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see ie.

http://www.cuddles.abelgratis.net/ford.htm#galaxy02

the gross weight or MTPLM of the caravan needs to be 85% of your cars kerb weight.

Quote: Originally posted by nitnat on 11/9/2012

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Sorry I am new to all this, but we are looking to get a caravan and needs to establish which vehicle can tow it, and in turn what towing cavity the vehicles have.

Legally you can tow upto the weights displayed on the manufacturers plate. (assuming you hold the correct licence)

The GW (Gross weight) is the maximum weight your vehicle can legally be on UK roads. It includes passengers, load, fuel etc.

The GTW (Gross train weight) is the maximum weight your combination can legally be, ie car (inc load) and trailer (inc load)

Behicle 1) Ford Galaxy 2.2....GW 2505 GTW 4255, am I right in beleiving that we could tow something up to 1750...but taking into account the85% rule that would leave it at 1487?

Assuming you passed your test before 1/1/97 you can legally tow upto 1750 kgs. The 85% is only a guide.
If you passed after 1/1/97 then you are limited to 995 kgs.

Second vehicle Ford Transit T280DCIV GW2800 GTW 3500 so could tow up to 700..which is pretty useless for us!

The Transit has been deliberately downplated by the manufacturer to remain under the 3500 kgs ceiling for tachograph regulations, and although it could physically tow a lot more, you can legally only tow 700 kgs

Have I calculated that correct? I have read many websites but don't quite understand it!

Yes its correct.

What 6 berth family caravans are out there that meet to 1487 assuming I am right?

The 1487 kgs is only a recommendation

Sorry!

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A 2009 2.2 Galaxy should be a fantastic towcar. You have 175 hp, bags of torque & a very acomplished chassis. Apart from slight traction issues on wet grass (same with all 2wd cars, also 4wd cars with road tyres) you have one of the best towcars available this side of a Discovery 3/4.

I tow a 1480kg caravan with a 2.0 TDCi Mondeo and it is a great towcar.

From the figures you quote when the Galaxy is loaded to its maximum you can still legally tow 1750kg. Also from mid 08 onwards the Galaxy gained the same 90kg noseweight limit the Mondeo now has.

From this website http://www.choozer.co.uk/cardetail.php?id=794

The car has a 1840kg kerb weight.  Using the 85% guide you can tow a 1564kg caravan.

N.B. I would not rely on third party kerb weight info, so the easiest thing would be to take the empty car (with 90% fuel & a driver) to a weigh bridge and find out the real weight. My gut feeling is it will be a fair bit more than 1840kg.