Towing limits

[Kevin_5128842]

We're looking at buying our first caravan, however the caravan we like is greater than the 85% of the max towing weight of the car (this figure was given to us by one of the dealers we have visited)

Our car is a BMW 320d with a kerb weight of 1580kg. The caravan we like has an unladen weight of 1252kg. The dealer has also said to allow another 175kg for all the other stuff a 'normal' family of 4 would take, bringing the grand total to 1427kg (90% of our cars kerb weight)

Is the dealer right, and should we be looking at another caravan?

 

[Lutz]

Normally, weight ratios are calculated based on the MTPLM of the caravan, not on the unladen weight plus some allowance for 'all the other stuff'. The two figures could be the same but the MTPLM could be higher, so check that first.

Giving the dealer the benefit of the doubt and assuming they are the same, the 90% ratio is a bit high for an introduction to caravanning, in other words, not ideal, but with extra care it is manageable. It's difficult to cut a hard and fast rule how far over 85% one can go and still be safe because there is no threshold where things suddenly go wrong if you exceed them. It's a gradual transition from safe to unsafe. Obviously, a lighter caravan would be better but if you've lost your heart on the one you're thinking of buying, one can't give a categorical "No!".

Don't forget that whatever the weight ratio, you must also check whether the maximum permissible towload of the car is within the manufacturer's spec. You don't say whether you've got the current model BMW 320d or the previous one. The max. towloads are 1600kg and 1800kg respectively (I think), so you should be OK there.