Trailer or A Frame - Up!

[sitesurfer]

As some will know I spent some time at Lincoln Show garnering opinion from a couple of stands about towing our new Up!

Having come home and now in the position to do something about it - I find myself still trying to come to terms with the whole kaboodle.

The A frame has some real positives for storage, neatness and simplicity, but requires me to have work done to the front of the car and it sounded a bit serious with welding suggested.

On the other hand, a small trailer would mean no modifications to the car, could use in Europe (however unlikely that actually is) but would be a royal pain to store between uses.

We bought the Up! new, to replace an estate car and to be our run about at home too. It’s on PCP (hence a bit nervous about drilling holes) but am likely to simply keep it afterwards.

What’s the collectives thoughts on this? Should I leave it unmarked and trailer it, or is it a reasonable thing to do with a car and finance companies generally don’t mind. (I’ve not asked them and I should).

The costs are about the same. A towbar is needed whatever we do, I have seen small trailers at about 1800 and have been offered the A Frame plus conversion for about 1200. Don’t need a new trailer of course.

Input appreciated from those who have done this and can offer experience.

Motorhome is F70, up plated to 4.1 tonne with airbags - so train weight should be ok.

Thanks.

 

[the1andonly]

Genuine question, why do people have the expense of a motorhome, when they tow a car and use it like a caravan? I.e. park at a site and not move until you leave, using the car. Why not have a caravan at half the price?

THINK about it , you need a tow car. I cant tow anything with an UP not even a 3x4 trailer. That is just one point. There are a dozen variables and people use them in different ways. When i had 3 boys to cart about we had a large family cars Audi 100 and A6 and Towed a Pennine folding camper (Fitted in Garage). Boys leave home , Bongo comes to live with us , so did various awnings and still had the peninine perfect space for 1 night to a fortnight. As life conditions change we can adjust the way we live, more than one way to skin a cat.
ps any good recipies for c**.
Very like rabbit i've been told.

 

[Kboothby]

Versatility is key, we have just traded up from a 5.8m 4 berth to a 7.4m 4 berth. The older bus was handily sized for use as a (almost) daily driver, the new bus not so. The tow car fits the bill in more than one way, handy for nipping down country lanes and tight village streets, makes an excellent commuter car as opposed to my 15mpg Nissan Elgrand and handy for a dash to the off-licence shops without uprooting the whole family. When holidaying I have the option of not taking the tow car, I wouldn't have the option of not taking a caravan.

 

[Shrimp]

Genuine question, why do people have the expense of a motorhome, when they tow a car and use it like a caravan? I.e. park at a site and not move until you leave, using the car. Why not have a caravan at half the price?

It all depends on what you want out of your holiday/visit, also on your level of health, and don’t forget the ones that full time, not many sites are within reach of shops and for a weekly shop you need a car!

 

[Jimuck]

Had a tow car for about 6 maths now and can't think of any reason why I shouldn't have it. Flexibility when on a campsite, only costs me about 1 to 1.5 mpg on motorhome and you wouldn't know it was there when towing.
Electronic a- frame is the easiest way as well although a bit more expensive. 10 mins to attach and even less to disconnect and put in boot of small car.