Sorry if this has been asked before. I am looking to buy a new car and caravan and I need to know if they will be compatible. What is the calculation I need to do? I am getting different things from different calculators on the net some good some bad, so I want to work it out myself. Thanks in advance.
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The basics that you need to know are the kerbweight of the towcar and the MTPLM of the caravan (that is the MIRO plus the maximum payload).
Once you have the two weights you can enter them into a percentage calculator which will give you the results.
A typical online percentage calculator is provided in the link below.
For a safe tow loaded caravan needs to be somewhat lighter that the car towing it. Look in car handbook, find the kerbweight. Use your calculator to find 85% of that kerbweight. Find a caravan that has fully laden weight known as MTPLM of around that 85% figure. Does not have to be exact but it's a figure to aim for.
You then need to check again in handbook to ascertain that car max tow weight is not below the loaded weight of your chosen caravan.
Other factors to consider for car choice are engine, choose the more powerful diesel model for better performance & reasonable fuel consumption & ensure car allows sufficient weight on towbar. This weight, towbar download will also be noted in car handbook. A suitable towcar will allow at least 70kg & preferably 90kg on towbar if you want a larger caravan weighing well over a tonne.
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Topic: Towing calculation
