towing with passenger in third row seats

[gary_374329584]

Hello all, first post on this forum so here goes,

We recently purchased a new CHEVROLET CAPTIVA 7 seater as a replacement tow car for our galaxy.

7 seats were a priority as we are foster carers currently having three staying with us plus our own child.

Not impressed with the towing performance during the 2 outings so far, mpg is horrendous , but thats another story.

On reading through the handbook under the trailer towing section it states as a CAUTION quote,

WHEN TOWING A TRAILER, THE 3rd ROW SEATS SHOULD NOT BE OCCUPIED BY PASSENGERS.

Still awaiting an explanation of this from the dealers as no mention was made at point of sale.

As carers we have a duty to provide a SAFE and SECURE enviroment for children in our care, and so we are very concerned that this vehicle may not be suitable for our purpose of continued safe caravanning.

Could anyone shed any light on what lies behind the caution, or anyone with a similar experience.

Sorry for such a long first post.

Thanks,

Gary

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Gary,

The only organisation that can answer your question with any authority is the manufacturer. Any replies through this forum would be conjecture.

What I would observe is that as the manufacture has made this statement in their instructions, if you were to ignore and carry third row passengers whilst towing it you would in fact be using the vehicle illegally (Construction and Use regulations). This would render your insurance invalid whilst doing so.

 

[Cockovan]

Hi Gary,

Following on from John's observations, with which I agree entirely, if your requirement were made clear at the point of purchase then the dealer has falsely sold you this vehicle and you should be able to either get your money and previous vehicle back or be offered a suitable alternative that does meet your requirements.

(in terms of conjecture I suspect it will be due to the rear axle loading!)

 

[JeremyClarksson]

American manufacturers do err overly on the side of caution, probably something to with lawsuit avoidance.

If you look at the Voyager and Grand Voyager they both have very low tow weights for their size and power.

But as said if you ignore their advice you could leave yourself open in regard to the law and insurance.

 

[DavidW1]

Hi,

Really feel for you with this problem and as everybody else says talk to the manufacturer. However, having said that, this is either "elfinsafety" or a design limitation, if the latter then you are stuck with it but I have a suggestion nonetheless.

As this is a "badged" vehicle and identical to the Vauhall/Opel machine(it is made at the same Korean factory), try talking to Customer Service at Chevrolet and Vauxhall about the problem and see if you get different answers. It is just possible that the Chevrolet people have erred on the wrong side of caution for some reason like litigation risk in the States, in which case I personally would behave as if it were a Vauxhall.

Good luck anyway.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello again Gary

I must take issue with Dave W's advice. Even though two cars may be from the same stable and apparently be identical but badged differently (such as Vauhall/Opel), the law will only accept the type approval data relating to the model purchased, so even if the twinned vehicle does not make the third row stipulation, you must only follow the instructions pertaining to your make and model.

 

[gary_374329584]

Hello John L,

Thanks for your observations, heres an update,e.mail reply from Chevrolet technical dept, to dealers as follows,

Placing weight on the third row of seats AND placing weight in the load area AND placing weight on the tow bar ball has the potential to overload the rear axle.

As long as the max rear axle weight is not exceeded and no more than 80kgs nose weight is applied to the tow bar ball there is no problem.

Fair comment, I then checked the man. fac. plate under the bonnet for the max rear axle weight which read 1340 kg.

On checking the MTPLM of the van this read 1335kg,a bit close for comfort as i see it!!.

I have already booked a visit to our local weighbridge to ascertain the actual weight on the rear axle with van hitched,

the results of which will determine our next move.

P.S. Your assumption re the insurers was correct, they have stated we are not covered whilst towing until either a "CONTRADICTION" is given by Chevrolet or we can prove that our weights are within the scope or guide lines provided, which could mean a visit to the weighbridge before every trip out.

What a mess!!!!

Gary.

 

[gary_374329584]

Hi Gary,

Following on from John's observations, with which I agree entirely, if your requirement were made clear at the point of purchase then the dealer has falsely sold you this vehicle and you should be able to either get your money and previous vehicle back or be offered a suitable alternative that does meet your requirements.

(in terms of conjecture I suspect it will be due to the rear axle loading!)

You were right, and yes i hope we can swap the car.

 

[gary_374329584]

Hi,

Really feel for you with this problem and as everybody else says talk to the manufacturer. However, having said that, this is either "elfinsafety" or a design limitation, if the latter then you are stuck with it but I have a suggestion nonetheless.

As this is a "badged" vehicle and identical to the Vauhall/Opel machine(it is made at the same Korean factory), try talking to Customer Service at Chevrolet and Vauxhall about the problem and see if you get different answers. It is just possible that the Chevrolet people have erred on the wrong side of caution for some reason like litigation risk in the States, in which case I personally would behave as if it were a Vauxhall.

Good luck anyway.

Good idea, but Vauxhall Antara is a 5 seater not 7.

 

[gary_374329584]

Hi,

Really feel for you with this problem and as everybody else says talk to the manufacturer. However, having said that, this is either "elfinsafety" or a design limitation, if the latter then you are stuck with it but I have a suggestion nonetheless.

As this is a "badged" vehicle and identical to the Vauhall/Opel machine(it is made at the same Korean factory), try talking to Customer Service at Chevrolet and Vauxhall about the problem and see if you get different answers. It is just possible that the Chevrolet people have erred on the wrong side of caution for some reason like litigation risk in the States, in which case I personally would behave as if it were a Vauxhall.

Good luck anyway.

antara 5 seater

 

[GrahamSouthBrum]

The axle weight is the down force on the axle eg the nose weight.

The 1335kgs MTPLM weight of the van when added to the tow vehicle weight becomes the train weight.

My van weighs 1600kgs, I tow with a nose weight of 115kgs,

my car weighs 2200kgs.

Therefore my train weight is 3800kgs, max 4500kgs

I have just checked that I can load 1500kgs on the back axle

eg the nose weight + goods in the boot.

Dont get mixed up with your rear axle weight & train weight.

G.

 

[gary_374329584]

The axle weight is the down force on the axle eg the nose weight.

The 1335kgs MTPLM weight of the van when added to the tow vehicle weight becomes the train weight.

My van weighs 1600kgs, I tow with a nose weight of 115kgs,

my car weighs 2200kgs.

Therefore my train weight is 3800kgs, max 4500kgs

I have just checked that I can load 1500kgs on the back axle

eg the nose weight + goods in the boot.

Dont get mixed up with your rear axle weight & train weight.

G.

"OKAY",thanks graham i get it now.