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Subject Topic: towing using a 1.4 ford fusion Post Reply Post New Topic
03/3/2013 at 10:27pm
 Location: Newport
 Outfit: Trailer tent
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Hi.

I have a ford fusion 1.4 diesel which I've used to pull a conway challenger 750kg max.

I want to buy a pennine camper, the Sterling for example has an ex works of 640kg and max of 900kg.

The suggested tow weight for my car is 750kg (but that is less than 85% of kerb weight), would I be able to tow the Sterling as ex works weight and put extras in the car, eg awning, gas bottle etc?.

 



03/3/2013 at 10:43pm
 Location:  lincolnshire
 Outfit: N A
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As you have stated you can only tow 750kg max so i don"t think it a good idea of buying a Sterling .
The other thing is change your car and then you might have the perfect match ..


04/3/2013 at 3:11pm
 Location: Blackburn Lancashire
 Outfit: Coachman Laser 650 and Discovery
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I don't think it's legal to do hat you suggest, although I stand to be corrected.

Jim


04/3/2013 at 6:39pm
 Location: Newport
 Outfit: Trailer tent
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It is legal to tow up to 750kg, the question is, can I tow a camper at ex works weight and put extra in the car.

The point is if I towed a conway of 740kg (10kg below suggested wieght), it's legal, and put luggage in back of car of say 70kg, legal.

What is stopping me towing a pennine with a weight of 640kg with 90kg weight in car.



04/3/2013 at 6:45pm
 Location: Blackburn Lancashire
 Outfit: Coachman Laser 650 and Discovery
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I believe it works on the maximum allowed weight, not what it actually weighs. You should check that.
If that is true, you can't tow anything with that car if it has an MTPLM greater than 750kg.
Remember the car also has maximum loads for each axle, as well as a maximum train weight.

Jim


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04/3/2013 at 6:55pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Coachman Pastiche
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I understand that roadside checks generally involve comparing the plated weights. If the plate states the Conway has a max weight of 900 kg and the car can only tow 750 kg then as far as the plated weights are concerned you are running an illegal combination. If you get stopped then the very least you can expect is to be escorted to a weighbridge and you may well find that because the plated weights are illegal you will just be prosecuted on the spot without even having the trip to the weigh bridge.

I wouldn't take the risk.


04/3/2013 at 10:12pm
 Location: Llanidloes Powys
 Outfit: Skoda Yeti SEL4x4 +Bailey Ranger 460-4
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Quote: Originally posted by DaveCoaches on 04/3/2013
I understand that roadside checks generally involve comparing the plated weights. If the plate states the Conway has a max weight of 900 kg and the car can only tow 750 kg then as far as the plated weights are concerned you are running an illegal combination. If you get stopped then the very least you can expect is to be escorted to a weighbridge and you may well find that because the plated weights are illegal you will just be prosecuted on the spot without even having the trip to the weigh bridge.

I wouldn't take the risk.



You also risk having both car and caravan impounded or even confiscated.



06/3/2013 at 8:07pm
 Location: Kent Coast
 Outfit: Adria Action + Xtrail
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Don't understand "Suggested weight", is there not a Maximum towing weight stated in the hand book??...Mick


06/3/2013 at 8:14pm
 Location: Bolton Lancs
 Outfit: Bailey Orion 430-4 & Mitsubishi PHEV
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A 1.4 diesel engine is not exactly endowed with power


06/3/2013 at 10:21pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
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What do you mean not endowed... Its got 67 raging horses..   


As long as they dont wish to pull the skin off rice puddings or towing a balloon or similar, Then its an OK car.

My parents hated theirs so much they took it back and lost a packet of money on it and bought a golf.





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07/3/2013 at 4:32pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Coachman Pastiche
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Quote: Originally posted by Grampian91 on 06/3/2013

What do you mean not endowed... Its got 67 raging horses..   





That's slightly more than a Triumph Herald with 61 rather tired horses


07/3/2013 at 11:43pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
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Triumph would have been a lot lighter, So a higher power to weight ratio.

My moneys on the triumph in a race, With or without a caravan



08/3/2013 at 5:59pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Coachman Pastiche
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I'd be surprised if the Triumph were lighter, they had a lot more metal in them in those days, plus a separate chassis and a single carburettor with no turbo.

And the doors would refuse to open when you wanted them to but would burst open when you went round a corner though that might just have been the ones I owned.


10/3/2013 at 12:01pm
 Location: shetland
 Outfit: Land Rover Discovery Elddis wisp 510 6
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Yes the Truimph chassis could rust and they were a bit flexible but I would rather tow with an old Herald than a small Ford focus.

Your car is simply not up to the job, dont tow anything above the recommended weight.

You will burn out the clutch quickly, it will wobble about like a dogs tail and if you need to stop quicky you could end up in trouble.

Bottom line is the car is not up to the task of towing almost 1 ton...




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