Quote: Originally posted by Paul + Wendy on 05/7/2006
The big problem here isnt the 85% rule its the macho twat that says he can pull anything and then when he comes unstuck says ah well its insured. To exceed advisory limits is stupid and very lazy.
Of course it is!
It is beyond my understanding why anyone would exceed the reccomended figures. Shame it's not law, as I want to be protected from others stupidity and arrogance!
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"If I let go of what I am, I can become what I might be".
".....until they endanger yours or someone elses life..."
....bit late then...
and what's that saying? "Prevention is better than cure" - especially if there's no cure.....
As for -
"1.2 Car Manufacturer's Towing Limit
While in principle you can tow a caravan up to this limit, you should bear in mind that in many cases this figure is based primarily on a hill start test, and is not therefore an indication of acceptable (or even necessarily safe) performance under other towing conditions, such as motorway driving."
- I interpret that as saying that's the maximum a car can start up a hill only - that weight may or may not be safe elsewhere....
and as I said before, it's not only other peoples' skins, it's also mine....
Gram
Post last edited on 05/07/2006 16:01:22
Post last edited on 05/07/2006 16:02:23
------------- What's the difference between a chicken?
But Gram and Jeepster,
currently it is like me saying to you I recommend that to improve road safety you only travel at 4 miles per hour and must have a man in front of you with a red flag! There is a balance to be struck here and after a huge amount of debate on this subject on this and many other forums no-one has yet been able to identify where this 85% guidline has come from and what it is based on. So while I am not (nor have I ever said) to ignore it, it is not a fact based rule that should never be broken more a common sense advisory.
I also feel strongly that some of the members on here are rude and extreme in their judgement particularly Paul + Wendy when they accuse anyone who dares to exceed the 85% rule of being a macho T**T.
As i haved towed many miles over the years with many different cars and vans,i do think the 85% rule is a very rough guide.Iv'e lost count the number of times i have seen 4 wheel drives towing very small vans,but having difficulty keeping their riggs in a straight line! To me the most important thing is the loading of the van and the right speed for the conditions.
Quote: Originally posted by Paul + Wendy on 05/7/2006
The big problem here isnt the 85% rule its the macho twat that says he can pull anything and then when he comes unstuck says ah well its insured. To exceed advisory limits is stupid and very lazy.
Of course it is!
It is beyond my understanding why anyone would exceed the reccomended figures. Shame it's not law, as I want to be protected from others stupidity and arrogance!
Quote: Originally posted by Sparky1958 on 03/7/2006
50 mph on single roads and 60 mph on Dual Carraigeways and Motorways is the law.
Yes Sparky, is this still the limit though when the caravan is heavier than the car? I always thought the speed limit for vehicles in this category was reduced to 40mph. I've searched around but can't find a site that answers the question.
Anyway Matty,
In answer to your question,
No the sky wont fall in on you, but I wouldn't tell some of the members on here that you had exceeded the golden unwritten rule or they might arrange for you to be struck down by lightning.....
Seriously though, as long as you are sensible, load the van safely, keep within the max weight and speed limits, then I'm sure you will be fine.
There are many sensible caravanners out there who for one reason or another have exceeded the 85% new to towing recommendation and who drive sensibly and will never cause an accident and there are plenty of morons that will cause accidents with or without caravans (whatever their weight ratio).
I hope you find a suitable van and have many years of happy touring without bumping into the type of person expressing their unbending, uninformed views on here.
Quote: Originally posted by Basilbrush on 05/7/2006
Quote: Originally posted by Sparky1958 on 03/7/2006
50 mph on single roads and 60 mph on Dual Carraigeways and Motorways is the law.
Yes Sparky, is this still the limit though when the caravan is heavier than the car? I always thought the speed limit for vehicles in this category was reduced to 40mph. I've searched around but can't find a site that answers the question.
BB
Refer to The Highway Code. The lower 40 mph limit applies to Commercial Vehicles over 7.5 tonnes MLW. The weight of the trailer or caravan being towed by a car (car derived van or motorcycle) is not relevant to speed limits.
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.