Ok our mass in service is 1840 so 85 % of that is 1564
Our caravan is 1650 so I work that to be about 90%
GTW = 4255 so with a 1650 caravn I calculate that leaves 765 for people and bits and bobs
Starting to understand now!
765kg equates to 120 stone!
So, if the caravan was replated at 1800 that would mean we were towing at 97% and would leave about 93 stone to play with in the car, I think we only amount to 45 stone max.
You don't play with weight in the car, it's based on 85% of the tow vehicle's KERB weight (advisory). You would probably get an answer if you stated vehicle info make, model, engine, year and caravans MTPLM
I'm not playing with weight, it's a figure of speech as any one knows. Surely one can understand that I mean to be in line with the gross train weight.
tango, remember 85% is not a rule, it's a guideline.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Whattowcar information is often not correct as its data is based on European spec. Cars which can vary from Uk models.
Perhaps the OP should keep the MPTLM at 1650kg and perhaps look to carry a bit less .
Quote: Originally posted by tango55 on 12/4/2013Actually this forum is far from full of old farts. There are lot of experienced caravanners on here to offer sound advice and that's exactly what is being offerred to the OP if the right information was provided. The 85% rule can be found in various books on caravanning so the best solution is to do just that because I can't see what given right someone has with just 2 posts to submit such offensive remarks.
I tow at 97% on paper but you have to factor in the extra weight of paasengers, fuel,equipment with all this extra weight in the car it properly brings that figure right down never had a problem yet in my opinion 99.9% of accidents are caused by the driver or others take your time and don't speed, pull in slightly when coaches or lorries pass on the moterway.
Neil and Lena. We are in a position of changing our tow vehicle hence getting my head round the 85% etc. we need to carry a lot due to the size of our family and duration of our summer trips that's why I want the repeating too, especially given we are going for something that will tow that weight easily.
Go to whattowcar.com enter the details, or work it out yourself
find the kerb weight of car ie 1500kg \ 100x85=1275kg as long as that figure is lower than the recommended towing figure for your chosen car and the weight of your caravan and the kerb weight of your car is below the max train weight you will be fine