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Apologies if this has already been asked elsewhere :)

My car has a maximum towing weight of 1050kg on the log book (kerb weight is around 1500kg but the car seems to have an uncharacteristically low max towing weight, much lower than the 85% recommended kerb weight ratio).

I have been looking for a 2 berth caravan.  I have seen some nice ones with unladen weights of around 850kg.  However these vans seem to have MTPLM of around 1100kg.

My question is if i were to buy one of these caravans and be very careful with loading to ensure that i didnt go over my cars 1050kg max would it be illegal as the caravan has a higher MTPLM (even though i wouldnt actually be loading it to this degree)??

Any advice much appreciated.  The last thing i want to do is commit to buying something that i cant legally tow.

Don't even go there. Let the car pull around 85% of the cars kerb weight. Your proposal may sound fine till you are going up hill and maybe hit lights and have to do a hill start. Its not all about weight...its about pulling power in different circumstances...its about safety....

Phil

If you go for an older 2 berth they can come in around the MTPLM of 1000kg. That's what mine is. Newer vans tend to be heavier, unless you go for the small Elddis just brought out.

Quote: Originally posted by cwdc56768 on 11/3/2011

Don't even go there. Let the car pull around 85% of the cars kerb weight...

Phil

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First, it's illegal.

Second, it's just not up to the job.

Don't do it.

Jim

Quote: Originally posted by Supatramp on 12/3/2011

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Finally, manufacturers usually set a low max towing weight for a reason.

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Quote: Originally posted by Grampian91 on 12/3/2011

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Not found clear information on this bit.

BUT if you were pulled over they would know the cars max tow is 1050 and the caravan plate shows 1200kg.
Whether it weight 1050 or more is not the point its the plated weight.

Depends if you want the risk. Personally its 50kg over your maximum tow and you should not buy it.

Imagine getting pulled and they say the same thing, The max laden weight is the figure they go by. How will you get to your destination?
How much will it cost you to get the van moved?

How many points on your licence after + fines?

Expensive 50kg.

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Quote: Originally posted by Greendemon315 on 12/3/2011

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First, it's illegal.

Second, it's just not up to the job.

Don't do it.

Jim

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Quote: Originally posted by Supatramp on 12/3/2011

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My understanding is that it's the vehicle's Gross Train Weight that is the legal weight which the police enforce, and if you've got a low Max Towing Weight then you'd be snookered if stopped by the police.

Also, there might be insurance issues if you were involved in an accident while having an over-weight outfit.

Finally, manufacturers usually set a low max towing weight for a reason.

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Quote: Originally posted by jennifernn on 11/3/2011

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As far as I am aware, you do need to use the plated MTPLM, not the actual weight you load it to.

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