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   Caravans and Caravanning -  Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Can my car tow this caravan Post Reply Post New Topic
Personelite90onyx
30/1/2014 at 11:43am
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Great website, got loads in my virtual brochure.

 

I have a mondeo 2litr tdci kerb weight 1500kg,

my caravan I want is a sterling elite 90 onyx at mtplm of 1600

so allow 200 for me and the missus, 1700 + 1600 = 3300, this allows us 200 to reach the 3500 limit, there is only us with no bikes etc and every thing will be loaded into the car, minimum stuff in the caravan. Is this ok?


PersonRob and Tina
30/1/2014 at 11:51am
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Have a look at the thread at the top of this page about the driving licence requirements.

As well as the possible licence restrictions the advice for a novice is to aim for a caravan with an MTPLM of 85% of the kerbweight of the car. Towing a caravan weighing more than the tow car is not advised for anybody and could be illegal.

There are lots of similar threads about this subject on this forum and a quick read further down the page will provide a lot more information and advice.

Rob


Personsunshinetours
30/1/2014 at 12:07pm
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That would not be a good match in anyone's eyes i wouldn't think regardless of legalities - no

If looking at a van of 1600 max weight then ideally looking at car with 1800kg+ kerbweight which is getting to large executive saloons or proper 4x4 area,and then you may have licence issues if you haven't got the B&E entitlements


Persontango55
30/1/2014 at 12:22pm
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If the kerbweight of the Mondeo is 1500 kgs. then towing a caravan of the same weight (MTPLM) would be equivalent to a 100% match so anything over this weight would be considered unsafe if not illegal. As already mentioned, for novices it is recommended to tow around the 85% figure so 85% of 1500 (vehicle kerbweight) you would be looking to tow a caravan with an MTPLM of around 1275 kgs. If the caravan is more important then you need to be looking for an alternative towcar with not only the required kerbweight but also the necessary pulling power as well.


PersonROG.
30/1/2014 at 1:16pm
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As you mentioned the 3500 limit then I assume you only have a B licence

For those towing a trailer/caravan over 750 kgs MAM/MTPLM then there is one extra rule on top of the other usual towing rules and that extra rule is ....
... the vehicle plated GVW added to the trailer/caravan plated MAM/MTPLM must not total more than 3500 kgs

Licences work on plated weights not actual weights

For caravan towing the advice is that, at the time of towing, the caravan should not be more than 85% of the weight of the vehicle
To give a worse case scenario the caravans clubs use the empty vehicle weight and a fully loaded caravan figures



-------------
EX Advanced driving observer (IAM)
EX LGV & B+E instructor


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Personjanus
30/1/2014 at 5:03pm
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Quote: Originally posted by elite90onyx on 30/1/2014

Great website, got loads in my virtual brochure.

 

I have a mondeo 2litr tdci kerb weight 1500kg,

my caravan I want is a sterling elite 90 onyx at mtplm of 1600

so allow 200 for me and the missus, 1700 + 1600 = 3300, this allows us 200 to reach the 3500 limit, there is only us with no bikes etc and every thing will be loaded into the car, minimum stuff in the caravan. Is this ok?




I have answered in your other thread from direct knowledge of the particular car. However, basically it would be illegal to drive that combination unless your driving licence is dated before 01/01/1997 or you have taken the towing test.

-------------
Bill

For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013

Mondeo Titanium 140 tdci


PersonGrampian91
30/1/2014 at 5:19pm
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Even if it were legal it would not be advisable. Its way too heavy.


PersonHymer530
30/1/2014 at 9:29pm
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Go for it it will be fine

-------------
Mike


Personjanus
30/1/2014 at 11:27pm
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Quote: Originally posted by Hymer530 on 30/1/2014
Go for it it will be fine


Even if it is illegal?   As before unless he has a licence dated prior to 1997 then this combination would be outside the range of vehicles that he is licenced to drive. So if he does so and is stopped for whatever reason he will have a substantial fine and points on his licence, and the next tome his insurance is due he will face a near doubling if his premium.



-------------
Bill

For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013

Mondeo Titanium 140 tdci


Personblueexpo97
31/1/2014 at 10:28am
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Quote: Originally posted by janus on 30/1/2014
Quote: Originally posted by Hymer530 on 30/1/2014Go for it it will be fine


Even if it is illegal?   As before unless he has a licence dated prior to 1997 then this combination would be outside the range of vehicles that he is licenced to drive. So if he does so and is stopped for whatever reason he will have a substantial fine and points on his licence, and the next tome his insurance is due he will face a near doubling if his premium.




Don't worry, it's just hymer being hymer, if you know what I mean.

-------------
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.



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