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Quote: Originally posted by audicab26 on 08/6/2013

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We recently replaced our Passat tow car with an Xtrail. The Nissan seems happier than the Passat ever did even though the Passat was a good match if a tiny bit over the 85% guide (not rule). I guess it's heavier, has more grip and more power, all of which make it more relaxing to tow with. I also find manoeuvring easier sitting higher.

I have not been towing caravans for long and not wishing to be the subject on a traffic bulletin I am really OCD around tyre pressures (car and van), checking nose weight, and loading etc. And we don't move off till it looks like its sitting right! The caravan and car are kept serviced too. These are just as important as any other safety measures.

You just need to make sure the car weighs more than the MPTLM of your van - the bigger the margin the better. If your van is 1800kgs then you need something big to drag it around with.

Manufacturers towing 'limits' are a little misleading, they just advise what a car can pull without breaking. It's not a safe or legal limit though as far as I can tell, as more often than not the figure far exceeds the kerb weight of the car.

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Quote: Originally posted by Bignose+jo on 09/6/2013

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What would interesting to know is what are the percentages that people tow at with their outfits and how stable do they find it?

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Quote: Originally posted by Bignose+jo on 08/6/2013

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If you tow with a 4x4, do you apply the 85% rule still or does the extra grip/stability allow you to go higher?
What do people think?

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