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 Topic: Skoda Octavia match?
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02/8/2017 at 5:53pm
Location: Midlands
Outfit: 2019 VW Arteon + 2002 Avondale Dart
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Let's deal with the weight issues first of all.
The first thing you need to check is the 'maximum technically permissible towed weight of a braked trailer' (or some similar words to that effect) because it is illegal to tow more than that. I note that a post above quotes a weight of 1600kg and that What car magazine quotes 1800kg, both of which are plausible but you should verify it on your own V5.
Assuming that the maximum permissible towed weight is higher than the 'maximum technically permissible laden mass' (MTPLM) of your caravan, then you can move on to consider the kerb weight. This is essentially the unladen weight of the car as it left the factory and I think it also includes for a tank of fuel (but correct me if I'm wrong). You'll struggle to replicate this on a weighbridge as has been suggested unless you empty the car of absolutely everything first.
The guidance to limit the towed weight to 85% of the kerb weight if you have limited experience is just that - guidance. It has no legal basis and has remained unchanged for at least 30 years (during which time car suspension systems have changed enormously). In reality it's not just a question of weight ratios since the load distribution in both the car and caravan as well as your suspension will also have an effect. As I understand it, the reason the advice has remained unchanged is that there are very few tests done using high-sided caravans (as opposed to low trailers, which behave very differently on the road) - put simply, nobody has come up with anything better. However, conventional wisdom accepts that "experienced" towers can safely tow a caravan of up to 100% of the car's kerb weight (legal towing limit permitting).
Bear in mind also that if you've only got a few clothes and things in the caravan for a weekend away, your actual towed weight won't be as high as your 1280kg MTPLM.
Another thing to note is that all of the weight calculations are based on safety and stability, and ignore performance. I first towed a 1250kg caravan with a VW Passat with the same 1.6 TDI engine and whilst it managed it, performance was leisurely at best - you could only use 6th gear when going downhill. I've since changed it for the more powerful 2.0 TDI (150bhp) and used that to happily tow across France, Switzerland and Ireland.
Based on all of this stuff (and well done if you read it all)! you can legally tow your caravan with your Skoda and it should cope OK for short or short-ish distances over a few weekends away. However, if you're planning on longer tours across or out of the UK, I'd prefer something a bit heavier and more powerful. The Passat (mine is brilliant) or the mechanically identical Skoda Superb would be good options to start looking at.
Post last edited on 02/08/2017 18:00:27
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