Hi Haymat
The reality is that you could get into trouble with any outfit whatever the % ratios. I currently tow at 90% and have no qualms about that.
Its about smooth manoeuvres, careful overtaking, observing crosswind signs, care on downhill stretches and so on. Obvious stuff, but ignore at your peril especially at high ratios.
Unfortunately the amount of incorrect and misleading information out there regarding 'safe' towing matches is staggering and you seem to have been subjected, or subjected yourself to most of it.
The ratio of caravan weight to car kerb weight is only one factor to consider, and is actually among the least important. It's far more important to ensure that the actual weight of the caravan (note: not necessarily the MTPLM, although they'll probably be close in reality) does not exceed the maximum towing limit of the car. To exceed this limit is illegal.
The only reliable place to get this information is from the car's VIN plate or V5 registration document. Do NOT rely on outfit matching sites which are notoriously unreliable. Towcar.info, which has been referenced in this thread is among the worst of them all, because it's a Dutch site and the cars in it's database are not to UK specifications.
If you're towing 1500kg+ with a 4WD Ssangyong and have a post-1997 licence, you will definitely need a 'Category B+E' extension if you don't have it already.
You also need to consider the performance of your car's engine and whether this can comfortably cope with towing a 1.5-tonne box in addition to the weight of the car itself. In general and simple terms, a large diesel engine is best suited to this because it produces more of its power and torque at lower engine speeds, allowing you to use higher gears. Do the same thing with a small petrol engine and you'll spend more time in lower gears with the engine revving itself mad.
Frankly, provided that you're below the towing limit, your licence permits it and your car's engine is capable, towing at 89% of the kerb weight would be the least of my concerns.
------------- "Don't wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect."
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: 85 to 90%
