We don't currently have a tow car, so I cant go and look at the manual or anything - online there seems to be conflicting views for some (many?) models.
So how do you know? When we are looking at specific cars, how can we find out?
FWIW we are currently liking Mazda CX5 AWD ( would have preferred CX60 but concerned by the issues I keep hearing). I think we would be okay at 1600kg, not sure about 1800kg, not okay at 2000kg?
Just to clarify, many cars have a generic user handbook that covers a range of models, rather than one specific model. Consequently weights, measures and limits can be difficult to unravel from the general text. The fact is each specific model can have its own set of load limits which might be unique to that one model. To be certain, you need to see the vehicles weight plate which defines four specific limits for each car
The four limits are
Line 1: The Gross Vehicle Mass or Maximum Authorised Mass
Line 2: The Gross Train Mass (the maximum mass of the car and trailer weighed hitched together)
Line3: Front Axle Maximum Load
Line 4: Rear Axle Maximum Load
(If line 2 is empty or set "0" the car you have chosen is not approved for towing)
These are strict legal limits with no tolerance. At no time should you load in excess of any of these static limits.
A simple calculation of Line 2 - Line 1 will tell you the maximum allowed trailer mass you can tow when the car is fully laden.
Just becasue you keep within these limits does not guarantee your outfit will tow safely. That is down to how you load and drive the outfit.