Beware Suzuki SWB & Renault Laguna manufacturer's towing limits.

[hlp5040]

We bought a swb 1.6 Suzuki Grand Vitara Sport (2005) with kerbweight 1245Kg having read online that it'd tow 1500Kg. There are only two of us and we want a modest 2-berth van of say 900-1000Kg, so we felt the size was fine and would be more economical than LWB anyway. The 4x4 would definitely have its uses too.

However: on seeking towbar prices to compare them, an honest fitter suggested we phone Suzuki before throwing our dosh away saying he "wouldn't personally pull more than the skin off a rice pudding with it". I contacted Suzuki. I was dumbstruck when the reply (which I requested be confirmed in writing too), was that the max unbraked or braked trailer they deem the car able to tow is 450Kg.

The email states that this limit must never be exceeded, so the legal position is going to be max 450 I guess.

That leaves us having to change cars again only 3 months after buying this one, and naturally losing out on it so we can acquire a car that WILL tow a modest van.

Sooo
I have been seeking manufacturer advice on other vehicles. I find a quote that Renault Lagunas can't tow over 1000Kg unless the car has only the driver aboard. I asked Renault whether a diesel Laguna or Megane Est from around 2005 would tow 1200kg (it should according to some 'net data). They say neither will tow this weight.

 

[Lutz]

Are you sure that the 450kg limit for the Suzuki Grand Vitara applies to a braked trailer as well? My information is that the limit is 1600kg.
In most cases their maximum Gross Train Weight is what determines what one may tow with a Renault. This is because the Gross Train Weight is less than the sum of the GVW and the manufacturer's towload limit. This is a peculiarity of practically all Renaults.

 

[Philspadders]

a friend of mine had the SWB vitara, he had to sell it and upgrade as he said " the towing limit on one of these is about the same as i could pull with my own legs on a push bike".

He did use it to tow a trailer and camping gear through France and he said that going uphill he was passed by guys walking.

he got a Kia SportageXS and never looked back.

 

[hlp5040]

Are you sure that the 450kg limit for the Suzuki Grand Vitara applies to a braked trailer as well? My information is that the limit is 1600kg.

Yes and on reflection, it isn't that sparky taking just me up an average hill, so pulling a caravan....? The owner's manual gives towing info for the 5-door variants but then just says "all models" can tow 450 braked/unbraked and here is what Suzuki wrote to me, following a phonecall
"Thank you for your recent email regarding your Suzuki Grand Vitara. As requested, please find below the towing capacities for vehicle registration: XXXXXX

Braked trailer: 450kg
Unbraked trailer: 450kg
The above capacities must be adhered to. For more information regarding towing capacities please refer to your vehicles owners manual. We trust this information has been useful to you. Please call us on 0500 011959 should you require further assistance.
Kind regards

Glen Coppock
Customer Services Centre Executive "

 

[Lutz]

I have a feeling that Glen Coppock did not do his homework correctly or he let a typographical error slip into his reply.
I would certainly question the validity of the information.

 

[xtrailman]

I agree with Lutz.
Never seen both the braked and unbraked tow weights the same.
And thats on 7 tow cars.

 

[mcghee]

All Suzuki technical info quotes 1600 kgs braked towing limit for Grand Vitara.

 

[nelmo]

All Suzuki technical info quotes 1600 kgs braked towing limit for Grand Vitara.

Maybe but with a kerbweight of only 1245 kg, you'd be mad to tow any caravan near that limit.

Is it a 1.6 petrol engine? I wouldn't be surprised if the max tow was only 450kg - it must have a hard time pulling itself round with that size engine

 

[Lutz]

A kerbweight of only 1245kg for a Grand Vitara is also questionable.

 

[mcghee]

I don't know about that Nelmo. Its not so long ago a lot of us were towing with 1.6 petrol Astras, Cavaliers, Escorts, and Sierras. Most of which were 15-20 hp less powerful than the Grand Vitara 1.6.
Suzuki technical quote over 1400kgs kerbweight for all variants.

 

[TD42]

see here http://www.cuddles.abelgratis.net/suzuki.htm#vitara301 all 2001 to 2007 1600cc versions seem to have a max tow load of 1600kg

 

[ProfJohnL]

I cannot stress enough, that you must not trust third party sites for data of this nature, You must always confirm it with the vehiecle data plate, V5 document, relavant handbook, or driectly with the manufacture by quoting the VIN number.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Oops double posted!