Advertisement
Message Forums |
|
Topic: kerb weight
|
Page: 1 2
|
06/7/2020 at 7:57pm
Location: Midlands Outfit: 2019 VW Arteon + 2002 Avondale Dart
View Profile
Reply
Quote
|
Joined: 10/5/2016 Platinum Member
Forum Posts: 557
Site Reviews Total: | 27 |
|
Site Reviews 2024: | 0 |
Site Reviews 2023: | 0 |
Site Reviews 2022: | 0 |
Site Reviews 2021: | 3 |
Site Reviews 2020: | 3 |
Site Reviews 2019: | 4 |
Site Reviews 2018: | 3 |
|
Site Nights 2024: | 0 |
Site Nights 2023: | 0 |
Site Nights 2022: | 0 |
Site Nights 2021: | 16 |
Site Nights 2020: | 16 |
Site Nights 2019: | 13 |
Site Nights 2018: | 3 |
|
Hi Drummer59
It's less daunting than it probably sounds to you. On the understanding that your licence is pre-1997 and that weight restrictions therefore aren't an issue, there are two things you need to consider:
- Legally, the actual towed weight of any trailer (not necessarily the MTPLM, although caravans have fairly small payloads so they'll probably be close in reality) cannot exceed the car's maximum towing limit. This will normally be stated on the V5 document, but if you don't have access to that you can work it out from the car's VIN plate, which will give two figures. The lower figure is the car's maximum gross weight (i.e. the maximum permissible weight of the car when fully loaded). The higher figure is the 'gross train weight' which is the maximum permissible weight of the car and a trailer combined. Subtract the first figure from the second to get the towing limit.
- Sensibly, the actual weight of a caravan should not exceed the car's kerb weight, even if the towing limit permits it. A recommendation for 'novice' towers is that the weight of the caravan should be limited to about 85% of the kerb weight, but in reality you're unlikely to notice a few 10s of kgs either way. Say 1100-1150kg based on the kerb weight of 1305kg that you have given.
As Colin says, most modern caravans are heavier than that although there will still be a few that you can pick from. However, many older caravans are lighter and will still be perfectly serviceable and be fitted with everything you need.
From my own previous experience of a VW Passat and Touran with the same 1.6 TDI engine as the Skoda, it will cope with the caravan on the back but is no ball of fire performance-wise. If you can stretch to the 2.0 TDI version of the same car it will tow much more comfortably and barely use any more fuel when driven solo.
------------- "Don't wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect."
|
|
|
4957 Visitors online !
Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite
[Message Forums]
[Caravan Sites & Camping]
[Company Listings]
[Features / Advice]
[Virtual Brochure]
[Shop!]
[Reception]
[Competitions]
[Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]
[Event Diary]
[Contact Us]
[Tent Reviews]
Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024
|
Advertisement
|
|
|