Well, after asking advice ref towing with the 500 and checking all the kerb weights etc...
I had a westfalia removable tow bar fitted by Ambrow trailers in Christchurch. They have done an amazing job, when I went to pick it up, I thought they hadn't done it! It's great, can't even see the electric plug as it swivels up under the bumper.
Then down to Poole to pick up my tiny caravan, and doesn't it look cute?
The 500 dualogice towed it with little effort and it is only slightly wider than the car.
Will try to post a pic, but have not had much success in the past...

Can you fit in the caravan? That looks tiny !

Hehe - good on you!

Actually looks very sensible. I see no technical reason why that ensemble shouldn't be capable of proper speeds (60mph) and safe handling? Just a matter of keeping some weight on the drawbar by not loading too far aft? The extra-long wheelbase of the 500 (relative to its length) must help the stability. And, the small frontal area of the caravan should mean the aerodynamic impact is minimal compared to the usual box-on-wheels!

-Alex

Hi Steve, yes it is tiny, but the roof pops up and it's like a tardis inside...
I am being very careful with loading, nose weight etc. It seems to handle very well so far, very stable.
Looking forward to getting away in it now.
Franda

Woah, it's so dinky! Can you take some pics of the inside, I'm really curious now what it's like. Far better than sleeping in a tent I'm certain

Yes, far better than a tent.
Will try to post some pics if te site will let me...

Some more pics.

That's awesome, what model is that trailer?

It's an eriba puck. Unfortunately they are relatively expensive compared to standard caravans, due to their diminutive size, and they are made of a metal framework, with no wood to rot if they get damp. Which I am told is the biggest problem with older caravans.
I am absolutely amazed by it, I got rid of my bongo camper last year to get the 500, and whilst I don't regret the fiat, I miss getting away at weekends, and as sometimes I am on my own, I don't fancy the idea of a tent, want to be able to lock myself in!
Franda

Nice set up.
We had an Eriba Touring 530, a larger version of the Puck that we used to tow behind a Renault Scenic. Eribas are designed by an aircraft engineer with a low mass, rigid tubular spaceframe, aluminium clad. you'll find it tows an absolute dream, you'll find people interested in it wherever you go, and ther residuals are bomb proof too. If and when you ever sell it, you'll find you could have done with about three or four to sell!

Enjoy.

Well, I hope you're right about the residual. Mind you, I had great difficulty getting anywhere bidding on eBay, so I'm afraid I bit the bullet and had to pay dealers prices.
Oh well, very happy so far.

Franda said:

Hi Steve, yes it is tiny, but the roof pops up and it's like a tardis inside...
I am being very careful with loading, nose weight etc. It seems to handle very well so far, very stable.
Looking forward to getting away in it now.
Franda

Click to expand...

Would love to hear how you get on when you encounter any moderate hills. I take it your 500 has the 1200cc engine, and any info on increased mpg would also be useful. Have a great time with it, when it eventualy stops raining

Don't be silly Barney, I shall plan my route to avoid all hills.

Seriously though.....
No I haven't got the 1.2, I've got a Twinair. But, not sure if I'm correct here, I thought the Twinair has more power than the 1.2?

As for the weather, we were very lucky here yesterday, it was a very hot and sunny afternoon, but I suspect that was our summer!

Franda said:

Don't be silly Barney, I shall plan my route to avoid all hills.

Seriously though.....
No I haven't got the 1.2, I've got a Twinair. But, not sure if I'm correct here, I thought the Twinair has more power than the 1.2?

Click to expand...

Great pictures. Cute caravan and it looks quite roomy inside !

Not too sure if by fitting a wind deflector if it would help stability and economy whilst towing.
Also I would suggest disabling the S/S so that when you are stopped the turbo stays spinning for at last 2-3 minutes.

I nearly always disable the stop start anyway. Can't cope with the millisecond delay when turning right into a side road. I do enable it when I'm in stop start traffic though!

Oh My! We need to get ourselves one of these, are you aware do they come in black?

No, but a lot of people paint their vintage ones to match their car or vw camper!

hi is your fiat 500 a 1.2 and is the caravan lightweight. looks great

This is T@bitha being pulled by our 1.2 !! We love her !!!



Loads of space for us and the dogs!!

It's cuuuuute!

Ralf S.