comments on this?

I have towed a 2.5t van for the last 3 years with no issues.

Cheers

Originally Posted by White D4

Thanks for all your replies much appreciated.

I will be using the standard D4 tow hitch (smaller plough the D3) does anyone have any comments on this?

I have towed a 2.5t van for the last 3 years with no issues.

Cheers

Being a betting man.... I will bet that your van wont sit level with the standard hitch. People here use a number of solutions to correct this.

Mitch Hitch & Rapid Hitch are a couple of the common ones. I also use a McHitch Trailer coupling it is almost impossible for these to jump off the ball like a standard 50mm ball can do.

I tow a 2.5 tonne Lotus van on the standard D4/RRS hitch - just get the right Hayman Reese tongue with a suitable drop. Use the recovery point to attach your safety chains.

We had a Supreme previously (converted for off-road) that was closer to your weight and towed that for 2 years on the standard (D3) hitch, with a suitable tongue.

Cheers,

Gordon

Originally Posted by gghaggis

I tow a 2.5 tonne Lotus van on the standard D4/RRS hitch - just get the right Hayman Reese tongue with a suitable drop. Use the recovery point to attach your safety chains.

We had a Supreme previously (converted for off-road) that was closer to your weight and towed that for 2 years on the standard (D3) hitch, with a suitable tongue.

Cheers,

Gordon

Gordon you should come over and join the Lotus Caravan owners forum..