Hi all .. Still working on a tow vehicle.Looking at buying a Kia Sorento as falls in our budget bit it seem Tow Safe say its not a match for Sterling Elite searcher.Not within the 85%. Google contridict this so Please any help or suggestion would be appreciated .
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Tow weight
- Thread starter SirRogerFFS
- Start date
Try Towcar.info I’ve found them to be the best. But is it essential to be within 85% given your experience and the fact so many tow cars are more accomplished with their chassis and suspension performance and something like the Sorento will probably have a towing assist setting. Plus has your caravan got Alko ATC another aid to safe towing although not a substitute for a matched outfit, properly loaded with an experienced driver.
Pending your reply read this
www.thetowcarawards.com
Kia Sorento | Tow Car Awards
Hi Dusty thanks for coming here. We are struggling for a tow vehicle as we have just sold our X5 re Sorento looking for automatic 2.2 up to 2.5. Budget of around 10.000
You should research the towing specifications and kerbweights of Sorentos you are interested in. The Towcar. Info matching site allows you to flexibly change parameters such as MTPLM, car noseweight, caravan and car payload such that you can assess a “generic” van if the site doesn’t list your exact van. But it’s important to input the correct car model as the site uses engine characteristics as part of its calculation for suitability.
Hi Dusty. X5 is still a nice motor and in good condtion but we need get something more economical. We are selling our Focus Estate as well . We dont need two vehicls any more so we can be better off in the pocket
We have a 2021 Santa Fe auto, second one, the first was manual,can't fault the car 2.2 diesel, at your budget you could be looking high mileage or older model, the good one sell quickly it seems. Later ones hold their price, I suspect many are hanging on to them as a diesel SF is no longer available
My Santa Fe, is a 2014 automatic, had it since new, 108500 MILES to date never an engine or transmission. Problem , 1st 5 year towing into France every 12 weeks for a month average of 3k miles a trip oil change every year until COVID then every 2 years or 12 k miles.
We tow a 1645kg coachman.
Tow limit is 2000 kg I am sure it would cope happily with that. Sorento of same year is a slightly bigger car.
The only information that matters and is guaranteed to be accurate is that on the vehicle VIN plate (or certificate of conformity if it has one). Car manufacturers can change tow weight limits with each year. In addition the 85% ratio is advisory. It is NOT a ‘rule’ or law. No other country other than the UK gets its smelling salts out so frequently over towing weights.
Germany has legally enforcible weight ratios under Tempo 100 otherwise the towing speed limit for caravans is 80kph (50mph)
Sorry to the OP for the drift. To RogerL: thanks snd I am aware especially as someone who tows through Germany almost every year since 2013. However for clarity I said no other country gets so worked up about non existent laws. 85% is a non existent law but to hear some people one might think it is an 11th commandment.
Given the OPs budget and focus on a Sorento it’s a small pond to fish in. Given there are other capable tow cars from other makers out there casting his line further might be advantageous.
Just checked Autotrader, there are 20 diesel automatic Santa Fe in budget, obviously throughout the country but might be worth checking to get an idea of what you can get for your money
From memory there's quite a variation in kerb weight for Santa Fe between bottom and top trim levels, 5-7 seats - my 2011 2.2D automatic 7-seat Premium was 2017 kg with a 2000kg towing limit.
Hi , I have seen a van I like it is 1421 my car towing is 1400. Is that advisory? would I be able to pull it? I don't understand this 85% business. 😳
No your cars limit is not advisory it’s legal. 85% is a guide that has been around a long while but it’s exact origin is unknown. Since then modern cars have much bettter chassis and suspension, plus stability aids, and those approved for towing can have towing assistance modes too. So going above 85% is a personal decision.
Wrt your intended caravan being slightly above your cars maximum towing limit, yes you can tow it providing you don’t load it above 1400 kg. But you will need to be aware how quickly payload is used up when things like battery, movers, extra gas bottle etc plus the myriad of things caravanners take with them. Load can be taken in the car providing you don’t exceed the cars GVW or axle weights. I would strongly advise having the outfit weighed on a public weighbridge once you have sorted out where you are at. Alternatively look at vans of 1400kg or less, but weighing is still valuable.
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In addition to Clive's post, is the 1421kgs it's unladen (MIRO) or it's maximum laden (MTPLM) weight? Some caravan dealers show the MIRO, others the MTPLM. Caravan loading margins are tight at the best of times so trying to load lightly to hit a specific figure isn't easy as all of the "essentials" really do quickly add up!
As I remember, from 2014 to 2018 SantaFe autos were 2000 kg tow limit, the Manuals were 2500 kg limit.
Hi everybody .I have taken all comments on board. Firstly Im off to view a Volvo Xc90 today which is well in the 85%.Now my dilema is her indoors says Im not towing anything that doesnt comply with 85%As you have all said its not law only suggested.Whilst on our search according to our calculation the Sorento which I liked the look of doesnt comply and neither does the Hyundai.Now I full understand what every body is saying on here but when you think about ,how many caravanners out there dont comply. Just my thhoughts Again thank you all ....
Why should caravanners comply given that 85% guide was targeted at inexperienced folks, plus as has been said modern cars have moved on tremendously since the 85% was mooted. I would suggest that adhering to 85% does not necessarily bring benefits wrt loading when I see what so many have packed into their caravans. To me overloading the caravan is a greater concern.
