Towing capacities

Tuppers49 replied on 13/11/2018 22:08

Tuppers49

Posted on 13/11/2018 22:08

Hello all, we're new to both the club and caravanning and are confused with towing recommendations to what's safe and legal.

We're in the market for a van and need a 6 berth so options are fairly limited due to our tow car, a VW Touran. It's figures are...

Kerb Weight 1615kg, so the recommended 85% rule gives a MTPLM of 1372kg, however the cars manual says a max trailer weight of 1800kg for 12% gradients and the cars VIN plate confirms this as 1825kg which would be its legal limit. This is 113% of the kerb weight.

I guess my question is how many owners tow close to the 100% kerb weight or even over it? Does a twin axle tow better at 100% than a single axle at 90%?

Thanks in advance

48 replies

lornalou1 replied on 24/01/2019 12:15

lornalou1

Caravanner from Lancashire

Posted on 24/01/2019 08:08 by Tinwheeler

Not so, DS3. The kerb weight will always be the kerb weight. Loading the car will not alter that or the % but by loading the car and towing a heavy van you could be in danger of exceeding the gross train weight.

The scenario you quote is quite different as the Disco is well capable of towing more than it’s kerb weight and, providing the GTW and the vehicle’s max allowable towing weight aren’t exceeded, there shouldn’t be a problem. However, someone towing a caravan with the average family car is advised to consider the 85% of kerbweight recommendation. Overloading the car will not increase kerbweight but doing so and towing in excess of 85% could be a recipe for disaster.

Posted on 24/01/2019 12:15

quite agree Tin. Adding load in the car just uses up you allowable payload and doesn't add to the kerb weight.

replied on 24/01/2019 12:20

Posted on 24/01/2019 12:15 by lornalou1

quite agree Tin. Adding load in the car just uses up you allowable payload and doesn't add to the kerb weight.

Posted on 24/01/2019 12:20

But may add to stability.

Tow my caravan empty and it will tend to become twitchy at speeds tow laden and fine. Admittedly mainly due to reduced noseweight

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lornalou1 replied on 24/01/2019 19:30

lornalou1

Caravanner from Lancashire

Posted on 24/01/2019 12:20 by

But may add to stability.

Tow my caravan empty and it will tend to become twitchy at speeds tow laden and fine. Admittedly mainly due to reduced noseweight

Posted on 24/01/2019 19:30

also agree ET. I think its a trial and error situation that people should do when they first start towing, as long as they stay within the laws. like you say, nose weight, vehicle weight, loading etc etc. everyone will have there own towing set-up that they feel is right, as long as they stay safe.

Wildwood replied on 25/01/2019 12:08

Member

Wildwood

Caravanner from Lanarkshire

Posted on 25/01/2019 12:08

The caravan will be more twitchy empty as side winds will be able to push the lighter weight more easily. The problem however is that when the caravan is laden then if a problem occurs it will be more difficult to save the situation as the weight of the car in comparison to the caravan is reduced.

lornalou1 replied on 25/01/2019 12:46

lornalou1

Caravanner from Lancashire

Posted on 25/01/2019 12:08 by Wildwood

The caravan will be more twitchy empty as side winds will be able to push the lighter weight more easily. The problem however is that when the caravan is laden then if a problem occurs it will be more difficult to save the situation as the weight of the car in comparison to the caravan is reduced.

Posted on 25/01/2019 12:46

that's why there's an 85% towing recommendation.

LeTouriste replied on 30/01/2019 15:14

Member

LeTouriste

Caravanner

Posted on 30/01/2019 15:14

I have had two VW Tourans - both 1.9 litre diesel TDI. The maximum towing limit is 1500 kg. I towed caravans with a MPTLM of 1436 kg and had no problems over a period of 13 years. No reliability issues either. Only changed because I finally got a VW Caravelle - a vehicle I have always been aiming for. Otherwise, the Tourans were the best all round cars I ever had.

xtrailman replied on 30/01/2019 20:55

xtrailman

Caravanner from South Yorkshire

Posted on 25/01/2019 12:46 by lornalou1

that's why there's an 85% towing recommendation.

Posted on 30/01/2019 20:55

Yes for beginners.

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Cushie replied on 11/02/2019 17:14

Member

Cushie

Motorhomer from Dorset

Posted on 11/02/2019 17:14

Some interesting comments above.

I remember a public discussion at a Practical Caravan Rally where a distinguished CC technical representative made a worthwhile comment, " its not always the towing which is a problem its the STOPPING" !