Can a DS3 tow a caravan? (a brief explanation)
By
Elaine Knight
In this short guide, we will answer the following question: Can a DS3 tow a caravan? We are also excited to share with you two alternatives to the classic caravan: the trailer-tents and the hybrid-trailer. Stay with us!
Can a DS3 tow a caravan?
A Citroen DS3 cannot tow a full-sized caravan, as its braked capacity is reduced to 1150 kg. However, you can safely tow a trailer-tent with a DS3, which will most definitely comply with the 80% rule. Not sure what towing capacity your DS3 has? Check the table below.
Citroen DS3 Towing Capacity
| Year | Braked capacity from | Braked capacity to | |
| 2018 | 900kg | 1150kg | |
| 2017 | 900kg | 1150kg | |
| 2016 | 900kg | 1150kg | |
| 2015 | 900kg | 1150kg | |
| 2014 | 900kg | 1150kg | |
| 2013 | 900kg | 1150kg | |
| 2012 | 1150kg | 1150kg | |
| 2011 | 1150kg | 1150kg | |
| 2010 | 1150kg | 1150kg |
Why a Citroen DS3 can’t tow a caravan?
Here is the reasoning behind our argument that you cannot tow a caravan with a Citroen DS3:
The car’s kerb weight is: 1085 kgs
Un-braked Manufacturers towing capacity: 570 kgs
Braked Manufacturers towing capacity: 1150 kgs
- 75% of Kerb weight: 813.75 kgs
- 85% of Kerb weight: 922.25 kgs
- 95% of Kerb weight: 1030.75 kgs
The average full-size caravan will weigh between 900 and 1500kg, depending of course on the manufacturer, how much luggage you have and how you load it. A trailer-tent, however, seems more reasonable to tow with a Citroen DS3 as they rarely weigh more than 500kg.
What are trailer-tents?
Trailer-tent can be a great choice when camping. It is imperative to have a vehicle designed to tow a recreational vehicle (RV). A sport utility vehicle (SUV) or minivan with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds (1,600 kg) is sufficient to tow a mid-size tent trailer. The good news is, that our Citroen DS3 can tow a trailer-tent without any issues, as well.
The tent trailer is still a significant investment. You should budget from $4,000 to $ 12,000 to equip yourself, depending on whether you are buying new, used, small, large, etc.
There are hundreds of models of tent trailers, for all tastes and all budgets. These RVs can sleep one to ten people depending on the model. The length is always measured in feet with the RV closed, excluding the length of the hitch.
There are tent trailers of all sizes that are built for motorcycles and the like. The most common sizes are 8, 10 and 12 foot closed boxes.
The tent trailer has the distinction of being almost twice as wide open as closed, which is in fact its main advantage. Most of the time, the hardtop part is mounted using a pulley system. Then we pull the beds on each side to stretch the canvases with crossbars.
Other questions you may be interested in
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The door is fixed with latches. There are also all-canvas tent trailers without a hardtop, as well as folding trailers with rigid walls. Several recent models even have side extensions that add more interior space and weight to the RV. These RVs weigh 1,000 to 3,500 pounds (500 to 1,700 kilograms). Some models of tent trailers are lighter for motorcycles.
The beds in a tent trailer are very comfortable when compared to a tent and we have no rocks under our mattress.
The tent trailer is often equipped with a small refrigerator and a propane stove. This gives more autonomy when we camp on sites without service. One of the great advantages of the tent trailer is that we can place our dry food, pots, sleeping bags, etc. at the very beginning of summer. The preparations during our outings are then much shorter.
A few tips for towing a trailer-tent
Upon arrival at the campsite, we need to unhook the RV and level it so that the door opens and closes properly and the fridge works properly. Putting up and taking down a tent trailer takes about half an hour when everything is going well.
Good maintenance of your tent trailer is essential to enjoy it longer.
The tent trailer is also a very interesting purchase, especially for young families who are discovering the joys of caravanning.
The main advantage of the tent trailer is certainly its affordability for new owners. A new tent trailer is generally available from $ 15,000 (with financing options). Used tent trailers that have been inspected at several points are also available starting at $ 6,000.
Another big plus when it comes to purchasing a tent trailer is the ease of pulling. Its flexible canvas walls make it much lighter to tow than a travel trailer. The tent trailer can therefore be towed by most family vehicles (SUVs or 4 or 6 cylinder vans).
The tent trailer is also easy to manoeuvre in summer and simple to store in winter. With its many advantages, the tent trailer is often the first choice of families who want to learn about caravanning.
The hybrid trailer: a compromise between the caravan and the trailer-tent
Still can’t decide between the trailer or the tent trailer? Know that there is a hybrid trailer! As its name suggests, the hybrid trailer is an in-between that combines the advantages of the trailer and the tent trailer. It is also a good alternative if you have a Citroen DS3.
This type of trailer offers rigid sides like the travel trailer and sliding sections like the tent trailer. Its price is also between that of the tent trailer and that of the travel trailer. Lighter versions have recently been released for towing by popular family vehicles with a 6-cylinder engine. An advantageous option to consider!
Final thoughts
A Citroen DS3 would do better towing a trailer-tent, boat or ski jet than towing a full-sized caravan. The DS3 is just not powerful enough to do this well and doesn’t have the stability to keep you and others safe.
Don’t forget about the 80% rule, where the weight of the caravan cannot be more than 80% of the kerb weight of the card, which is 1085 kgs in the case of the DS3.
Trailer or tent trailer … or hybrid trailer: what will you choose?
FAQ on Can a DS3 tow a caravan?
Can towing a caravan damage your car?
Towing a caravan cannot damage your car. If you don’t know how to tow a trailer/caravan, let an authorized mechanic do it.
Can a Citroen C3 tow a caravan?
A Citroen C3 is a light car that couldn’t tow a full-sized caravan. However, consider towing a trailer-tent as an alternative.
What caravan can I legally tow?
You can legally tow a caravan that along with the vehicle’s weight doesn’t surpass the limit of 3500 kg.
How do you calculate if my car can tow a caravan?
To calculate if your car can tow a caravan you have to know the maximum mass of the caravan and the kerb weight of your car. If the mass of the caravan is 85% or less of the car’s kerbweight, the car will tow it with ease.
What weight can a Citroen C3 tow?
A Citroen C3 can tow 840kg on average. A Citroen C3 is a light car that couldn’t tow a full-sized caravan. However, consider towing a trailer-tent as an alternative.
Do I need insurance to tow a caravan?
You don’t need insurance to tow a caravan as your car’s insurance is enough. Consider buying caravan insurance, however, as it will protect you in case something happens, as the car insurance will not cover your caravan if it’s damaged or stolen.
References
- Citroen DS3 towing capacity
- Citroen – Citroen DS3
- How Much Do Pop-Up Campers Weigh (and other considerations)
