Saab 9-5 Estate 3.0 V6 TDi with Elddis Avante 630

[Nick_374309373]

I currently tow an Elddis Avante 630 Twin axle MTPLM 1675kg on a Kia Sedona 2.9Tdi (2000Kg Capacity).

I am looking to change the Kia(MPV) with an estate car and have been looking at a Saab 9-5 Estate 3.0 V6 TDi can anyone recommend this car ? also would this car be safe to tow my elddis avante, i know it is breaking the 85% rule but would i be breaking any law as the Saab dealer said this car can safely tow 1800Kg.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Regards

Nick

 

[Cockovan]

Hi Nick,

According to the figures that I have access to the kerb weight of your Saab will be 1665Kg - 10Kg LESS than the MTPLM of the van. I have towed up to 97% for a short while until I could change to a heavier tow car but virtually all caravanning organisations IN THIS COUNTRY regard towing over the 100% as irresponsible.

A cars towing capabilities (1800KG) are determined sole by the manufacturer on its structural integrity and its ability to restart from standstill on a 12% gradient, it has nothing to do with its stability or its ability to control and stop that weight.

Hope this helps

Alan

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Nick,

85% is only guideline not a rule, But it is a sensible target ratio.

Whist technically the Saab may be a match, I think it would be wise to look for match with a more favourable ratio.

 

[Lutz]

Braking is most certainly also one of the factors the car manufacturers take into account when determining the maximum permissible towload. What they in general do not do is to differentiate between different types of trailer. A low loader, for example, could be quite safe at a weight ratio well in excess of 100%.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello again Nick,

I assumed previously that you will have passed your driving test prior to Jan 1997, in which case there is no problem with the overall weights, but if you passed after Jan 1997, then you have probably been towing illegally.

see:

http://www.practicalcaravan.com/legal/index.html

 

[Nick_374309373]

Hi John thanks for the post, yes I did pass my test prior to 1997 so that will not be a problem.

You say technically the saab could be a match but would you think it is a safe match or can you recommend an estate car which would be a safer combination ?

Thanks Regards

Nick

 

[blackrat_5041011]

I have had a 9-5 3.0 TiD for five years. I tow a 1650 kg van all over Europe and it's a superb tow car. I would highly recommend it.

The Certificate of Conformity supplied with the car gives the following data;

Unladen weight- 1760 kgs.

Max permissable weight- 2210 kgs.

Max noseweight 75 kgs.

Max roof load- 100 kgs.

Max trailer weight- 1800 kgs.

Max mass of combination- 4010kgs.

I think you will find that these figures compare well with many 4x4's/mpv's and will cope with your Elddis admirably. On a long journey I get 43 mpg solo and 25 towing.

 

[Nick_374309373]

I have had a 9-5 3.0 TiD for five years. I tow a 1650 kg van all over Europe and it's a superb tow car. I would highly recommend it.

The Certificate of Conformity supplied with the car gives the following data;

Unladen weight- 1760 kgs.

Max permissable weight- 2210 kgs.

Max noseweight 75 kgs.

Max roof load- 100 kgs.

Max trailer weight- 1800 kgs.

Max mass of combination- 4010kgs.

I think you will find that these figures compare well with many 4x4's/mpv's and will cope with your Elddis admirably. On a long journey I get 43 mpg solo and 25 towing.

Thanks for the info Blackrat, I am seriously considering buying

a Saab 9-5 estate Tdi, and I think you're comments have finally made me decide on a Saab.You said you get 43mpg solo driving that is very good from a V6 3.0 Tdi.

Appreciate the info.

Thanks Regards

Nick