Confused with figures

I'm not from the police or DVLA.  From all my years towing various caravans with various tow cars, I had always believed that the manufacture's limit was the physical possibility without harm to the car whilst the 85% "rule" was about safe towing, with something (a caravan) which is not altogether aerodynamic or stable.  We always worked within the 85% limit.  Even then, we had one car/caravan combination which even as experienced towers, we didnt feel was safe.  Too much sway - however we loaded.  We eventually concluded it was a long overhang in the car (it was an estate car), and a rear fixed bed in the van.  We changed the car.

To my mind the manufacturers' maximum trailer weight is the most confusing and pointless figure ever quoted. I'm sure it is only there to make the unsuspecting buyer believe it is a good tow vehicle. It is a figure derived, I believe, from tests in perfect conditions and doesn't take into consideration things like getting stopped on a hill and then trying to move off again. I have always thought of it as the point at which the trailer pulls the tow bar off the car. 

The ideal MTPLM of your caravan, based on the empty weight of your car is 1330kg or up to 1565kg if you are an experienced and confident tower.

For your 1642kg caravan (I'm assuming that is the MTPLM), your car's kerb weight should be no less than 1642kg or preferably 1932kg.

Hope this helps a bit.

You seem to have started a second thread, Armourer. Check out your first thread where much had been explained.

https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-together/discussions/information-technical-tips-advice/towcars-towing/help-required/

No i am not however i can understand why some are when ‘85’% and ‘100%’ are referred to as though they are legal requirements. What is sensible or safe and what is legal are different. The UK is the only country where caravaners get their collective underwear knotted falsely believing 85% or whatever is a law that if broken will kill you and every other driver around you. The alleged rules are based on research now approaching 40 years old and with accident data, vehicles and caravans even older. Would i tow above 100%? Maybe, maybe not, depends on the set up in its entirety. I now tow around 75/80% simply because that is how my outfit has turned out. For those of a nervous disposition i wouldnt read any further.......Whisper it quietly bur Previously i towed around 100-105% (i never weighed the car when in road/towing use) and hell hasnt frozen over and the sun will still rise in the morning.