We have a Zafira 1.9 CDTI SRi 150 X pack, Braked towing weight is 1500 kg. Now the plate on the van has MAW 1300 kg, CAP 210 kg and Hitch 100 KG. Will it be OK to tow with the Zafira?
Ed
Ed
ed325i said:We have a Zafira 1.9 CDTI SRi 150 X pack, Braked towing weight is 1500 kg. Now the plate on the van has MAW 1300 kg, CAP 210 kg and Hitch 100 KG. Will it be OK to tow with the Zafira?
Ed
ProfJohnL said:Hello Ed,
From the information I have available I agree with your figures. That would give you a towing ratio of (MTPLM x 100)/kerbweight) 1300z 100/1596 = 81.4% This is certainly a workable ratio and sits under the industry recommended 85%.
The engine seems to have healthy figures of max BHP of 147 and Torque 315NM which being a diesel will occur at lower rpm which bodes well for towing.
So on paper this looks like a good match.
But a word of warning, good towing is not just about weight and power ratios, Its also important to make sure that both car and trailer are properly maintained, Loaded correctly, and most important of all driven carefully.
The Caravan Club and other organisations offer towing courses which will show you some very useful skills which will not only help with towing but can also cross over into normal solo driving also.
I'm sure Woodlands' comment was well intentioned, and it does show the engine is a capable unit, but you can't really read a lot into it because manufacturers may use the same engine in several different types of car but the may well mate it with a different gear box which will change the perceived nature and performance of the vehicle.
Woodentop said:Lets get this right - 85% is NOT - repeat NOT - an 'industry standard.' It is a number plucked out of the air some time back - heaven knows by whom - as an advisable balance of weights for an inexperienced tower. For someone who knows what they are doing even 100% is acceptable.
What is much more important is the maximum noseweight that the towing vehicle/towbar (they may not be the same) can accommodate. The 100Kg stated is the maximum permissable on the hitch of an Al-Ko chassis - nothing to do with the vehicle.
Dustydog said:Woodentop
What caravan and tug do you use?