Kerb weight

Wallywal’s Bob replied on 27/04/2019 14:20

Member

Wallywal’s Bob

Caravanner from Lincolnshire

Posted on 27/04/2019 14:20

I have noticed that some car manufacturers give two kerb weights.

One with the car empty.

One with the car, fluids, 90% fuel and 75Kg driver.

Which should be used when looking for an 85% match?

31 replies

Wildwood replied on 27/04/2019 15:38

Member

Wildwood

Caravanner from Lanarkshire

Posted on 27/04/2019 15:38

The second one is the one used in the calculation. It is however a recommendation for beginners and experienced towers have more room for manouver.

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Lutz replied on 27/04/2019 16:04

Lutz

Caravanner

Posted on 27/04/2019 15:38 by Wildwood

The second one is the one used in the calculation. It is however a recommendation for beginners and experienced towers have more room for manouver.

Posted on 27/04/2019 16:04

But the second one isn't according to the definition of kerbweight, as laid down in UK legislation. If it's with a 90% full tank and a 75kg allowance for the driver and sundry items then it is according to the definition of either mass in service or actual mass.

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replied on 27/04/2019 16:09

Posted on 27/04/2019 16:04 by Lutz

But the second one isn't according to the definition of kerbweight, as laid down in UK legislation. If it's with a 90% full tank and a 75kg allowance for the driver and sundry items then it is according to the definition of either mass in service or actual mass.

Posted on 27/04/2019 16:09

I agree that it may be so, but the version with 90% fuel and driver is the version that I use for my purposes. I have yet to see a driverles scar with an empty fuel tank tow a caravan any distance

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Wallywal’s Bob replied on 27/04/2019 19:17

Member

Wallywal’s Bob

Caravanner from Lincolnshire

Posted on 27/04/2019 19:17

Many thanks for the three clear replies.

They are most helpful and appreciated.

Lutz replied on 28/04/2019 08:28

Lutz

Caravanner

Posted on 27/04/2019 16:09 by

I agree that it may be so, but the version with 90% fuel and driver is the version that I use for my purposes. I have yet to see a driverles scar with an empty fuel tank tow a caravan any distance

Posted on 28/04/2019 08:28

But actually, if the manufacturer is quoting mass in service, then that figure could be less than kerbweight, especially if the car is loaded with lots of factory-fitted extras, even though it includes 75kg for the driver. This is because mass in service does not include those extras, but kerbweight does.

rutlandwarrior replied on 28/04/2019 10:30

rutlandwarrior

Caravanner

Posted on 28/04/2019 10:30

The only figure the police and insurance company go by is the maximum towing capacity so that's what I look at when buying a car

Tinwheeler replied on 28/04/2019 11:02

Tinwheeler

Campervanner from Cornwall

Posted on 28/04/2019 10:30 by rutlandwarrior

The only figure the police and insurance company go by is the maximum towing capacity so that's what I look at when buying a car

Posted on 28/04/2019 11:02

But, CG, the max towing weight refers to the car’s towing ability in certain conditions and not to a safe or sensible weight for towing a huge white box at 60 on the open road.

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Lutz replied on 28/04/2019 11:24

Lutz

Caravanner

Posted on 28/04/2019 11:02 by Tinwheeler

But, CG, the max towing weight refers to the car’s towing ability in certain conditions and not to a safe or sensible weight for towing a huge white box at 60 on the open road.

Posted on 28/04/2019 11:24

True, but who actually tows a fully laden caravan behind a car with just the driver aboard and no other payload?