Increasing 85% towing limit of car

[GeorgeandAde]

Hi.Firstly,I realise that the 85% figure is only a guide but i would be grateful for an answer to this question please.

I believe the kerb weight of my 2006 model Ford Mondeo Hatch 2.2 TDCI is 1495kg.

The 85% figure would then be 1270kg.

This would then be an ideal figure for a suitable loaded caravan to match the car.

Could i however,carry in the car such items as battery,awning and other items maybe up to the total weight of about 100kg.

Am I right in thinking that this would increase the ideal weight of the loaded caravan that i could tow to 1370kg?

 

[Alecsmart]

In short - no. The kerbweight is a fixed figure. The only additions made to this (sometimes already included) are for a driver and a nearly full tank of fuel (90%). It is generally thought good practice to load the car rather than the 'van and can only help to improve the ratio and possibly stability. Remember that by putting more in the car you are loading up the rear suspension and will also have the noseweight of the caravan, this may make the car sit 'low' on the suspension at the rear.

I find that I need a bit of weight in the 'van just behind the axle as the noseweight can creep up.

Martin

 

[Lutz]

The actual weight ratio will always be more favourable than a weight ratio calculated on a worst case basis, i.e. lightest possible car towing a caravan in the heaviest possible condition. However, it is pointless working out what the actual weight ratio is because it doesn't tell you anything and can't be compared with any other value. Putting more heavy stuff in the car is always going to help, but it's not worth revising your calculations to reflect the change in payload distribution. Just make sure that you stay below the manufacturer's towload limit and you'll be OK.

ps: I'd be very wary about putting a really heavy item like the battery in the car if it is not restrained in any way.

 

[GeorgeandAde]

Thank you for your advice.

I did have heavy duty springs fitted to the Mondeo 3 weeks ago.

I have made up a fitted storage box for the battery which sits in the boot behind the rear seats.

Our 3/4 Sunncamp awning/poles etc goes on the rear floor between the front and rear seats along with my small box of tools/tinned food/groundsheet etc..

Its all basicaly over the rear axle of the car.

Im limited to a 75kg noseweight limit and only carry one gas bottle in front locker and anything else carried on the floor over the caravan axle which usually gives me a 70-75kg noseweight on tow hitch.

So with your advice,i now realise that my 85% recommended towing limit cannot be exceeded but with the extra weight in the car,may help for a stable tow.

Many thanks.

 

[Lutz]

Of course, you can exceed the 85% so long as you stay within the manufacturer's towload limit. It's a decision that you have to make for yourself. However, it's generally considered very unwise to tow a caravan at over 100%, even where it is theoretically (legally) possible.