Towing capacities

The max towing/legal towing weights refer to the car's maximum ability to tow an object in certain conditions. It does not mean it is capable of towing a big white box safely at 60mph or that it will have the power to get you up steep hills or to be able to stop easily or to cope with sidewinds. It does not mean it is sensible, or safe, to tow that weight. That’s why the 85% recommendation exists.

Don't forget to heed the max noseweight the car can cope with and ensure the caravan is a good match in that respect as well.

Opinion is divided as to whether twin axle vans are steadier when towing. Their disadvantages are that they are generally heavier than single axle models (although this will probably give you a more generous payload) and are more tricky to manoeuvre. Most people find a motor mover very useful, or even essential, on a twin axle van but, of course, that mover will eat into the payload.

I can’t answer the question of how many folk tow at whatever weights but my instinct has always been to have a big heavy tug towing a van well within its weight capabilities. Think of avoiding the tail wagging the dog and of being able to stop safely in the event of an emergency - that’s my advice.

 Good luck with your choice.

twin axles are more stable than single but a hell of a lot heavier. 85% is a recommendation from the clubs and NCC but nothing to stop you towing at 100% but usually thats for experienced towers. if you have 4 kids in the car then don't go there, thier life in your hands sorry to say. there are 6 berth single axles out there  but might be worth changing car to say a 7 seat santa fe to give more options on van size and weights.

We tow a Coachman VIP replated to a max loaded weight of 1800kg with a Land Rover Discovery Sport which means we are well into 90+ percent if the caravan is fully loaded. The LR pulls beautifully BUT I have nearly 40 years towing experience and take no chances, sticking to 60mph max, taking it easy on downhill stretches, choosing level roads or slight uphills to overtake vehicles such as car transporters which generate instability, and so on. 

Twin axles are generally regarded as more stable to tow than single axles - unless it is a Continental manufacturer with their longer 'A' frames. Both are heavier vans and require a larger tow vehicle, particularly for the novice.

Good advice has been given earlier in this post and I would only add it may be very beneficial to you to attend one of the Club's towing courses. There's also the Technical department you could call.

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We are towing a T/A max weight 1900kg with a VW Touareg, so we are at around 90%, it tows very well, better than  our previous Volvo XC90 as the engine is much more powerful.  Glad we changed.

If you need a 6 berth, you are probably going to be carrying a lot of stuff, both in the van and the car, so I would not skimp on the tow vehicle, there are only 2 of us but we still manage to use up most of our payload.

I would say you will need a heavier and more powerful tow car.

Having moved from a single axle to a twin 10 years back, I have found the twin is much more stable.

Thank you for all your replies, we've no choice in changing the car as we're restricted by our employers car policy and need the 7 seats, must be 119mg/co2 or below.

There are a few lightweight vans around 85-90% so we'll keep the shortlist to those

I hope they supply the car then as I would not be told by any employer what and what not I can drive.

They do indeed.  It's either a company car or a cash alternative, both have to meet the same emission requirements.  It's a big utility company who do actually care about the environment.  

A company car allowance is put simply, cash paid to the employee instead of a company car, ie. a pay rise and as such it is up to you which vehicle you spend it on.