Quote: Originally posted by snap on 26/6/2006
It would be interesting to see what insurance companies would make of a claim from some one over the 85% mark involved in a accident?
I dont think the real reason for the 85% rule is to get the van moving as a lot of light but powerful engined cars will do this easily. Its to do with stability and getting it stopped! The more weight up front, the more in control you will be! This all boils down to being safe on the road.
Quote: Originally posted by Stressed Al on 26/6/2006
I dont think the real reason for the 85% rule is to get the van moving as a lot of light but powerful engined cars will do this easily. Its to do with stability and getting it stopped! The more weight up front, the more in control you will be! This all boils down to being safe on the road.
Now you are getting to the whole point of the topic!
Why do people have light cars when a heavy car would be safer? Or is fuel consumption more important?
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"If I let go of what I am, I can become what I might be".
is it just in the UK there seems to be a big issue over this 85% thing ?
seen loads of dodgy outfits in france,xsaras towing twin axle adrias for instance & no-one seems to have any problems or give a monkeys about it.they dont seem to use 4x4`s for towing on the continent either.
Been driving HGV for 16 years and I am a member of Institute for Advance Motorists, Commercial Class. I have been towing caravans for 12 years, which is nothing compared to some of the members on here, and I tow at 94%. I am in no way over confident or arrogant to the safety of towing a caravan, but I am very careful about loading, nose weight and most importantly, my speed. I maintain my van and tow car to the highest standards and I have always had a safe and secure journey where ever we have gone. The law permits 100% of the kerb weight of your car and the 85% is only a recommendation, a good one I might add. If you load correctly and tow with consideration, a safe journey can be had even if you are slightly over the 85%. What really pi**'s me off are the caravanners who pass me doing at least 70mph and have all sorts strapped to the towbar, roof rack and bike racks on the back of the van. Unfortunatley it is those vans that we see lying on their side having rolled over becasue they have suddenly got a wobble on and it will become uncontrolable at those sorts of speeds. What ever you tow and however you tow it, please be safe.
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Topic: 85% ?
