Hi all , can someone please tell me if i am wasting my time . I have a 051 Zafira 2 lt dti and i want to know if its possible to tow a Bailey ranger 470/4 caravan , or indeed any van . I understand about the 85% rule and have been told i can pull 1050 kg which seems rather low for a 2lt . Any help would be great . Thanks , Graham
help with towing
- Thread starter graham_374324980
- Start date
Hi Graham,
According to my figure you are unfortunately right, the van is 65Kg to heavy for you to tow legally (I have a towing limit of 1100Kg). For whatever reason Vauxhall set the Zafia's towing limit very low, I believe they have revised it for the more recent version but that doesn't help you. Even if you didn't load the van to the limit the police work on the stated figures ie towing limit and MTPLM of 1167Kg. for the van. I'm afraid you need to rethink this one.
Alan
According to my figure you are unfortunately right, the van is 65Kg to heavy for you to tow legally (I have a towing limit of 1100Kg). For whatever reason Vauxhall set the Zafia's towing limit very low, I believe they have revised it for the more recent version but that doesn't help you. Even if you didn't load the van to the limit the police work on the stated figures ie towing limit and MTPLM of 1167Kg. for the van. I'm afraid you need to rethink this one.
Alan
Hello Graham,
As you will have seen elsewhere, the Zafira Mk1 diesel is only rated to tow 1050Kg. That is a legally enforceable limit.
The 85% figure is often misquoted as a 'rule' and it also often assumed to guarantee a safe combination. Neither is correct: 85% is only a guideline and has no bearing in UK law. A safe combination is the result of a number of factors of which weight is just one.
However 85% is a sensible target ratio especially for novice towers.
As you will have seen elsewhere, the Zafira Mk1 diesel is only rated to tow 1050Kg. That is a legally enforceable limit.
The 85% figure is often misquoted as a 'rule' and it also often assumed to guarantee a safe combination. Neither is correct: 85% is only a guideline and has no bearing in UK law. A safe combination is the result of a number of factors of which weight is just one.
However 85% is a sensible target ratio especially for novice towers.
The manufacturer's rated towing limit is not legally enforceable. It is usually based on the vehicle's ability to start on a particular gradient whilst towing. However if you are towing with a vehicle registered from Aug 98, it is illegal to exceed the Gross Train Weight (GTW). This figure is included on the vehicles VIN plate. It is the car's weight fully laden (Gross Vehicle Weight) + the weight of a loaded trailer. So for your Zafira the GVW will be its kerbweight + whatever to arrive at the figure on the VIN plate. So long as that + the Ranger MTPLM of 1179kg does not exceed the GTW, you are legal. However, it is recommended that the MTPLM of the van does not exceed 85% of the car's kerbweight. What you do risk, however, if you exceed the manufacter's towing limit is damaging the car (transmission, engine etc) - whatever caused the manufacturer to set that towing limit in the first place. Somewhat longwinded, but I hope this clears the matter up.
Mike
ps the Ranger 470/4 is a great van - I have one - but be aware the side bunks are quite short, so try before buy.
Mike
ps the Ranger 470/4 is a great van - I have one - but be aware the side bunks are quite short, so try before buy.
I should have said: So for your Zafira the GTW will be its kerbweight + whatever to arrive at the figure on the VIN plate
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