Can I tow a caravan with the Atom
Discussion
My wife and I have enjoyed many holidays in our 17' Monza caravan. We've been all over the country and are members of the Caravan Club.
Presently, I use my Ford Mondeo to tow the caravan but on the arrival of my Atom (I hope to get the 300BHP supercharged version) the Mondeo has to go!
Simon and I have come up with a chassis modification for the Atom allowing the fitting of a Whitter tow bar and electrics.
Does anyone have experience of towing a caravan with an Atom?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards
John
Presently, I use my Ford Mondeo to tow the caravan but on the arrival of my Atom (I hope to get the 300BHP supercharged version) the Mondeo has to go!
Simon and I have come up with a chassis modification for the Atom allowing the fitting of a Whitter tow bar and electrics.
Does anyone have experience of towing a caravan with an Atom?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards
John
I had to check the date wasn't 1.4.05 here . . .
Aside from the obvious "why" question: the biggest issue here is maximum towed weight. You will have to check the construction and use regulations, but I think the maximum permissible towed weight is either half or two-thirds of the vehicle weight, so you are limited to 300kg at most.
Leaving aside the rules, the reason why they are there is that is simply isn't safe to tow something approaching the same weight as the tow vehicle because of the way the braking system relies on momentum pressing the towbar cylinder.
Best solution here is to buy a 220 not a 300 and spend £2k on something like a Peugeot 406 diesel estate or a Carlton to tow the shed with. There was a thread about tow cars a few months back.
MC
Aside from the obvious "why" question: the biggest issue here is maximum towed weight. You will have to check the construction and use regulations, but I think the maximum permissible towed weight is either half or two-thirds of the vehicle weight, so you are limited to 300kg at most.
Leaving aside the rules, the reason why they are there is that is simply isn't safe to tow something approaching the same weight as the tow vehicle because of the way the braking system relies on momentum pressing the towbar cylinder.
Best solution here is to buy a 220 not a 300 and spend £2k on something like a Peugeot 406 diesel estate or a Carlton to tow the shed with. There was a thread about tow cars a few months back.
MC
Thanks for the reply MC
That's a bit of a blow, I didn't consider the weight issues and I guess you're right.
However, there is a glimmer of hope because I'm a fat bastard and that just might bring things into line somewhat.
My wife is a real skinny so no help there unless I stop at all the drive thro' burger joints down here in Wales and stuff her with a few BIG MACs.
Anyway, where there's a will there's a way, that's what my father always used to tell me.
If I load the Monza up correctly I can shift all the weight from the hitch and undoubtedly the Atom has the power to pull it, I just didn't consider the stopping issues.
The other issue is the exhaust. I'd have to fabricate something to take the exhaust away from the front of the caravan otherwise I'm going to end up with a big black oiley mark there and the last thing I want to be doing when I arrive at the caravan club events is to scrub the caravan.
Anyway, thanks once more, I'll crack it!
John
That's a bit of a blow, I didn't consider the weight issues and I guess you're right.
However, there is a glimmer of hope because I'm a fat bastard and that just might bring things into line somewhat.
My wife is a real skinny so no help there unless I stop at all the drive thro' burger joints down here in Wales and stuff her with a few BIG MACs.
Anyway, where there's a will there's a way, that's what my father always used to tell me.
If I load the Monza up correctly I can shift all the weight from the hitch and undoubtedly the Atom has the power to pull it, I just didn't consider the stopping issues.
The other issue is the exhaust. I'd have to fabricate something to take the exhaust away from the front of the caravan otherwise I'm going to end up with a big black oiley mark there and the last thing I want to be doing when I arrive at the caravan club events is to scrub the caravan.
Anyway, thanks once more, I'll crack it!
John
I must admit that I started typing a reply to this earlier today and deleted it because I figured this thread just had to be a wind up. 
You simply can't have the thing being towed being near or greater than the weight of the towing vehicle. And that's for braked trailers. Unbraked ones have to be even lighter.
The most you could tow with an Atom would be one of those little trailers you can buy for tip runs, etc. Could be useful for taking spare tyres to a track day or some rubbish down the tip (I'd pay to see that
)
But a caravan? You're having a laugh.
You simply can't have the thing being towed being near or greater than the weight of the towing vehicle. And that's for braked trailers. Unbraked ones have to be even lighter.
The most you could tow with an Atom would be one of those little trailers you can buy for tip runs, etc. Could be useful for taking spare tyres to a track day or some rubbish down the tip (I'd pay to see that
) But a caravan? You're having a laugh.
How about a tow car, and a roof rack on top of the caravan?
You could simply get four prop forwards (there must be plenty where you live) and hoist it on top. The Atom only weighs 500 kilos...
Alternatively, swap the Monza for a mobile home (one like this is nice)...
...and tow the Atom behind it.
You could simply get four prop forwards (there must be plenty where you live) and hoist it on top. The Atom only weighs 500 kilos...
Alternatively, swap the Monza for a mobile home (one like this is nice)...
...and tow the Atom behind it.
JonRB said:
I must admit that I started typing a reply to this earlier today and deleted it because I figured this thread just had to be a wind up.
Following on from this thread I am trying to save money on my racing budget this year so have decided to sell the Merc diesel and tow the Golf on the trailer with a Honda C90 moped.
Can anyone see any issues with this? I know Witter don't make a towbar specific to this model but I was hoping just to weld the Merc one onto the rear number plate mount.
Great to see such interest in Atom caravan towing & thanks for so many replies. I guess there might be more than a little interest in this but everyone else was afraid to ask!
Why my original post should be considered a wind up I can't understand! I accept the weight issues mentioned but I do believe I can sort something.
I guess I tend to see the positive side to this:
1. Wonderful caravan holidays.
2. I get to drive the Atom as the Mondeos gone
3. I might win the caravan club's best kept caravan award as the adjudicator will be more interested in the Atom than the caravan - another reason I need to fabricate the exhaust, don't want that black oiley mark.
I think guys one should consider the positives of safety too. How many times have you been on a motorway and witnessed a caravan weaving dangerously? Most towing cars are underpowered to pull the caravan straight and the result is catastrophe!
Now, with the Atom it's a different kettle of fish - caravan starts weaving, a little tickle on the throttle, bang your neighbour all's hunky dory again.
Bruce, I can't afford a motor home and an Atom, I can't afford a Mondeo and an Atom and I've promised my wife too!
If anyone wants a picture of my 17' Monza caravan, I'd be pleased to post it to the forum, just ask.
Hope you received my cheque and membership app. this morning and I look forward to being the first Welsh member.
Sheep in the garden, gotta run, off to get my wellies.
Cheers
John
Why my original post should be considered a wind up I can't understand! I accept the weight issues mentioned but I do believe I can sort something.
I guess I tend to see the positive side to this:
1. Wonderful caravan holidays.
2. I get to drive the Atom as the Mondeos gone
3. I might win the caravan club's best kept caravan award as the adjudicator will be more interested in the Atom than the caravan - another reason I need to fabricate the exhaust, don't want that black oiley mark.
I think guys one should consider the positives of safety too. How many times have you been on a motorway and witnessed a caravan weaving dangerously? Most towing cars are underpowered to pull the caravan straight and the result is catastrophe!
Now, with the Atom it's a different kettle of fish - caravan starts weaving, a little tickle on the throttle, bang your neighbour all's hunky dory again.
Bruce, I can't afford a motor home and an Atom, I can't afford a Mondeo and an Atom and I've promised my wife too!
If anyone wants a picture of my 17' Monza caravan, I'd be pleased to post it to the forum, just ask.
Hope you received my cheque and membership app. this morning and I look forward to being the first Welsh member.
Sheep in the garden, gotta run, off to get my wellies.
Cheers
John
Whatever you do, don't shift the weight to the back of the caravan: you want a trailer balanced with between 25-30% of the weight on the hitch. This is for stability, since the trailer is unstable in yaw (it has to be so the car can turn it) and the stability comes from the towing vehicle. If you balance it at the back, the force that the car can exert on the tow ball declines, so your chance of a jack knife increases dramatically.
Weight is not a soluble issue. It is dangerous to tow something too heavy, end of story. That's why I suggested the idea of saving a couple of grand on the Atom somehow and buying a tow car (or renting one) which the missus can drive while you take the Atom along.
MC
Weight is not a soluble issue. It is dangerous to tow something too heavy, end of story. That's why I suggested the idea of saving a couple of grand on the Atom somehow and buying a tow car (or renting one) which the missus can drive while you take the Atom along.
MC
I am sure it will be feasible to fill the chasis tubes with lead shot, thus increasing the weight of your atom and the overall towing capacity of the vehicle. Further modifications towards your commendable goal could include filling the tyres with water, replacing the plastic sidescreens with a more sunstantial set of metal plates, ballast weights at the front and back (old dumbells might do the trick) and you could even consider fabricating some bodywork to put a bit more `meat on the bones`
Dont let the detractors on here discourage you from your wonderful pastime, I am certain if a few of them were to indulge in the joys of caravanning they would loose the need to drive everywhere so fast. Top Man!!
Dont let the detractors on here discourage you from your wonderful pastime, I am certain if a few of them were to indulge in the joys of caravanning they would loose the need to drive everywhere so fast. Top Man!!
Whilst I too would suspect this to be an April 1st thread, it reminded me of my Grandfather. He bought a Metro (this was prabably 15+ years ago) and was concerned that it would struggle with his caravan. So... he bought a trailer tent. Which as I'm sure you know is a collapsable caravan/tent thing. I recall it weighed very little and his wheezing 1.3 Metro could pull it without any problem.
Of course, you could always buy a guide to B&Bs in the UK of which there are many, and do away with the whole silly idea. No offence.
Of course, you could always buy a guide to B&Bs in the UK of which there are many, and do away with the whole silly idea. No offence.
I'm very heartened by the interest in Atoms and towing caravans. I just knew it was a subject simmering in many Atom/Caravan owner's blood. It just took me, someone brave enough to raise the question.
Monza, your parents must have been avid caravaners. Did they really christen you Monza or is it just your personal fetish with caravans? We should meet.
The ideas of adding weight to the Atom has crossed my mind however, fluid would be unstable and possibly dangerous!
Someone suggested getting a collapsable tent/trailer. Well, thanks for the thought, you're obviously not married! My wife wouldn't been seen dead in a tent.
Thanks guys for your support and for those of you who replied by direct email, I do understand your wish to remain annonymous.
John
Monza, your parents must have been avid caravaners. Did they really christen you Monza or is it just your personal fetish with caravans? We should meet.
The ideas of adding weight to the Atom has crossed my mind however, fluid would be unstable and possibly dangerous!
Someone suggested getting a collapsable tent/trailer. Well, thanks for the thought, you're obviously not married! My wife wouldn't been seen dead in a tent.
Thanks guys for your support and for those of you who replied by direct email, I do understand your wish to remain annonymous.
John
spnracing said:
Following on from this thread I am trying to save money on my racing budget this year so have decided to sell the Merc diesel and tow the Golf on the trailer with a Honda C90 moped.
Can anyone see any issues with this? I know Witter don't make a towbar specific to this model but I was hoping just to weld the Merc one onto the rear number plate mount.
Sounds fine to me Mate ,, of course the fuel economy would be affected
datasafe said:Quite the reverse! I hear from a military mate that they occasionally fill tyres with water in battle zones as it dissapates any energy in the event of running over a landmine!
The ideas of adding weight to the Atom has crossed my mind however, fluid would be unstable and possibly dangerous!
I think your best bet is to get Simon to design a caravan for you. OK, so you'd get wet when it rained, and everyone would be able to see you on the chemilav, and the sofa would be a little firm, but it would be super light and handle like a dream!
Aw! You Guys. I like the idea of Ariel moving into the caravan business! What a hoot! Funny, I can't quite see a thread like this appearing on the Maclaren F1 owners forum, can you?
John mate, I really think you've picked the wrong bunch of people to ask about caravans! - I think most Atom owners or speed freaks will have caravans at the top of their extermination list come the day of the revolution...followed by tractors, lorries, gatsos, mother-in-laws etc, etc!
Mike
John mate, I really think you've picked the wrong bunch of people to ask about caravans! - I think most Atom owners or speed freaks will have caravans at the top of their extermination list come the day of the revolution...followed by tractors, lorries, gatsos, mother-in-laws etc, etc!
Mike
John
For the Airbus A380 Goldhofer AG in Memmingen is developing a new 1000 BHP push back vehicle, the AST-1X.
Pictures of similar equipment made by them:
http://images.google.de/imgres?imgurl=http://www.deutz.de/info/aktuell/messen/me-foto007b-e.htm&h=77&w=96&sz=3&tbnid=_45iB4N7BNkJ:&tbnh=60&tbnw=75&start=9&prev=/images%3Fq%3DGoldhofer%2BAG%2B%2B%26hl%3Dde%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG">www.deutz.de/info/aktuell/messen/img/interairport/012_pr.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.deutz.de/info/aktuell/messen/me-foto007b-e.htm&h=77&w=96&sz=3&tbnid=_45iB4N7BNkJ:&tbnh=60&tbnw=75&start=9&prev=/images%3Fq%3DGoldhofer%2BAG%2B%2B%26hl%3Dde%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG
You should ask them for help.
Perhaps they will be able to convert an Atom into a race semitrailer. But also your caravan certainly will need some modifications, too.
Hartmut
For the Airbus A380 Goldhofer AG in Memmingen is developing a new 1000 BHP push back vehicle, the AST-1X.
Pictures of similar equipment made by them:
http://images.google.de/imgres?imgurl=http://www.deutz.de/info/aktuell/messen/me-foto007b-e.htm&h=77&w=96&sz=3&tbnid=_45iB4N7BNkJ:&tbnh=60&tbnw=75&start=9&prev=/images%3Fq%3DGoldhofer%2BAG%2B%2B%26hl%3Dde%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG">www.deutz.de/info/aktuell/messen/img/interairport/012_pr.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.deutz.de/info/aktuell/messen/me-foto007b-e.htm&h=77&w=96&sz=3&tbnid=_45iB4N7BNkJ:&tbnh=60&tbnw=75&start=9&prev=/images%3Fq%3DGoldhofer%2BAG%2B%2B%26hl%3Dde%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG
You should ask them for help.
Perhaps they will be able to convert an Atom into a race semitrailer. But also your caravan certainly will need some modifications, too.
Hartmut
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