Towing capablites

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surely the definitive answer to the op , is to look at what the manual says ? .... I would but I don't know in which section to find it :eek:
 
surely the definitive answer to the op , is to look at what the manual says ? .... I would but I don't know in which section to find it :eek:

The definitive answer is on the chassis plate thats were mr plod will look if you get pulled.The question was answered in post number 2:thumb2
 
It is not the weight that screws you up it is how it is towed what speed etc.

What is the max weight you can tow - see handbook.
Also see what your towing bracket is rated at, see also is it a braked or unbraked trailer, see also what speed are my tyres rated for, see also what are the road/ off road conditions, see also how far are you travelling, see also what is the ambient temp, see also is it high or low sided etc. etc.

Basically the caravanning fraternity recommend no more than 85% of the kerbweight for beginners rising to 100% for experienced people, but there are many factors. If you have an accident (and survive) the plod can do you for having an unsafe load for just about anything :sly

I have been towing caravans for over 25 years (17 with a Terrano) and never had a problem until this year. I stupidly :eek: traded in my 2.7 TDi (12 years from New) for shiny 3 year old Rav 4. Joining the M3 from the west I suddenly felt the back end move and looking in my mirrors I saw the caravan broadside on and swinging form side to side :eek: (missus shouting STOP IT ROBERT). I gently eased off the speed and gently steered to keep myself relatively straight, luckily, loosing energy the swing stabilised. My brother in law, towing behind me, reckoned I was using all 3 lanes and I was going to crash.

Anyway long story short, tow what you can convince a policeman that it is safe and even then take care (Don't use a Rav):doh
 
Sorry a little bit more:
Depending on the age of the vehicle you may have to have a type approved Towbar and euro towball.
 
As said above towing limits tell you the max weight that can pull away off a gradient and therefore are more a guide to engine power than anything else. Just because it can pull away with that weight up a hill doesn't mean it will stop it going done one . For caravans 85 to 90% of kerbweight loaded correctly would considered acceptable by both caravan clubs but with experience a weight in the 90's is often used. As for trailers a weight nearer the tow limit can be used as the effects of wind and passing trucks is less of a problem. I have towed 2 1/2 tonne of car and trailer behind mine with no worries but do have 30 odd years of towing experience.

Brian
 
I wonder if 4x4s hill start weight is based on use of lowbox, cant see ever read it
but some of Caravan Club Tow Car of Year Tests have mentioned on test track
have struggled to restart some pickup and suv combinations though usually moan
about inability of handbrake to hold the rig.

There are many cars with similar size engines and no transfer with lower tow weights
though of course the fun would be trying to get back into high box once rolling, oh
and transmission wind up....
 

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