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Quote: Originally posted by madz on 26/7/2014

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Hi having a bit of a panic here

We have purchased today an upgrade on our old van. We bought a Swift Freestyle 2009 530 caravan. Dealer check against our car a 2009 Mondeo 1.8 Edge diesel showed yes it was a towing match.

Going onto the caravan club site we find they don't recommend the match.

Yes I know we should have checked ourselves before buying but the price was good and the layout was perfect. Now I'm really worried.

I should add everything is under 90% except the match to the kerb weight which is showing 99%. Anyone towing with a similar match

5 berth
Single axle
Mass in Running Order (Kg) - 1273
Maximum Technical Permissible Laden Mass (Kg) - 1490

Post last edited on 26/07/2014 22:03:35

Post last edited on 26/07/2014 22:03:55

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Quote: Originally posted by madz on 29/7/2014Well I had better start looking for our nearest public weighbridge, we pick it up Thursday.

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Ok so you know what the max weight of your caravan is, the only way you'll know what your car weights is but putting it on a weight bridge, Read this below i wrote this years ago when i was looking to get a mondeo

 I'm looking at changing my car at the mo and was looking at the new mondeos and mondeo estate's at the weekend the brochure weight for the 2ltr tdci is 1557, however i've just taken a 2008 titanuim x hatch 2ltr tdci to the weight bridge next door and weighed it, 1630 kg empty with a full tank of fuel.the estate is around 20kg more.

This will make a 92% match with my caravan. which i'm more than happy with.

Take your car to a weight bridge to double check the weigh then work your percentage from that 

I have to say that was a real shocker

Bessie

To get your true weight you need the car empty with 90% fuel weigh in it then add 70kg for the driver and 5kg for luggage, id be amazed if your car is'nt at least 50kg over the brochure weight, mines a whopping 157 above, dont forget your towbar weighs a bit.

Once you have this then you can work out your true percentage 

Bessie  

Quote: Originally posted by madz on 15/8/2014

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Thank you.

We have taken our first trip into the peak district, as its just a weekend the van is loaded quite lightly; no awning, chairs or major food supplies.

The car towed well even managing queuing traffic going up a fairly steep hill.

We will be taking the unit to a weigh bridge before adding the heavier bits and pieces. I will update the thread then in case anyone else needs the same advice.

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