tow car matching

[Jim_374361976]

Been doing some research regarding a possible caravan purchase , after a little head scratching i think its sunk in.

I have a VW Golf GT TDI 140bhp witha kerb weight of 1400kg ( 1400 x 85% = 1190kg )

Using the 85% rule i have found a few good matches with the end bedroom layout we prefer.

Sprite Alpine 4 with a MTPLM of 1170kg

Bailey Ranger 460/4 with a MTPLM of 1208kg slightly high but would it cause a problem ?

Would appreciate any advice and tips regarding the above and also with possible vans.

Cheers

Jim

 

[forestgump]

HI JIM HAVE SPRITE ALPINE 4 GREAT CHOICE BUT YOU MAY FIND THAT MTPLM IS MORE LIKE 1250KG ALPINE 2 MTPL IS MORE LIKE 1170KG RANGER IS NORMALY SSLIGHT LIGHTER THAN SPRITE

 

[Hamer_5041128]

Jim,

The 85% figure is a guide not a rule. If not more important is the correct loading of your car and caravan and the noseweight of your caravan.

As high a noseweight as your Golf will allow, correct loading and tyre pressures on both car and caravan should give you good stability.If you purchase an end bed model of caravan don't place heavy items under the bed.

If possible try to get shock absorbers fitted to your new caravan. They do increase stability.

Depending on the maximum towing limit of your Golf you could theoretically tow up to 100%, however i would NOT exceed 90 to 95 % to give you sn extra margin of safety.

Hamer

 

[ProfJohnL]

HI JIM HAVE SPRITE ALPINE 4 GREAT CHOICE BUT YOU MAY FIND THAT MTPLM IS MORE LIKE 1250KG ALPINE 2 MTPL IS MORE LIKE 1170KG RANGER IS NORMALY SSLIGHT LIGHTER THAN SPRITE

Please dont shout,(See forum etiquette)

 

[ProfJohnL]

Provided your driving licence allows you to, you can legally tow a trailer up to the maximum figure allowed by the cars specification, even if does exceed 100%

It may not be wise to this, in fact it is always better to keep a trailer as light as possible, which is the principal behind the 85% guideline, though why 85% rather than 75%, 80% or 90% was chosen is a mystery.

 

[Jim_374361976]

Thanks for the help

Our aim is to stick as close to the 85% as we poss can.

 

[stu658]

Jim, have you been on the towsure web site and used their outfit matcher. you will be able to see exactly how various outfits perform there.

 

[ProfJohnL]

There is a problem with using third party sites to predict towing characteristics, Some if not all contain errors or omissions.

You don't know if any of the data you select may be wrong. At best they may give you a idea, but do not rely on them as accurate.

Always check your data and information with the vehicle VIN plate, the relevant handbook, or in their absence, the manufacture or main dealer.