Can a Berlingo tow a caravan?

In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Can a Berlingo tow a caravan? We will talk about two important concepts: Tare and MAM. We will also give you some tips on buying and towing a caravan.

Can a Berlingo tow a caravan?

A Citroen Berlingo can tow a caravan as long as the maximum laden weight of the caravan does not exceed 85% of your car’s kerbweight. The first thing you have to do is take the car’s documentation and look at how many kg it can tow, that the empty car weighs 20% more than the loaded caravan.

The newer models of Berlingo have a braked capacity of 1200 kg. Below you can see the Citroen Berlingo towing capacity depending on the year the car was manufactured, but it is always best to consult the car’s manual.

Citroen Berlingo towing capacity

Beyond the practical aspects that allow us to take our caravan car set with ease, there are a series of legal aspects that can embitter our illusion, and generate uneasiness every time we drive, and that arise at the time of delivering the towing documentation. or the car. 

In this situation, we recommend that before making any purchase, you ask for a binding document that indicates the measurements, weights and authorized masses that both the car and the caravan allow. If you buy second hand, it is as easy as asking for the vehicle’s technical data sheet; If you buy new, they will not give it to you until delivery, but you can ask for a document that guarantees it.

The most important thing, in this regard, is to study the relationship between the masses of both vehicles so that the whole is legal, and your driving license allows it.

Towing a caravan: Tare and MAM

The Tare, both in a car and in a caravan, is the weight that the vehicle has when empty, that is, as it comes from the factory, and thus it is approved, and that it does not necessarily have to coincide with how it leaves the point of sale. Why?

 In the case of a caravan, it is easy for you to ask for a mover, air conditioning, a spare wheel, an antenna, a television … which will have added a few kilos to your caravan and are not included in the technical sheet.

The MAM (Maximum Authorized Mass) is the total weight for which the vehicle is authorized, including its Tare, and therefore that the vehicle must not exceed.  This is the maximum weight you can add to your vehicle. It includes the occupants’ weight, their luggage and any other merchandise in the trunk or on the roof, as well as any accessories or options.

You also have to take into account the MTM (Maximum Towable Mass), which is the maximum weight that your vehicle can tow, and therefore the MAM of the trailer must be equal to or less than the MTM. What if it is not so? Well, if they stop you and they check your documentation, as well as fines, they can immobilize your vehicle and end your vacation.

Combined with all this, take into account the driving license you have, with the classic B, you can take caravans of more than 750 Kg as long as the sum of the GWM of the car and the caravan does not exceed 3,500 Kg. If your current set is fair, but you intend to change a car or caravan for one with greater weight, it will surely force you to get a new permit.

What to do before buying the car or caravan?

When you are choosing a new acquisition ask for the technical sheets and compare:

1. The car must have a higher MTM than the MAM of the trailer, if not, better not risk it, if what you are going to buy is the car, look for one with a higher MTM, and if what you are going to buy is the caravan, choose one with lower MAM.

2. When considering the Tare and MAM of the caravan, check that the margin is enough to include what you have planned or something else. Although the caravan is not a cargo vehicle (see here a guide to load your caravan) it has that no matter how light they are, accessories and equipment are a few kilos. 

3. Add the MAM of both and check that you can take them with your driving license, if not, consider getting a category E licence, if you want to continue with the purchase.

4. Assesses the power of the car and its weight compared to that of the caravan, although we have already commented that it is not the most decisive thing, it gives a lot of peace of mind “to go overboard” in the face of any slope, needs to overtake.
5. There is a website such as www.towcar.info that allows you to analyze the suitability of the car-caravan set and can help you in your choice.

Which cars are the best for towing a caravan?

To tow a caravan we must take into account two aspects. One is the maximum towable mass of our vehicle, and the other is the amount of weight we want to tow.

You must know that the maximum permissible mass cannot exceed 3,500 kilos (7.71 pounds) between car and caravan. If you want to find the best combination of car and caravan, it is recommended that the vehicle weigh 20% more empty than the loaded caravan. And another tip is that the vehicle towing the caravan has a power greater than 100 HP.

As for the engine, diesel engines are usually a better option for towing a caravan because they have a great tractive force and great performance. Although many prefer the gasoline engine, even knowing that the expenses will be higher. You should not use hybrid engines since they are not prepared to tow so much weight.

The truth is that when you drag a trailer with your car, many things change: driving, speed, stopping distance …, that’s why you must first inform yourself. The capacity of the tractor car is something of the most important. Although many vehicles of different sectors and brands are approved for towing, it is essential to check the trailer that your car is authorised to carry.

Here are some vehicles that have been chosen as the best for towing a caravan:

• Ssangyong Korando D22T 4 × 4 178 CV
• Open Insignia Grand Sport 1.6 CDTI 136 CV
• Skoda Octavia Scout 2.0 TDI 150 CP 4 × 4
• Volkswagen Golf Alltrack 2.0 TDI 4Motion 184 CV DSG
• Skoda Kodiaq 2.0 TDI 4 × 4 DSG 190 CV
• Volvo XC60 2018 D4 Inscription
• Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Momentum
• Volkswagen Amarok Highline 3.0 V6 TDI 4Motion 224 HP.

The bottom line

So, can a Berlingo tow a caravan? Consider that the caravan’s GVWR should not exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity. Remember to include the equipment you are going to put in the towed vehicle, which adds to the dry weight.

The total weight of the equipment loaded in the towing vehicle, in addition to the drawbar weight exerted by the trailer, must not exceed the load capacity of the towing vehicle.

If you have any questions or comments, let us know.

FAQ on Can a Berlingo tow a caravan?

Can a Citroen Berlingo van tow a caravan?

A Citroen Berlingo van can tow a caravan, however, don’t expect riding with more than 60mph in top gear. Check the towing capacity of your Citroen Berlingo before choosing the type of caravan!

Can a 1.6 diesel pull a caravan?

You can pull a caravan with a 1.6 diesel, keeping in mind your caravan’s MTPLM (maximum laden weight) must not exceed 85% of your car’s kerbweight.

Can a 1.6 petrol engine pull a caravan?

A 1.6 petrol can pull a caravan, as long as you consider your caravan’s MTPLM that must not exceed 85% of your car’s kerb weight.

What are the legal requirements for towing a caravan?

The legal requirements for towing a caravan is to have a Category B drivers licence. You can pull a trailer or a caravan as long as both vehicles’ combined weight is not more than 3500 kg or 7.71 pounds.

References

Thetowcarawards.com

Galaxycaravans.com.au

Towingcapacity.co.uk