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
Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: JTCU - You Have Me Worried
Page:  1  2  3 Post Reply Post New Topic
06/10/2009 at 7:17pm
 Location: Staffordshire
 Outfit: Freelander 2 2.2GS
View Patches's Profile View Profile   Reply to Patches Reply   Quote Patches Quote  
Joined: 21/6/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   705

Site Reviews Total: 29
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

I am now sitting here almost in tears.  I thought I had checked out the figures properly on the towcar match but now I am wondering if I was right.  OH is pouring over the car manual.  

Please tell me my calculations were right and yours are wrong or I am going to have to sell my lovely new caravan.  

I used the What towcar thing and it came out at 92% ... over the 85% I know but we thought we would be okay especially as we don't tend to overfill our vans with excess weighty items.  Towed it 170 miles home at the weekend in very high winds and all the gear onboard the van and it was fine...very stable infact.  Obviously noticed a big difference from towing the old lightweight Swift but we expected that.

Please, please put my mind a rest - can't afford to replace the car as well now we have bought the new van.... HELP 



06/10/2009 at 7:38pm
 Location: Staffordshire
 Outfit: Avondale Osprey S
View ian-albion's Profile View Profile   Reply to ian-albion Reply   Quote ian-albion Quote  
Joined: 03/6/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   540

Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
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: 8
Site Nights 2018: 0

What is the max weight of your new van Patches?


Discounted Insurance Quotes for UKCampsite.co.uk visitors! Up to 12.5% off!
UKCampsite.co.uk users are rewarded with up to 12.5% off Caravan Guard touring caravan insurance, folding camper and trailer tent insurance, and 5% off motorhome and campervan insurance. Static caravan insurance is also available. Get an online quote now

06/10/2009 at 7:39pm
 Location: Staffordshire
 Outfit: Avondale Osprey S
View ian-albion's Profile View Profile   Reply to ian-albion Reply   Quote ian-albion Quote  
Joined: 03/6/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   540

Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
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: 8
Site Nights 2018: 0

What is the max weight of your new van Patches?


06/10/2009 at 7:40pm
 Location: Staffordshire
 Outfit: Freelander 2 2.2GS
View Patches's Profile View Profile   Reply to Patches Reply   Quote Patches Quote  
Joined: 21/6/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   705

Site Reviews Total: 29
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

1650 =  1363 unladen


06/10/2009 at 7:44pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View snowy747's Profile View Profile   Reply to snowy747 Reply   Quote snowy747 Quote  
Joined: 12/6/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3869
Tent Reviews:   4

Site Reviews Total: 5
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

So what is the kerbweight of the car Patches?

I believe the Freelander can tow up to 2000 kg, not ideal if you are over 100% but legal.  Are you both pre 1997 licence holders?

Ali



Advertisement



06/10/2009 at 7:45pm
 Location: Staffordshire
 Outfit: Freelander 2 2.2GS
View Patches's Profile View Profile   Reply to Patches Reply   Quote Patches Quote  
Joined: 21/6/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   705

Site Reviews Total: 29
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

Yes, passed the test a long while before 1997. 

Don't know kerbweight.  According to what towcar it was 1668, or so I thought.  Handbook not helpful on this score.  Talks about gross vehicle weight at 1640. 



06/10/2009 at 7:47pm
 Location: Surrey
 Outfit: Bailey Valencia + Lexus RX400h
View nelmo's Profile View Profile   Reply to nelmo Reply   Quote nelmo Quote  
Joined: 09/6/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1567
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 24
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: 2
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0


Go to here and enter the details...


-------------
'In later life, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than with the things you did.' - Mark Twain


06/10/2009 at 7:49pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
View snowy747's Profile View Profile   Reply to snowy747 Reply   Quote snowy747 Quote  
Joined: 12/6/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   3869
Tent Reviews:   4

Site Reviews Total: 5
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 well here's some figures from Cuddles Abelgratis that seem to say 1619 for the 2002 and 1640 for the 2005 version.  They are not always accurate though.

http://www.cuddles.abelgratis.net/landrover.htm#freelander502

Tbh your best bet is a weighbridge - this will give you the most accurate figure as cars have so many optional extras that yours may vary from the handbook anyway.

Ali



06/10/2009 at 7:59pm
 Location: Staffordshire
 Outfit: Freelander 2 2.2GS
View Patches's Profile View Profile   Reply to Patches Reply   Quote Patches Quote  
Joined: 21/6/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   705

Site Reviews Total: 29
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 Snowy - I think it is the 2005 model figures that apply but the weighbridge idea is a good one. 

Its a TD4 auto.  Lovely car really.

Handbook says between 1640 and 1655 but doesn't say what this depends on, if you get my drift.  If it is 1640 then we are at 95%....as you say not ideal but it really did seem to pull it well at the weekend.  Perhaps if we took it to Scotland up all those hills we may have difficulties. 

I am still all of a tremble.  I will have to find a local weighbridge to put my mind at rest .... I've opened a bottle of wine.    This is potentially a very expensive mistake and after caravan shopping for all that time we should have known better.



06/10/2009 at 8:00pm
 Location: West Cumbria
 Outfit: Ace Aristocrat caravan & Campervan
View blondieandi's Profile View Profile   Reply to blondieandi Reply   Quote blondieandi Quote  
Joined: 19/9/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   863

Site Reviews Total: 9
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

Its only a guideline, the 85% rule isnt law!!Dont panic, are you a member of one of the clubs? They will tell you the proper calculations I would think.

-------------
Jan:Braids Gretna, Feb Stanwix Park Silloth & Braids Gretna,


Advertisement



06/10/2009 at 8:03pm
 Location: Surrey
 Outfit: Bailey Valencia + Lexus RX400h
View nelmo's Profile View Profile   Reply to nelmo Reply   Quote nelmo Quote  
Joined: 09/6/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1567
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 24
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: 2
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0


The only legal requirement is that the caravan weighs less than the max towing weight of the car - I would have thought the Freelander would have more than a 1650 kg tow weight, no? Is it a diesel? Manual, auto?

If you were happy towing and all felt safe, then I personally wouldn't worry about the 85% GUIDELINE (not law).


-------------
'In later life, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than with the things you did.' - Mark Twain


06/10/2009 at 8:04pm
 Location: Staffordshire
 Outfit: Avondale Osprey S
View ian-albion's Profile View Profile   Reply to ian-albion Reply   Quote ian-albion Quote  
Joined: 03/6/2008

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   540

Site Reviews Total: 3
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
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: 8
Site Nights 2018: 0

You are around 96% fully laden, load it carefully and try to keep away from the max, a weighbridge is a good idea.  As blondieandi said don't panic. 17


06/10/2009 at 8:09pm
 Location: Staffordshire
 Outfit: Freelander 2 2.2GS
View Patches's Profile View Profile   Reply to Patches Reply   Quote Patches Quote  
Joined: 21/6/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   705

Site Reviews Total: 29
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

Yes, the maximum towing weight for the car is 2000 kg, so well within this limit even when the car and van are fully laden.  Freelandeer is a diesel auto.

Wine starting to kick in now....stopped crying.   Even so, if it's over the 100% I wouldn't feel happy towing the van and would probably look to replace the car....probably to a Disco (hubby works for LR so don't knock it please).  He's going to ask at work about putting the car on their weighbridge, or he knows I will be making his life a misery until we know for sure.  Poor bloke. 

 



06/10/2009 at 8:11pm
 Location: Hampshire
 Outfit: Hymer Nova S
View JTQU's Profile View Profile   Reply to JTQU Reply   Quote JTQU Quote  
Joined: 01/11/2005

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2189

Site Reviews Total: 6
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: 1  
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: 1

Patches
Sorry to worry you;
I have checked with my brother who has a 2002 4 door TD4 and the handbook is quoting 1619kg kerb weight.
Your van at 1650 MTPM is 50 kg lighter than my 2002 was but the ratio still comes out at over 100%.

If the cars towing limit is greater than 1650 then with your licence your legal. Also the Freelander's noseweight is fine being above the vans 100kg limit.

Now what I would do in your situation is seriously consider having AL-Ko's ATC fitted to the van.[£500]
Your engine is well up to the job, so all you need to address really is controlling stability and the ATC is very good at doing that.
Also the van itself is exceptionally stable to tow so that's on your side. Its just that if you are forced to make an extreme manoeuvre that the mass of the van is not helping you, but with the ATC it will be very much safer.
Cheers John; Keep smiling you have a really good van.


06/10/2009 at 8:11pm
 Location: Surrey
 Outfit: Bailey Valencia + Lexus RX400h
View nelmo's Profile View Profile   Reply to nelmo Reply   Quote nelmo Quote  
Joined: 09/6/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1567
Tent Reviews:   1

Site Reviews Total: 24
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: 2
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0


Auto Trader says the TD4 manual has a max tow weight of 1800 kg, so legally-speaking, you're fine.

Now it just depends on how happy you were towing at almost 100%...sounded like you were OK, so be off with you...

-------------
'In later life, you will be more disappointed with the things you didn't do than with the things you did.' - Mark Twain


06/10/2009 at 8:20pm
 Location: Staffordshire
 Outfit: Freelander 2 2.2GS
View Patches's Profile View Profile   Reply to Patches Reply   Quote Patches Quote  
Joined: 21/6/2006

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   705

Site Reviews Total: 29
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

Feeling a little better now.   What's an Alko ATC?   We have the usual Alko hitch on the van so how does this work?  £500 to solve a potential problem like this would be much easier than thousands for a new towcar.



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

Prev       Next

Jump To Page:  1  2  3

Quick Links - All Forums - Caravans and Caravanning - Top of Page

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


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...














5723 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