thanks again, bit more info. Plate in the doorstep of car has 2 weights on it, 2685 kg and 1685 kg. Few other numbers but no other info. Max laden weight of caravan is 1060kg. If 1685 is the max towing capacity for the car, 85% is about 1400kgs or thereabouts, so am I legally ok to tow it? I realise its going to be slow blah blah, I am purely worried about getting nicked.
I think the bigger number is the gross weigth a nd the lower is the kerbweight s othings seem legal I towed 1000 kilos with mine so all should be well for you good luck
The two weights you quote are the gross vehicle weight of the car & the gross train weight (weight of car & van combined).
The difference is the amount a fully laden car can tow.
Remember that you don't tow your nose weight, that has to be included in your vehicle weight. Therefore if you have 60kg nose weight you can tow the caravan at its max weight.
thanks again, how do i find out what the nose weight is please? i wish i could get a definitive answer some things say its ok, others say its too heavy. Is there anyone i can ask in the police or dvla to get a deffo yes or no please?
Barry, the weight plate figures you quoted are the legal limits. They are the definitive answers & the only thing VOSA will look at if there is an issue.
Your car handbook should state the nose weight limit. Failing that your towbar bracket (not the removable towball if you have one of those) should have a plate or a sticker on it. The s value is the max rated nose weight for the towbar assembly. More than likely you will have to clamber under the car to read it.
The quoted noseweight(towbar download)figure for any car is not a legal requirement, just a guide to prevent rear axle overload. There is no way it can be accurately checked anyway so not enforceable by law, if you are stopped & weighed it will be with a portable axle weigher, noseweight won't come into it. About 60kg-ish should be ok for your car should be ok & easily achievable with your caravan.
thanks tentz, i think i am going to risk it for a biscuit short term,and as and when funds allow illm get a bigger car. I am hooked on caravanning now and not going back to canvas! Appreciate all the help guys, see you soon! :)