• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

BMW 5 Series

J

Johnlfc132

So I have currently been looking at tow car options for a Swift 560l which has a MTPL of 1660kg.

the car has a kerb weight of 1785kg so using the 85% calculation it says 1517 so I couldn’t tow that as caravan is heavier. The car states it can Tow 2000kg though so am I missing something?

Thanks
John
 
The 85% is a guide not a rule. The cars specification clearly states its towing legal capability. The 85 is there to guide new caravanners but so many other things affect a safe tow. But I would never exceed 100% with a caravan as they aren’t perfect trailers
 
I can now see it’s is a heavily debated topic and one I can understand. Loading the car will increase weight distribution anyway. Caravan at 1660 with car at 1785 plus 2000 tow capacity im sure I could manage. C+E qualified
 
Excellent tow cars, I used a 2016 BMW 520D to tow a 2018 twin axle Sprite Quattro EB all over the country (and also a laden twin axle car trailer). My only comments are:

  1. The 8 speed gearbox is brilliant, never hesitating and always in the "right" gear,
  2. The BMW fold away tow bar doesn't have the live feed for the fridge/battery charging - never bothered us.
  3. I THINK a retro fit (non-factory) tow bar requires an upgraded cooling fan.
  4. The rear suspension can be a bit soft, loading to the maximum noseweight can give a bum-down stance.
  5. Rock steady handling and the factory quoted kerb weight is for a car in minimum spec, from memory the actual (weighed) kerb weight of mine was around 1830kgs.bmw2.jpg
 
Just something to consider - some caravan insurers specify that you cannot exceed 100% of the cars kerb weight in their T&C's.

In your case John, i wouldn't bat an eyelid towing a caravan with MTPLM of 1660kg with a car that weighs 1785kg
 
I don't think you'll be disappointed, I never was and would consider another 5 series as a tow car at any time, although mine had a few reliability issues but as it was a company car it didn't bother me too much. My twin axle had an MTPLM of 1624kgs and we towed it up & down the country with the BMW without a sniff of any handling issues.
 
Johnlfc132 said:
C+E qualified
Click to expand...
Category C does not apply to your proposed outfit as both the tow vehicle and the trailers have MAM's are less than 3500kg each.

The correct Category is B and B+e, which since a recent government change to the categories every pass of the basic licence now included "Be" even if its not shown on your licence.

If in doubt check with the DVSA
 
Johnlfc132 said:
I can now see it’s is a heavily debated topic and one I can understand. Loading the car will increase weight distribution anyway. Caravan at 1660 with car at 1785 plus 2000 tow capacity im sure I could manage. C+E qualified
Click to expand...
Try looking at the matching site Towcar.info I’ve always found it a pretty good predictor, and it allows you to be flexible on things like payload, noseweight,cars weight inc luggage etc. Although as a previous post has said it looks a good match anyway and he has experience of the recent five series too as a tow car.
 
Last edited:
ProfJohnL said:
Category C does not apply to your proposed outfit as both the tow vehicle and the trailers have MAM's are less than 3500kg each.

The correct Category is B and B+e, which since a recent government change to the categories every pass of the basic licence now included "Be" even if its not shown on your licence.

If in doubt check with the DVSA
Click to expand...

I understood the licence categories it was more for offering confidence as a driver with a load / larger size being an issue if closer to weights
Cheers
John
 
Johnlfc132 said:
I understood the licence categories it was more for offering confidence as a driver with a load / larger size being an issue if closer to weights
Cheers
John
Click to expand...
If you have CE, that implies you've gained the +E by passing a towing test rather than "grandfather rights" - if that's the case, you're in a good position to cope just fime with your Towing Ratio.
 
RogerL said:
If you have CE, that implies you've gained the +E by passing a towing test rather than "grandfather rights" - if that's the case, you're in a good position to cope just fime with your Towing Ratio.
Click to expand...
I had C+E as grandfather rights, but that was removed last year, when I hit 70 years old.
Edit, It was C1E as grandfather rights. .
 
Last edited:
ProfJohnL said:
Category C does not apply to your proposed outfit as both the tow vehicle and the trailers have MAM's are less than 3500kg each.

The correct Category is B and B+e, which since a recent government change to the categories every pass of the basic licence now included "Be" even if its not shown on your licence.

If in doubt check with the DVSA
Click to expand...

......you cannot hold a C licence or a C+E licence without holding a B licence first.

Hutch .... I think you are referring to a C1 licence being removed at 70 since C licences come with stricter medical requirements.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Back
Top