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Topic: Kerbweight and max tow limit of car

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Neil63

23/5/2016 at 2:10pm
Location: Lincoln
Outfit: Volvo V70 D5 Lunar clubman SB

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Hi everyone,
I have a question to ask. If my cars kerbweight is say 1800kgs max and my van is at 85% (1530kgs). I know this is a good match but should I be concerned if the max towing for the car is only 1600kgs?
Thanks in advance.

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checkley1973

23/5/2016 at 2:42pm
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No I wouldn't be as long as you drive knowing what you are towing. You are under 100% and below max tow for car.

Enjoy your van.

Softguy

23/5/2016 at 8:07pm
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navver

24/5/2016 at 10:12pm
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The 85% rule is to make sure the car is heavier than the van for stability.

The max tow is so you can pull away on a hill without damaging anything too much.

Be careful though because max tow is often subject to being within the gross train weight limit. This is the combined weight of car and van when both are loaded. It may reduce the max tow if the car is loaded to capacity.

My old Pug 406 was 1500kg max tow but if the car was fully loaded it only left 1200kg for the van. As there were only 2 of us it was no problem but if I had 3 big kids in the back with a roof rack and bikes strapped on. No way.

blueexpo97

25/5/2016 at 7:04am
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It ain't a rule.

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ROG.

25/5/2016 at 7:56am
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Quote: Originally posted by navver on 24/5/2016
The 85% rule is to make sure the car is heavier than the van for stability.

As stated - it is not a rule
The idea of the ADVICE is to ensure that the vehicle is heavier than the caravan due to the design of what it is towing

A worse case scenario is used where they assume the caravan is fully loaded and the tow vehicle is empty

The reality at the time of towing is likely to be very different from the worse case scenario

The issue is HOW do you know what the exact weights are when towing without going to a weighbridge but most can do a sensible rough estimate

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