We have a 1.6 Vauxhall Zafira which has a maximum towing capacity of 1100kg. We are looking for a folding camper and have been looking at a Pennine Pathfinder which has a maximum weight of 1000kg.
So my question is - is this OK or is it really stretching it a bit? Should we really be looking for something smaller/lighter?
OK thank you, thats helpful. So what sort of maximum weight should we really be looking at? For example the Pennine Sterling is 900kg so would that be OK, or should we go even lighter?
I would have thought that would have been fine if you have a Diesel model.
Have a look on the whattowcar website, enter your car make model, and then select a caravan that has an all up weight of 1000kg or just over.
That will bring a % match up either good or bad, I have seen some fairly small cars towing FC's of course that does not mean that they are well past the 85% rule, or over a 100% match.
85% is a guideline, not a rule. But I know what you meant.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Check here, for the pathfinder, click on the caravan box, scroll down to trailer, select it ... next page you can put in specific details of size, weight etc of what you are towing, so you can get a precise report for your car and a Pathfinder.
The car has a low tow weight because of low torque(ie pulling power)from 1.6 petrol, diesel versons of same car have higher tow weight. Kerbweight of car is about 1450kg so towing 1 tonne is well under 85% & quite safe. You won't have much speed uphill including motorways though so certainly car would drive better towing less weight.
Thanks for the replies. I feel a bit nervous about being so close to the maximum weight so we are going to try and find something a bit lighter. We could really do with a 6 berth though and most of them are around 900kg.
Hi angedaws, we have a pennine sterling which is a 6 berth and we pull ours with a 1.6 petrol vauxhall meriva.we have been towing with this set up for four years now and never had any problems.
Thanks Oakman, thats really helpful. We have seen a Sterling that we really like so thats what we are going to go for. Looks absolutely perfect for our needs.
I was just a bit worried about buying something and then finding it was too heavy for the car! So I really appreciate your post.
I have a 900kg pennine pullman and pull it loaded up to the max with a 1.4 Vw golf. I have to change into 4th sometimes on motorway hills but have no problems cruising at the 60 limit.
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Topic: Towing weights advice needed
