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Quote: The law states that the mtplm of the trailer must not exceed the maximum towing weight of the towcar.

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Post 1997 licence holders can't tow anything with an MTPLM of more than the kerbweight.  "Older" licence holders can.

It's quite disturbing that the focus of some drivers is on what they can get away with, rather than what is correct.

Jim

Hi Lost Dreamer,

I suspect that the poster assumed that you fill the van up to its MTPLM, which is possibly what most do, so nearly legally correct. Your answer is that it is a legal requirement for cars to go through an approval stage (EU Directive 2007/46/EC as incorporated into national law from 29^th April 2009 by the Road Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 2009 and amendments to the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations). Vehicles need a Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) which covers various design and construction issues mainly centred around safety. That includes its legal maximum train weight or the max load it can tow. Caravans also need to pass through the ECWVTA.

The maximum weight the vehicle can tow will be in the handbook. Thus the loaded Caravan cannot legally exceed that maximum tow weight. As I said earlier it’s the load you actually tow and not what you can tow that must not exceed the car’s maximum towing weight.

That aside there are other safety issues around loading and 85% rule etc, so don’t just focus on pulling the maximum. Focus on all safety matters.

Phil

Quote: Originally posted by Greendemon315 on 27/6/2010

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It's quite disturbing that the focus of some drivers is on what they can get away with, rather than what is correct.

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Lostdreamer, I thought I was, in the main, agreeing with you.  Many people seem to care very little for the rules that are there to protect them and other road users.

That situation can't help safety, can it?  But the attitude often seems to be, "what can I get away with, and will anyone find out" rather than "what do I need to do to be legal, sensible and safe".

Jim

Quote: Originally posted by mutley1969 on 26/6/2010

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If it is a 99 - 2004 2 ltr diesel the towing weight is 1050 kg have a look on parkers towing weights ( google it ) vosa do/ will add 5% leway or they do with Hgv they will only get miffed if it is above the vehicle gross train weight or if it sits dangerously ie nose down/ up or above the towbar weight

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Thanks mutley1969

Your'e quite right about the max towing weight on the zafira 2.0TDi is actually 1050kg, However my folks are now intent on looking for a different small towing vehicle.

Had to read the post twice Lostdreamer...you and Greendemon are in agreement...must be the heat Hey? I agree as well. May be wrong but I get the impression that there may be two kinds of posters on here (ready to be shot down).

1. Those who have a genuine need to know what is correct and ask what may appear to the more experienced a strange question, but one that is asked for very genuine reasons.

2.Those who look for a reason to ignore all the professional towing/caravanning guidance.

Vans cost a fortune why take a risk with it? Why take a risk with family on board?

Many newbies come along and who clearly wish to do the job right and ask questions. I think it would assist if all responses stuck to the recommended best practice (IMO). e.g Q. What weight can I pull with such and such a car? A. 85% of the cars kerb weight. Rather than go down the "legally you can pull up to 100% of the maximum weight stated in your cars handbook." The former takes on board so many factors relating to safe towing, the latter just ignores those issues.

Must be the heat!!!!!

Phil

Phil

Obviously I agree with you Phil.  I think the heat is affecting us all. 

I just think that novices need to be told exactly what the "mainstream" advice is.  We all know that there is a bit of scope, and I have towed right to the limit for many years.   When you're towing other people's caravans and trailers, it's very much a lottery as to what you get, and sometimes you have to reduce your safety margins if you want to stay in business.

When I don't need to, I don't.  My own outfit is at 70%, and that makes life so much more comfortable.

When the novices have a bit more experience, maybe they can modify things using their own judgement, but they should be starting from a known safe baseline.

Jim

Jim

No problem Lostdreamer.  I think we're all on the same page anyway.

Jim

" wonder how much it costs to get to antartica atm..."

Its not that much but you may find that the van doesn't tow so well along the snow

Phil