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Hi all, i am a first time caravaner, i have just parchased a 1985 abbey gt 415 the max weight on the plate is 950kgs. I am presuming the max weight is fully laden? i have looked on the internet and found a couple of sites stating the 415 is 820kgs unladen?. I am towing with a ford Focus ST170, kerbweight 1208kgs, 85% of that is 1020kgs, so am i SAFE as i have my two young children in the car with me. Any comments or tips regarding the above would be greatly appreciated!.

ps. i towed it home and the car seems to cope power wise very well, cheers once again John.

this mite help.

Ford Focus Hatchback (98-04) 2.0 ST170 3d List Price When Sold: £16,505 Download report
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+− General Production: 01 Jan 2002 until 22 Dec 2004 Length: 4174 mm Width: 1702 mm Height: 1430 mm Weight: 1283 kg Fuel Delivery: Multi point fuel injection Transmission: Manual Gears: 6 Speed  +− Performance Engine Size: 1989 cc Cylinders: 4 0-60 mph: 7.9 s Power Output: 170 bhp Valves: Ford Focus Hatchback (98-04) 2.0 ST170 3d List Price When Sold: £16,505 Download report (Back) / (Options) / (Review) (Expand all) / (Collapse all)  +− General Production: 01 Jan 2002 until 22 Dec 2004 Length: 4174 mm Width: 1702 mm Height: 1430 mm Weight: 1283 kg Fuel Delivery: Multi point fuel injection Transmission: Manual Gears: 6 Speed  +− Performance Engine Size: 1989 cc Cylinders: 4 0-60 mph: 7.9 s Power Output: 170 bhp Valves: 16 Torque: 196 Nm Torque: 145 lb/ft Top Speed: 134 mph  +− Practicality Braked Towing Weight: 1200 Kg Wheelbase: 2615 mm Luggage Capacity: 350 litres TurningCircle: 10 m Fuel Capacity: 55 litres  +− Costs MPG: 31 Insurance Group: 15 Euro Emissions Standard: 4 CO2 Emissions: 212 g/km  +− Road Tax (VED) Full Year: £165 Half Year: £90 Band: D 16 Torque: 196 Nm Torque: 145 lb/ft Top Speed: 134 mph	+− Practicality Braked Towing Weight: 1200 Kg Wheelbase: 2615 mm Luggage Capacity: 350 litres TurningCircle: 10 m Fuel Capacity: 55 litres  +− Costs MPG: 31 Insurance Group: 15 Euro Emissions Standard: 4 CO2 Emissions: 212 g/km  +− Road Tax (VED) Full Year: £165 Half Year: £90 Band: D

HI Kemik

Try this linkhttp://www.cuddles.abelgratis.net./ford.htm which I found useful when trying to sort out the very same problem when i teamed up my FGocus estate with my ABI Jubile Diplomat.

Kemik,

If your MLW is 950kg, and your KW is 1208kg, then you're comfortably within the 85% rule.  Phil's post suggests Ford's towing limit is 1200kg, which doesn't really affect the equation.

Happy caravanning.

Hi Kemik,

              I tow my 1983 elddis shamal with a 1999 1.8 focus ghia estate and it copes very well, the kerb weights and weight of the van fully loaded are very similar to your set up but beware of the nose weight, on mine its only 50kg, but careful packing and you should be fine.

                  ahve fun, gunner1886.