We have a Skoda superb 2ltr tdi 170 dsg.
We are looking at a Compass Ralley 650 with a MPTLM 1900.
I've done a caravan match and it's saying we are 39 kg over weight. But if we pack the car and not the van it's saying its OK. Any thoughts. Hubby has been towing for 20 yrs
39kg over weight, which weight?
You need to check the weights of your particular vehicle rather than rely on a caravan match website which may not have the correct details of your model.
I thought a Superb had a kerbweight of about 1500kg so it doesn't sound like a good match to me.
Your car has a maximum towing capacity of 2000 kg so the caravan is able to be towed by your car. If your hubby has been towing for 20 years you will be fine with that van. It is always a good policy though to carry as much stuff in the car as you can however light or heavy your caravan is. I wouldn't really trust caravan matching sites they often do not have the correct specs for the vehicle, are far too conservative in their advice and often confuse advice with rules. The only limits that apply are your car's maximum towing weight and it's maximum gross train weight, which is sometimes lower than your car's and trailer's maximum gross weights combined.
We always put everything in the car to be honest. Only thing that gied in the van is bedding, clothes and food. We don't use an awning. It's a really difficult decision. The van we've seen is just what we need, in fabulous we'll looked after condition and a good price. Just don't want to risk damaging the car or being pulled over. Towing sites are very conflicting. In our car manual it dies say we can tow 2000kg.
Quote: Originally posted by martin734 on 05/10/2022
Your car has a maximum towing capacity of 2000 kg so the caravan is able to be towed by your car. If your hubby has been towing for 20 years you will be fine with that van. It is always a good policy though to carry as much stuff in the car as you can however light or heavy your caravan is. I wouldn't really trust caravan matching sites they often do not have the correct specs for the vehicle, are far too conservative in their advice and often confuse advice with rules. The only limits that apply are your car's maximum towing weight and it's maximum gross train weight, which is sometimes lower than your car's and trailer's maximum gross weights combined.
The car has a kerbweight under 1500kg so towing a 1900kg caravan is not safe by any stretch of the imagination even though legally it can tow up to 2000kg. Even empty the caravan would weigh a lot more than the kerbweight of the car.
If the car was loaded up to the maximum of about 2050kg it would really struggle towing a 1900k caravan even if the caravan was empty. A breeze will probably have a nasty effect on the caravan. Some caravan insurers will not insure a caravan if it is more than 95% of the kerbweight of the car. The car insurance provider may consider it a dangerous combination and also refuse a payout?
Don’t forget the tow ball limit as well, I don’t know particular van in question but, being 1900kgs you’d struggle to get it sub 100 kg’s.
Just make sure you do all the sums. Good luck with whatever you decide.
Thanks for advice. Decided not to go with it. Can anyone tell me what the max MPTLM we can tow?
We've seen a swift that's 1815kg. Still saying too heavy.
Quote: Originally posted by lilyjoy on 06/10/2022
Thanks for advice. Decided not to go with it. Can anyone tell me what the max MPTLM we can tow?
We've seen a swift that's 1815kg. Still saying too heavy.
Post last edited on 06/10/2022 11:03:27
you need the info off your vin plate on the car to be 100% certain
If your car has a kerb weight of 1500kg and you are thinking of towing anything heavier than that, I would contact your insurers to make sure that they would cover you before purchasing anything. Some will baulk at insuring an outfit where the trailer is heavier than the car, and others will quite happily consider it, so you may have to change insurers.
Personally I prefer to tow a caravan that is well under the maximum permitted, as I always like to have something in reserve. It puts less strain on the car, particularly when towing up steep hills with a headwind. I tow a caravan weighing under 1,000kg with a car capable of towing 1,350kg which it would with ease, as the manual gearbox version is rated to tow 2,000kg. I barely know the caravan is on the back and it sails up hills.
My Octavia Estate 4x4 2.0TDi has a kerbweight of 1,495kg, caravan mtplm 1,318kg giving a towing ratio of 88%. I am experienced and would be happy to tow at a 100% ratio 1,495kg. The towing limit is 1,600kg according to the VIN plate.
My advice to you would be to take your car to a public weigh bridge, it should only cost a tenner max, that way you know for sure what your dealing with.
If the car weighs 1560kgs then use that as your max caravan weight but try and stay below it.
Legally the car will pull 2 tonnes but try stopping that when sidewinds hits it and blows you all over he motorway.
Lots after good advise from all The main groups may be old now but they are always with safety in mind
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Tow advice.
via mobile 05/10/2022 at 12:58am
