Multi Towing Weights

[WilliamTups]

Hi All

I have noticed lately whilst looking for a new car many manufacturers are starting to quote more than one max towing weight, for example my new car states in the handbook

max 1600kgs for a upto 8% gradient

max 1400kgs for a 9-10% gradient

max 1200kgs for a 11-14% gradient

max 1000kgs for a 15% max gradient

Therefore what weight should I really be looking at for towing? and does anyone know what the average gradient is in the UK?

Thanks

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello William,

You have posed a very interesting question.

Traditional thinking, says you shoudl not exceede the maxiumum trailer weight atated by the manufacture as part of thier type approval process. In the past most manufactures will have stated a single figure which certainly makes your choice of trailer easier

It would be considered illegal to exceed the manufactures figure. Now with the table you have demonstrated, the maximum allowed varies according to the gradients the car is on.

I believe that the these figures are fundamentally based on the vehicles ability to pull away from a standing start on the incline and there could be some element of the cars braking capacity so do not represent the cars ability to keep an outfit moving up an incline. S clarity on this would be helpful.

I do not see any point in identifying an average gradient for the UK, as it will ignore the local conditions in diverse places. for example in Lincolnshire there are very few steep hills, where as in the Lake District ther are many quite steep inclines. But I seem to recall that the 12% gradient has previously been suggested as the standard. I am guessing that should cover 98% of of all roads within the UK, but this needs to be independently verified.

Anyone out there with more information?

ou must not exceed the maximum

 

[Gareth111278]

I think this table refers to the cars ability to pull away on that gradient ,

as far as what size caravan to pull goes i'd stick to the caravan club 85% rule [the MTPLM of the caravan should not exceed the kirb weight of the car]

As i understand it the car as its being used must never be lighter than the caravan. E.g my Cavalier would be illegal pulling our caravan unless it was loaded with about 200kgs! [i don't tow with it much for that reason!]

Gareth

 

[RogerL]

Weight information is set by the UK importer of particular vehicles eg VW UK, Vauxhall, Ford UK rather than the European parent, eg VAG, GM Opel and Ford Europe.

In Europe it has been common for many models to have different towing limits, according to gradient. Cars used exclusivly in Netherlands and Northern Germany have far less severe gradients to cope with than those living in Alpine areas!

UK towing limits are usually based re-start ability on a 12% gradient.

Steep gradients on motorways are 5% but there are many A-road hills much steeper. Porlock Hill on the A39 is 25%.

Chimney Bank, an unclassified road in N Yorks is 33%, the steepest motor road in UK but caravans are banned!

 

[Gareth111278]

In old money 25% is One in Four is that right?

33% one in three?

Thats steep!!

 

[Lutz]

As John L and Roger pointed out, the requirements of the EU directive are based on a 12% incline. I think you'll find that higher towing limits at less than 12% will generally be appreciably more than the kerbweight of the car and therefore unsuitable for caravans. Such figures are really only to cover exceptional and particularly favourable conditions, such as towing a lowloader trailer in very flat parts of the country.

 

[RogerL]

Gareth, yes 33% is 1:3 - the CC site at Rosedale Abbey is right at the bottom of Chimney Bank - makes an interesting start to a day out with cold engine, gearbox and tyres.

 

[Gareth111278]

Hi RogerL

i've never been there but there's a little site near Newquay Mid Wales with a nasty 1:4 ramp from the check-in area to the field, my old Montego refused at low revs, i had to back up and take a run to get the turbo running! Scary stuff with the bonnet pointing at the sky!!

There's a pass in the lakes called the Wrinose [i think it spelt that way] thats 1:3 or 1:4 & I think the only other way out of the valley [other than the way you came] is another very steep one, the Hardnot, i think but could be wrong. i only did them as i kid , passenger in my dad's Ford Thames mini bus!

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Gareth,

With reference to your earlier post, there are two points that need clarification:

Firstly 85% is not a rule it is only a guideline suggested many years ago. The legal limit is the one set by the vehicle manufacturer's type approval.

Secondly, and as a result of the first, if the vehicle manufacture specifies a maximum limit that is above the weight of the car it is legal - Unless you have restriction on your driving licence.

 

[Gareth111278]

Hi john

I mis-understood the regs on that then [i know 85% is a guideline]. My mate has a discovery with a 3500kgs max tow , i assumed his gross train weight must be 7,000kgs, but come to think of it thats daft!

The caravan club do quote that a heavier caravan than car is illegal though, i think they are incorrect on that now.

i'll have a look on the CC's site now.

Gareth

 

[RogerL]

Gareth, it's all too easy to forget that caravans aren't the only type of trailer - the CC and C&CC use the 85% guideline specifically for caravans.

Vehicle manufacturers towing limits have to cover all types of trailer. Given that caravans have a natural instability caused by most of the weight being round the perimeter, it's hardly surprising that goods trailers, with weight in the centre, can often exceed 100% (if within towing limit) and still be more stable than a caravan.

Pedantic I know, but the "towing limit" isn't actually specified in type-approval - the vehicles' MAW and GTW are absolute legal limits

 

[Gareth111278]

Hi rodger

I agree its easy to forget that other trailers are inherently more stable than a caravan, i've alway just thought that 100% was a maximum, basicly because i've never towed a heavy trailer! i've only been caravanning for 5 years so i still stick to 85% as i don't feel i'm properly experienced yet. admitidly i have the luxury of not having to worry as we run a Crysler Grand Voyager its only about a 70% match

I'll be towing our Elddis Typhoon [1200kgs] with my Cavalier in the summer so i'll experience a 100% or there-abouts match! Bit scared! i'll have to take more balast [beer] in the car....

gareth