Different towing limits for 12%, 10% and 8% gradients

[RogerL]

Some vehicle manufacturers, mainly continental, specify different towing limits for 12%, 10% and 8% gradients.

How does this appear on the vehicles' VIN plate?

It would seem to me that there will be different Gross Train Weights, according to the gradient used, but only one GTW on the VIN plate.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Roger,

As I understand it, the Gross Train Weight is immutable. If you have differing towed weights depending on the gradient, then if the trailer running at a larger weight because of the lower gradient then exceeds the GTW, then weight has to be lost from the outfit to bring it back under the GTW.

That means weight can be lost from the car or trailer or a combination of both.

 

[RogerL]

So what's the value of higher towing limits at 10% and 8% if it's at the expense of towcar payload?

 

[Lutz]

Yes, higher limits at 10% and 8% than the standard 12% do not normally increase the gross train weight limit (although there are exceptions). Consequently, making use of these higher limits almost inevitably means that you can put less payload in the car.

 

[Lutz]

So what's the value of higher towing limits at 10% and 8% if it's at the expense of towcar payload?

As these higher limits often result in considerably exceeding a 100% weight ratio and therefore hardly suitable for caravans, they are primarily intended for towing boats or low loader trailers. Such trailers are seldom towed with a lot of holiday luggage aboard.