Can this car tow?

[Mark_374372334]

Hi I am emailing you with a query,

My parents have recently bought a newer caravan a abbey impression 2004 with a fixed bed.

They are currently towing it with a 1998 volvo S40 2.0SE with a maximum towing weight (according to the handbook) of 1400g. The kerbweight is 1306kg.

When they bought the caravan they were told they should have no problems pulling it as the cars maximum towing weight is 1500kg! Thats not what it says in the handbook.

The vans weights are MTPLM=1533kg and the MIRO=1278kg.

Can they legally tow the van?

Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[KentMike]

not sure if this helps - from the cc site.

VIN Plate / MTPLM Only applicable to post-August 1998 vehicles This calculation is based on the Gross Train Weight of your vehicle. If the Gross Vehicle Weight plus the MAW/MTPLM of your caravan exceeds the Gross Train Weight shown on the VIN Plate of your car, you could be breaking the law. The Gross Train Weight of a vehicle should be the Gross Vehicle Weight plus the vehicle's maximum towing weight. However, some manufacturers have set their Gross Train Weights below that figure and this will restrict the towing limit of these vehicles.

 

[weejock]

I would say that this outfit is on the limit.

If the handbook says that the max tow is 1400 then that is the maximum designed tow weight for the car.

The other figure that you need is the maximum train weight, this is car and van combined.

Should the train weight be say 3000kg and they keep the caravan weight to 1400kg and put the rest of their items in the car this would allow the car to gross 1600kg. It should also be borne in mind that there is a maximum weight limit for the rear axle of the car which must not be exceeded.

If it was me I would buy a heavier car through personal choice but that is not to say they can't tow legally with this car it just depends on the train weight.

 

[RogerL]

The towing ratio would be 117% - the caravan exceeds the car towing limit by 133kg.

That's a no-no - by any comparison method !!

 

[mauron]

Hi Mark,

Totally agree with RogerL. on this point.

If the police stopped you and checked your outfit would be illegal and your insurance would be voided should you have an accident.....sorry!

Ron.

 

[ScouseIan]

Mark,

you already know the answer to this don't you?

You are looking for somebody to confirm what you already know. At some point where you come over the brow of a hill or where the road is exposed and your caravan will have a life all of its own.

Sorry

 

[Lutz]

One thing is for sure, the caravan must not be loaded up to its MTPLM to remain legal. If the car's maximum towload is 1400kg and the noseweight 75kg (I'm assuming that), then the maximum permissible weight of the caravan is 1475kg which is 58kg less than its MTPLM.

 

[Mark_374372334]

Well now we have that sorted, are there any cars out there that could tow our van? We don't want to go into four wheel drive or MPV territory if we don't have to.

We thought about the Volvo V70 D5, but the kerbweight of this is 1578, which makes it a 97% match is that right? Would it be legal to tow at this?

Cheers

Mark