Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums

Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
   Caravans and Caravanning -  Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Towing advice - percentage of max curbwt Post Reply Post New Topic
23/6/2015 at 5:59pm
 Location: nottingham
 Outfit: bailey ranger 510
View clare007's Profile View Profile   Reply to clare007 Reply   Quote clare007 Quote  
Joined: 05/1/2004

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   22

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Advice please about what is the maximum percentage we should be considering of the towing capacity of our car. We have towed a relatively lightweight caravan for many years and are now looking at a new van. The dealer seems to be saying 100% of towing capacity is fine, so long as we are experienced. Whereas Caravan Club says 85%. Your thoughts .......

Post last edited on 23/06/2015 18:39:02


23/6/2015 at 6:26pm
 Location: devon
 Outfit: fc plus 2 many tents
View wongers's Profile View Profile   Reply to wongers Reply   Quote wongers Quote  
Joined: 05/3/2010

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2404

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

the 85% guide line is based on the curb weight of the car,not the max tow weight.


-------------
tony
that was a lovely summer


23/6/2015 at 6:38pm
 Location: nottingham
 Outfit: bailey ranger 510
View clare007's Profile View Profile   Reply to clare007 Reply   Quote clare007 Quote  
Joined: 05/1/2004

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   22

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Hmmm, silly me. None the less is 85% of curb weight critical, or can it be exceeded?


23/6/2015 at 6:48pm
 Location: sunderland
 Outfit: Hobby 650 wfu caravan
View malbarker's Profile View Profile   Reply to malbarker Reply   Quote malbarker Quote  
Joined: 30/1/2009

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   40

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

you can tow up to a 100% if you are an experienced tower
as long as your car can tow that weight.

-------------
Mal


23/6/2015 at 6:51pm
 Location:  Dumfries
 Outfit: 2022 CoachmanVIP 2022 Pilote P696GJ
View neil and lena's Profile View Profile   Reply to neil and lena Reply   Quote neil and lena Quote  
Joined: 18/2/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2370

Site Reviews Total: 51
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 4
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Quote: Originally posted by clare007 on 23/6/2015
Hmmm, silly me. None the less is 85% of curb weight critical, or can it be exceeded?



it can be providing your car has sufficient towing capacity but there's no substitute for having a good weight advantage in your towing vehicle .
However do not exceed 100% towing ratio as you will be asking for trouble



Advertisement



23/6/2015 at 11:36pm
 Location: Rochdale
 Outfit: Hymer Nova 470 Mondeo titanium 140tdc
View janus's Profile View Profile   Reply to janus Reply   Quote janus Quote  
Joined: 05/2/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2979

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Legally you can tow at any ratio providing you do not exceed plated weights or your licence conditions. The CC safe towing guide says that someone new to towing would find that 85% is a good starting point and should be safe, it then goes on to say that for a driver who has experience of towing and a car that is capable that up to 100% is acceptable but that over this figure is inadvisable. Many many people tow caravans that have max weights that are in the mid 90's percentages of the cars kerbweight and find that it is very satisfactory.


-------------
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


24/6/2015 at 12:27am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: None Entered
View Phil Ness's Profile View Profile   Reply to Phil Ness Reply   Quote Phil Ness Quote  
Joined: 07/3/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   209

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Figures from a weigh bridge today. My car weighs in at 2540kg. The trailer I had on weighs 720kg unladen and the load I had on it weighed 2060kg. I would have liked an extra 500kg of load. It towed reasonably stable at 50mph on the main A roads but I was down to 20mph on the back roads as I felt this was as safe a speed to go at should I need to stop in a hurry should I have met something on a blind corner.
I was within the limits for my vehicle and on a relatively short journey, 30 minutes or so, so I wasn't too bothered. Had I been on a four hour trip or mainly on unclassified roads then I think I might have been a bit fed up by the time I got to the end of it.
My point is, towing at the max is possible but you need to adjust your driving style, your journey will take longer, there will be more wear and tear on your vehicle and you will use more fuel. The other end of the scale is people who think they need a 4x4 to tow with and then say " I don't know it's behind me" when they are dragging something half the weight of the tow car! The 85% advice is a good guide for finding some middle ground, it should let you tow at a reasonable speed, return reasonable fuel economy and give you a decent amount of control over whatever you are towing.
If you are happy to plod along then get something at the top end of your figure, if you want to zip along to your destination, choose something that floats, if you want the middle ground do the maths.
Stick within your legal limits whatever.


24/6/2015 at 8:30am
 Location: LEICESTER
 Outfit: None Entered
View ROG.'s Profile View Profile   Reply to ROG. Reply   Quote ROG. Quote  
Joined: 19/1/2012

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   392

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

How often is the vehicle empty and the caravan fully loaded ?
That is what the CC percentages are based on

I doubt if that is realistic

What the CC advise is that the caravan should not be more than 85% of the towing vehicle weight at the time of towing it but the CC cannot give set numbers for that

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


24/6/2015 at 10:43am
 Location: Rushden Northants
 Outfit: Mercedes 614D Conversion
View listerdiesel's Profile View Profile   Reply to listerdiesel Reply   Quote listerdiesel Quote  
Joined: 03/7/2011

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   581

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

We tow 3500kg with our Discovery which has a kerb weight of around 2300kg.

Just back from 3 weeks in Europe with the rig.

All within the legal limits for car and trailer.

Peter


24/6/2015 at 6:59pm
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Swift charisma Skoda Scout 4x4
View Skoda Bob's Profile View Profile   Reply to Skoda Bob Reply   Quote Skoda Bob Quote  
Joined: 19/10/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1837

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

What vehicle do you have???
What van are you considering, with weights MIRO and Max


Advertisement



24/6/2015 at 10:35pm
 Location: nottingham
 Outfit: bailey ranger 510
View clare007's Profile View Profile   Reply to clare007 Reply   Quote clare007 Quote  
Joined: 05/1/2004

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   22

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Vehicle Volvo V50 2.0D 150 BHP 1500kg max tow
Caravan - Swift S6 TD MAss in running order 1326; MTPLN 1502

However we travel lightly - ie porch awning, few accessories.

What do you reckon - too heavy, shall I downsize my dreams?


25/6/2015 at 3:03am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Swift charisma Skoda Scout 4x4
View Skoda Bob's Profile View Profile   Reply to Skoda Bob Reply   Quote Skoda Bob Quote  
Joined: 19/10/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1837

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Quote: Originally posted by clare007 on 24/6/2015Vehicle Volvo V50 2.0D 150 BHP 1500kg max tow
Caravan - Swift S6 TD MAss in running order 1326; MTPLN 1502

However we travel lightly - ie porch awning, few accessories.

What do you reckon - too heavy, shall I downsize my dreams?




your actual weights considering its a 6 berth
Mass in Running Order (inc. tolerance) 1259kg
24.8cwt

Maximum Technical Permissable Laden Mass 1480kg
29.1cwt

Weights: From the 2012 Season, the method of calculating the Mass in Running Order (MRO) and user payload figures was changed in order to bring it in line with European Vehicle Directives.

Allowances for essential equipment (e.g. gas cylinders) previously allowed for in the user payload are now contained within the MRO. A provision for a leisure battery which used to be within the essential equipment payload has now been included within the personal effects payload allowance.

Although the method of calculation has changed, the overall effect is that the amount of payload available to the customer has remained the same, it is just calculated in a different manner.

The MRO is calculated with the fresh water tank empty. If you travel with water in the fresh water tank, the payload will be reduced accordingly.




Post last edited on 25/06/2015 03:09:14


25/6/2015 at 2:53pm
 Location: nottingham
 Outfit: bailey ranger 510
View clare007's Profile View Profile   Reply to clare007 Reply   Quote clare007 Quote  
Joined: 05/1/2004

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   22

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Thanks - its getting clearer. So Gas bottle included in MRO. Battery - still confused - am I right in thinking that isn't in the MRO?
So the weight I need to add to the MRO to see what percentage that makes of the MTPLM is battery, awning, outdoor chairs and all the stuff I load into the caravan.
Anything else I need to add in?
And that ideally, and impossibly, shouldn't exceed 85%, but can legally, but unwisely be 100% of MTPLM?
And so to update spreadsheet with notion weights for all those things I so merrily just bung in the van, and see where I can trim them down.
Thanks all and any more advice much welcomed


25/6/2015 at 3:23pm
 Location: Lancashire
 Outfit:  Volvo X60 Coachman
View bessie500's Profile View Profile   Reply to bessie500 Reply   Quote bessie500 Quote  
Joined: 11/9/2006

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2094

Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 2  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 11
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Claire your best bet is to weight your car on a weigh bridge that will give you your true cars weight.
you should weigh the car empty with 90% fuel then add 75kgs for the driver and load thats how the manufacturers work it out, to give you a rough idea my car is 150kgs heavier than the brochure weight.
as for weights of what you travel with i have a spreadsheet with all the items i carry and the correct weights, you'll be amazed how easy it stacks up

bessie    


25/6/2015 at 7:52pm
 Location: Southport
 Outfit: Adria Adora Premium Yeti 4x4 run about
View naturlist123's Profile View Profile   Reply to naturlist123 Reply   Quote naturlist123 Quote  
Joined: 13/1/2013

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   702

Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

A lot of car manuals give max towing weight of model for braked trailer IE caravan.
A lot exceed the kerb weight of your model pet/diesel and you will find when braking the van will be pushing the car and can not tow up certain hills or do a hand brake hill start.
Also some tow ball max weight is not heavy enough for van.
Vauxhalls used to belike this only 50kgs even on larger models were 75kgs is the norm.
The 85% is a good guide I personally would not tow over 90% ratio. I have been towing vans since 1971.

The manual for my 1600tdi Yeti green machine run-a-bout says max braked tow weight is 1700kgs the MTPLM of my van is 1700kgs but this works out something like 120% ratio
I would never think of towing my van with it.


Post last edited on 25/06/2015 20:06:21


26/6/2015 at 1:53am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Swift charisma Skoda Scout 4x4
View Skoda Bob's Profile View Profile   Reply to Skoda Bob Reply   Quote Skoda Bob Quote  
Joined: 19/10/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1837

Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0

Quote: Originally posted by clare007 on 25/6/2015Thanks - its getting clearer. So Gas bottle included in MRO. Battery - still confused - am I right in thinking that isn't in the MRO?So the weight I need to add to the MRO to see what percentage that makes of the MTPLM is battery, awning, outdoor chairs and all the stuff I load into the caravan.Anything else I need to add in?
And that ideally, and impossibly, shouldn't exceed 85%, but can legally, but unwisely be 100% of MTPLM?
And so to update spreadsheet with notion weights for all those things I so merrily just bung in the van, and see where I can trim them down.
Thanks all and any more advice much welcomed


Your assumption is correct, so load the van with what you need, weigh it and you will find you will be below the 100%,you have up to 221 KG to play around with

nose weight 75KG.
just out of interest do you actually need a 6 berth van??



Post last edited on 26/06/2015 02:05:57



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














5731 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement


Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar


Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder