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Speed is a huge factor.  Almost any combination is safe at 20mph.  Most combos are dangerous at over 70mph.  We tow a horse trailer with two horses.  It is a case of using common sense regarding speed.  When we get straw delivered the supplier brings a huge trailerful with his discovery ( probably close to the maxmum 3500kg allowed ) and he has never had any problems.

The trouble is that someone reads somebody's opinion online or in a magazine etc. and doesn't realise its advice.  Its the vehicle manufacturers figures that count.  In the hands of someone wreckless any combination can be hazardous.

Hi all, as realtivly new caravaners (as we were also campers at heart) I can only say go for it you will not regret it.

We purchased a caravan that was 95% on the kerb weight. Legal but over the suggested. We were told by the mechanic to go steady and not exceed 45-50 at all. Well we were on the hunt for a new tow car so used the bmw tourer in the mean time following sensible driving guidelines. All well and good but the car did not like reversing (we nearly burned the clutch out) we went up hills at 10-15 mph and were generally the caravanners people moan about on the roads!!!! I would follow the suggested 85% rule for safety/sanity/wear and tear. There is no benefit to pushing your luck. We were lucky it was a temporary situation and I certainly would not suggest it as a permanent measure.

Visit some retailers and look at the second hand vans and ask loads of questions then you will be more confident if you look privatly. we know several people though who went to browse and actually found some good bargins at retailers.

 we went up hills at 10-15 mph and were generally the caravanners people moan about on the roads

1. Let them moan!!! We pay our taxes

2. An issue that some novices do not consider when looking at weight ratios etc. Sometimes you have to go uphill and, heaven forbid, you get traffic lights half way up the hill and have to do a hill start.

Phil