Towing limits

[AlanChristine]

It is recognised that the 85% "rule" is there as a safety factor as advocated by the ccc & cc and is taken into concideration when accidents occur eg;loss of control of an outfit.It is applied just like when a solo accident occurs and factors such as weather,speed and traffic are taken into concideration,which also are not writen into the policy.Since most people,especially the "newbies" would not think to enquire about the 85% "rule" and how much this factor is taken into concideration when taking out insurance, it seems a folly to advocate to anyone to tow at near maximum limits before checking this issue.

chris

 

[Lutz]

It would be fair to take into account issues that have some foundation and can be backed up by documented data, but the 85% "rule" is totally arbitrary and no-one has ever come up with facts that accident rates at 85% are any less frequent than at 90% or even 95%. There are so many factors which determine safety of a caravan outfit that it is difficult to prove that weight ratio is any more significant than other possible causes of accidents.

 

[ProfJohnL]

It is recognised that the 85% "rule" is there as a safety factor as advocated by the ccc & cc and is taken into concideration when accidents occur eg;loss of control of an outfit.It is applied just like when a solo accident occurs and factors such as weather,speed and traffic are taken into concideration,which also are not writen into the policy.Since most people,especially the "newbies" would not think to enquire about the 85% "rule" and how much this factor is taken into concideration when taking out insurance, it seems a folly to advocate to anyone to tow at near maximum limits before checking this issue.

chris

It is not a "RULE" it is a only guideline.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Alan & Christine,

There is no justification for the view that you have expounded, It would be tantamount to only allowing 4 people to travel in a car when it is designed for 5.

Hauliers only loading a 40T capacity wagon to 35T, Coaches designed for 52 only filling 45 and so on.

If insurance companies are so concerned about weight ratios, the they must say so in their policy documentation. They don't so it is possible to use the full tow capacity of your car.

Despite supporting these views, I also support the view it is sensible to keep the trailer weight as low as possible.