Tow car question

In my opinion that is not a sensible tow car for a caravan of that weight. 

The max towing weight of the car is a figure achieved under certain test conditions and simply means it is capable of towing that weight in the test, not that it is a safe or sensible thing to do on the M6 in a cross wind at 60mph. I think you run a considerable risk of the tail wagging the dog with that set up.

Ultimately it's your decision, of course, but I'd not do it.

 

Go for it. In reality the kerb weight will probably be higher, you are perfectly legal and let those whose heads come unscrewed with all the tu-tutting and head shaking at towing over 85% get on with it. It is just as important - if not more so - to ensure the GTW is not exceeded, the nose weight is legal, the tyre pressures are correct, the weight is distributed and speed limits adhered to. No one in Germany or most other parts of EUland take any notice of the quaint UK obsession with weight ratios. 

I trust you were not implying I was tutting about the 85% ratio, FC, because I never mentioned it and I don’t know why you made that snipey comment. I simply do not believe the Sportage to be the correct tow car for that heavy caravan. 

It is definitely more important the check the GTW is not exceeded because that is a legal requirement.

If the car is a 2,0ltr diesel you should be ok as it is a TA van is quite stable ,if it is the 2,0petrol version then not so sure we have the sportage kx4 2.0ltr diesel  auto and it is a fine tow car ,we had the 2.0ltrpetrol version for 3weeks as it  soon ran out out of puff and drank fuel

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 ... Also the car is a push button handbrake system, any issues anyone has found with towing with this type of system please?

I can't see how any kind of hand/parking/emergency brake, electrical or otherwise, can have any impact on towing .... anyway -  it'll probably auto release.

EmilysDad,

all of my previous cars have had a standard push button lever handbrake, but my Audi A3 has an auto hold non traditional handbrake. When I stop using the footbrake the handbrake engages and stays engaged until I pull off whereby it automatically releases. It is an absolute revelation, especially when you have a van on the back.

Owners of auto gearbox cars say they would not go back to a manual. Well that is how it feels to me with this type of handbrake.

 

Colin

Re the car we choose the car and then the van has to fit with that. If the Sportage is what you fancy, and will be able to do what you need and be legal, then why go for something else that is a ‘compromise’ just to get something heavier?

Re handbrake-back in 2012 I specified Hill Hold assist on my Audi Q5. It is a driver aid that actually does help, and way beyond its then £57 price tag, and I think is now standard.

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Almost all my cars have had a traditional hand brake too bar my current Merc with an electric 'hand brake' and its predecessor (another Merc) which had a foot operated parking brake. My electric brake is NOT automatically applied when I stop, but I have the option of engaging HOLD which uses the main braking system, not the parking brake, but in normal driving I almost never use it, it might get used if I park on a steep-ish hill to save the PARK pawl. Regardless of HOLD, I have a left foot if I need a hill start.

When you talk to recovery staff, they say they attend to loads of vehicles where the electric brake has not disengaged & the vehicle is stranded. They are the answer to a problem that never existed.