sanity check!!

[gdallas]

Hi,
Looking for a sanity check on whether or not I have correctly interpreted the legal stance on towing with my particular car license. I passed my test after 97, and have a license for category B. As I understand it, I can still tow a caravan so long as the maximum combined gross weights of the car and caravan does not exceed 3500 kg.
My car, Renault grand scenic oasis 1.6, appears to have a gross weight of 2120 kg.
The caravan has MTPLM of 1350 kg (I presume this is the gross weight??)
Therefore, combined = 3470, i.e. less than 3500 kg, thus I have arrived at the conclusion that im legally able to tow with this combination of car – caravan.
am I missing anything?
Many thanks

G

 

[JohnGriffiths]

Perhaps I'm wrong or maybe I have misunderstood the car model you have but something in the back of my mind said there might be a problem with towing weight and Renault. Sure enough their website is suggesting a maximum braked towing weight of just 1300kg for the 1.6 models, providing the car is carrying the DRIVER ONLY! Allowing for a reasonable weight on the towball you will just squeeze under the 1300 limit but I'm not sure what the legal standing is of this driver only requirement.

 

[Lutz]

So long as the sum of the braked towing weight and the gross vehicle weight of the towcar is less than the maximum permissible gross train weight you shouldn't have any problem with payload allowance for the towcar. In other words, it won't matter if only the driver is in the car or the full complement of passengers and their luggage. A potential problem would only arise if the gross train weight is less than the sum. It is true that this is sometimes the case with Renaults, but based on the figures quoted above, it doesn't seem to be an issue here.
I hate to raise an issue which was the subject of so much contention recently, but the gross train weight is NOT the sum of the gross vehicle weight of the car and the MTPLM of the caravan. It is the sum of the gross vehicle weight and the braked towing weight, i.e. the weight that the brakes on the caravan act on, which is its axle load. Therefore, the maximum gross train weight will be less than 3470kg.

 

[Gafferbill]

.......no you have not missed anything if your weights are correct.

Well done .... you are still sane!!

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi G

It seems you are in-side the regulations by a few Kg so OK.

You mention Combined Gross Weights - in fact the regulation refers to combined MAM or Maximum authorised Mass.

whilst this doe not apply to you situation it is worth mentioning the following for others who may be contemplating similar circumstances but have slightly heavier vehicles.

The licence category refers to the combined MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass) of the tow vehicle and the trailer not exceeding 3500Kg.

This means that the category does not look at the actual mass of the car and caravan, (or what it really weights if you were to use weigh bridge) but their theoretical maximum masses.

This means you cannot drive an outfit where you only part load it so it weighs less than 3500Kg but where its combined MAM exceeds 3500kg.

 

[gdallas]

Thanks Guys,

I have another query.

The kerbweight of the car is 1445kg with a max tow of 1300kg, according to the book. However, I was of the understanding that that the kerb weight of your vehicle needs to be more than or equal to the MTPLM of the caravan you are towing.so where does the max tow come into it,its like there are two rules

so with all things considered, and knowing that the kerb weight is 1445kg for the car, and the MTPLM of the van is 1350 kg, am i able to tow this van or not?

Many thanks

 

[JohnGriffiths]

G,
Is there any mention of Gross Train Weight in the handbook?

 

[JohnGriffiths]

A potential problem would only arise if the gross train weight is less than the sum. It is true that this is sometimes the case with Renaults, but based on the figures quoted above, it doesn't seem to be an issue here.

I can't see where the OP has made any reference to Gross Train Weight. I'm still a little worried that the towing limit may be reduced with a full complement of passengers and luggage.
G, Is there any mention of Gross Train Weight in the handbook or do you know what the VIN plate says?

 

[gdallas]

Hi John Griffith, According to the book, my Kerb weight without driver = 1445, and Gross train weight is detailed as 3000

im not gonna be able to tow a bailey ranger gt60, 540/6, am i?

 

[gdallas]

OK, now im further confused. Myhand book defines the Kerb weight (without driver) as 1445, I wondered why Whattowcar had my car as 1545 kg, when the book states, 1445.but reaing it further, its weight is withought driver. and i pressume probably without ,90% full fuel tank, all necessary fluids, 68 kg for the driver and 7 kg of luggage.
so does that mean i should add on these items, making my kerbweight somwhere above 1520 kg

68 kg driver
7kg luggage 1445 book kerb weight
1520 actual kerbweight