Car towing limit
29 replies
replied on 24/01/2020 23:51
Posted on 24/01/2020 22:33 by LutzOK, but the sources that recommend a 85% weight ratio base their recommendation on kerbweight and that, by definition, doesn't include the driver. (Just being pedantic - not that it makes that much difference).
allanandjean replied on 25/01/2020 08:46
Posted on 25/01/2020 08:46
i want to be able to tow a twin axle van that is 1705kg fully loaded...
Then I think you would be well advised to choose another car but, as that's possibly not an option, maybe a lighter caravan!
I have towed at near 100% but one thing that I was never entirely sure of was the fully laden weight and your figure of 1705kg might quite easily be exceeded when, even if its spot on, you are still looking at something weighing a considerable amount more than the car.
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Lutz replied on 25/01/2020 10:53
Posted on 24/01/2020 23:51 byThey do state that but I disagree with that as illogical in the same way as not to include any added permanent fixture such as a tow bar is illogical. I have no idea what was included when the original source 85% figure was determined way back when
Posted on 25/01/2020 10:53
You're right, it is a trifle illogical, but then the sources that make the recommendation shouldn't refer to kerbweight (which isn't documented anywhere), but to the actual weight of the vehicle. Otherwise, they should state the conditions under which the weight is determined.
Actual weight, by definition, includes all ex-works fittings, a 90% full tank and 75kg for the driver. It still wouldn't include the towbar if it was dealer fitted because the vehicle manufacturer wouldn't know about it when he documents that weight in the Certificate of Conformity. The only problem is that in the UK very few owners seem to be issued with that certificate, so the only option is for the owner to have the car weighed himself or to request a copy of the CoC.
lornalou1 replied on 25/01/2020 11:24
Posted on 25/01/2020 11:24
the weight of the towbar fitted to any vehicle would come off the cars payload weight so kerbweight and max axle weight just like a caravan give your payload and would state the max axle weight on one of the door pillars or under the bonnet. anything added to car comes of your payload for that car,
replied on 25/01/2020 11:28
Lutz replied on 25/01/2020 13:22
Posted on 25/01/2020 11:24 by lornalou1the weight of the towbar fitted to any vehicle would come off the cars payload weight so kerbweight and max axle weight just like a caravan give your payload and would state the max axle weight on one of the door pillars or under the bonnet. anything added to car comes of your payload for that car,
Tigi replied on 25/01/2020 19:02
Posted on 24/01/2020 20:13 by TigiYou might like to tow a twin axle at 1705Kg but most sensible caravanners will advise you against it, the general concensus is not to exceed 85% of the kerbweight if you do not have a lot of experience and never exceed 100%. If you read reviews from Club Magazines, Practical Caravan etc a caravan of that weight generally requires a substantial towcar. The towing limit given by a manufacturer is based around the cars ability to start from standstill on a gradient of 4.5% (4.5% is off the top of my head and may be incorrect) its the mechanical ability and not an indication of how safe it is to tow a given weight.
lornalou1 replied on 25/01/2020 19:09
Lutz replied on 25/01/2020 20:25
Posted on 25/01/2020 19:02 by TigiCorrection should be 12.5% gradient. Regardless of the exact figure the manufactures towing limit is essentially to do with mechanical issues and not safe or sensible issues.
Posted on 25/01/2020 20:25
Basing towing load limits solely on the requirement to be able to perform a set number of restarts on an incline would shed a very poor light on any manufacturer. We certainly also carried out braking and handling tests to arrive at representative figures. That said, whether an outfit is safe or not, depends on adjusting one's driving to suit the conditions more than any absolute limit set by the manufacturer, because that limit only applies to ideal conditions.
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