Hi, we are off tomorrow to start our search for our first caravan, so excited.
Please could someone double check for me though the maximum towing weight for our Nissan Juke 1.6 petrol. I want to obviously make sure we buy a caravan that is safe for us to tow. I have tried to work this out but as we are complete novices, I'd be really grateful if someone with more experience would check this for us.
Kerb weight varys depending on model from 1162kg to 1430kg. This is without any passengers or luggage. SO add a figure onto that then take 85% - this should be your ideal towing max.
So if you say the gross weight is 1500 then 85% is 1275kg.
I'm so sorry if I sound stupid but just want to be double sure. Am I right then that to be a safe towing weight as we are beginners, that 85% of 1250kg would be the maximum?
Quote: Originally posted by alexisemma31 on 25/8/2013
I'm so sorry if I sound stupid but just want to be double sure. Am I right then that to be a safe towing weight as we are beginners, that 85% of 1250kg would be the maximum?
Thanks everyone for all your help.
The recommendation is 85% of the vehicle's kerbweight, unless the manufacturer stipulates a lower maximum towing weight.
The recommendation is that the caravan max loaded weight (MTPLM) should be no more than 85% of the kerbweight of your car. So if your car's kerbweight is 1000kg the MTPLM of your 'van should be no more than 850kg - UNLESS the manufacturer of the car stipulates a lower max. towing weight for your car than 850kg
Even if it says you can tow 1200kgs, that's put you on the limit with most caravans.
You also want to check the maximum weught for the rear axle of your car.
Then add the nose weight of the caravan with your luggage and rear passengers to make sure the car isn't over weight.
Quote: Originally posted by alexisemma31 on 25/8/2013
Thanks for that. Am I right in thinking that as a beginner we should only tow 85% of the maximum tow weight?
No the 85% formula refers to the kerbweight of the tow car not its max tow allowance
how ever this is not a legal requirement. you could legally tow up to the cars max tow load provided you have a B+E licence
Yes - check your driving licence! If you passed your test post 1997 it will not have the magic B+E towing entitlement on it, and you be very limited in what you are allowed to tow. Check here: https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car