4x4 Panel Van & RIB towing?

[chewy]

Originally Posted by willk

Now, another question, what decides how much a van can carry internally if it is towing it's maximum permitted load?

All depends how big the inside is?

[willk]

Originally Posted by chewy

All depends how big the inside is?

Sounds like you caught a nasty dose of Pedantry there mate, you can get a bottle for it....

I meant (obviously*) - "how much weight can a van carry internally"
__________________

* I say obviously but I accept that from a planetary population of c.6 billion, both you and Polly wanted clarification...

...and he's too polite to ask.

[Downhilldai]

Those FWD Transits are really disappointing in their towing capacity, which is a shame as I quite fancied buying a 'weekend residence' based on one a couple of years ago. When I checked, the gross train weight was only 1000kg over the GVW, whereas the Fiat Ducato has 2000kg.

[chewy]

Originally Posted by willk

Sounds like you caught a nasty dose of Pedantry there mate, you can get a bottle for it....

I meant (obviously*) - "how much weight can a van carry internally"
__________________

* I say obviously but I accept that from a planetary population of c.6 billion, both you and Polly wanted clarification...

...and he's too polite to ask.

Sorry couldn't resist!

[Poly]

Originally Posted by willk

* I say obviously but I accept that from a planetary population of c.6 billion, both you and Polly wanted clarification...

...and he's too polite to ask.

I've just not really been able to access Ribnet today!

In answer to you original q. random (non 4x4) transits seem to be popular enough with various divers I've seen launching (I assume these are club ribs?).

With a big overhang behind the rear wheels is there a risk that going from level ground to a steep slip that the tow bar is very high lifting the nose of the trailer and potentially(?) causing problems with ground clearance at the back of the trailer?

Although I suppose launching is irrelevant with your plans to ditch the rib and go sib?

[willk]

Originally Posted by Polwart

Although I suppose launching is irrelevant with your plans to ditch the rib and go sib?

Oh look, the 1st of February. That means my RIB is for sale!

That was the other thing I forgot in the "Advantages" section, a SIB tender could be transported intact

[Siochair]

How about a conversion? http://www.worldcarfans.com/11103293...luxury-cruiser

[dowdy]

Originally Posted by willk

Has anyone on here any experience towing/launching with 4x4 panel vans?

There are a few around and I wonder would they be an alternative to a commercial spec 4x4 for rib related activities?

Ford do a 4x4 Transit but the Mercedes Spinter 4x4 was the van that got me wondering.

On the upside, they're spacious and comfortable (unlike a LR 110).
They're probably a little more frugal with fuel.
They can tow 3500kg braked (with the right spec)
They can be specced with a switched low gear range (4x4 with low range adds about 6k to the price overall)

Downside, they have a 13m+ turning circle, but so does the LR
I'd look more like a pikey

So, any thoughts or experiences?

We are going down this route,purely and simply because we want it as a camper van aswell,planning on touring south of france,spain and the balerics this summer,boat behind,four of us,looking at the new iveco crew cab chassis and convert it ourselves with a ally box on the back,simple 4 berth,bog/shower and a cooker,big awning strapped on the side,looked at a new merc,stupid money,2nd hand ones like rockin horse shit,the county 4x4 all seem to be short to medium wheel base,couple of 2nd hand ones about,but not much room in them,aint got the ground clearance of the new iveco either,check them out,look the dogs in black.

[willk]

There's some handy camper conversion stuff on here

I'll check the Ivecos - thnx.

[Simon B]

Check this out;

Mogolian Hunting Wagon