Towing
- Thread starter Jono663
- Start date
You need to look at the various weights to decide that.
Car kerb weight
Max towing weight (braked)
MTPLM of van
Car kerb weight
Max towing weight (braked)
MTPLM of van
You might like to watch our towing masterclass videos, which give advice about outfit matching, loading your van, towing and more. Just click here.
- May 24, 2014
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If you are an inexperienced tower, and from your questions I guess you are, there is what is known as the 85% rule, where the caravan should weight no more than 85% of the cars kerbweight. this isnt law, just a suggestion. An experienced tower would possibly go to 100% but really, you should never go above that.
Have a look at the outfit matching service here:
www.towsure.com/caravan-car-outfit-matcher
Have a look at the outfit matching service here:
www.towsure.com/caravan-car-outfit-matcher
- Mar 14, 2005
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Thingy said:
Hello Thingy,
We have worked very hard to stop the mis quoting of the 85% guideline. It is not a rule, it never has been and it should not be called a rule. It is guidance which has no basis in law. Using the word 'rule' imbues the guidance with an air of authority which does not have.
Having stated that, the principle behind it is sensible, i.e keeping the weight of a trailer as small as possible in relation to the tow car, and whilst I personally do not like the use of the very specific figure of 85% it is the best we have so far.
Users should be aware of the fact it offers no guarantee the out fill will be legal or safe. Good towing is about getting a range of criteria correctly trimmed, vehicles properly maintained and repaired, and good driving practice.
One of the problems with this forum is quite often you get an answer to a question you didnt ask which is completley of topic and very annoying.But to answer your question the car in question will pull it no problems.It may or may not drop off on long hills like most cars but easily managable.
- May 24, 2014
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Not sure what Seth is referring to. The outfit matching service is going to answer the exact question the OP asked and tell him how well or not, the car will pull the chosen van. The fact that he asked that question in the first place would make you think he may be inexperienced, and hence the advice which is what a forum is all about, help and knowledge. Why then, would you find that annoying that somebody is actually trying to help.
Thingy said:
hi Thingy. the trouble is matching sites are about as unreliable as the 85% rule, "sorry John figure of speech".
as they use the same criteria to make predictions as a base for their calculations,
and are not based on actual practical tests. for example 3 of my tow cars were entered into the sites.
1. ford Mondeo 1.6 matched to a bailey ranger 380/2 got 5 stars perfect, it wasn't, solo it was great hang the van on it would not pull the skin off a rice pudding most of the towing was done 3rd gear and below, but the ratio looked fine at 80%. it lasted 3 trips.
2. renault Megane 1.9 dci to same van, 2 stars not suitable 98% match, yet it was great. towed with it 3 years from cornwall to the highlands and across the welsh mountains. would go for miles and miles without changing down from top gear.
3. vaxhaull Meriva 1.7 cdti same van, but only 4stars despite it being a 74% match and 110bhp engine towed very well but not as good as the megane.and absolutely caned the fuel on long run people were getting better economy from big tow cars.
just examples of the difference between theoretical and true experience.
oh and by the way I agree with Seth1 it will be fine, just dont expect it to fly.
- Mar 14, 2005
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Hello Jono663
As you have not been too specific with the trim level of your vehicle details I will have to assume the C-Max is the 2010 based model with the ZETEC TCDI 1.6 diesel
The vehicle has a reasonable power 113BHP and torque 270NM mated to a 6 speed box. The unladen weight is 1390 kg which gives a towing ratio of 83%
The vehicle has a relatively short rear overhang which should help to keep the caravan under control.
No one can give you a copper bottomed confirmation the proposed outfit will be alright, just based on weights and power. A good out fit is dependant on a range of criteria, of which weights is just one aspect.
You also need to consider how the caravan and car are loaded.
Their condition - are they working to manufacturer's specification? tyres and suspension ok?
How good is the driver.
There are plenty of other factors.
As you have not been too specific with the trim level of your vehicle details I will have to assume the C-Max is the 2010 based model with the ZETEC TCDI 1.6 diesel
The vehicle has a reasonable power 113BHP and torque 270NM mated to a 6 speed box. The unladen weight is 1390 kg which gives a towing ratio of 83%
The vehicle has a relatively short rear overhang which should help to keep the caravan under control.
No one can give you a copper bottomed confirmation the proposed outfit will be alright, just based on weights and power. A good out fit is dependant on a range of criteria, of which weights is just one aspect.
You also need to consider how the caravan and car are loaded.
Their condition - are they working to manufacturer's specification? tyres and suspension ok?
How good is the driver.
There are plenty of other factors.
Im refering to the complication of answers for the op who sounds fresh to caravanning.Its hard work.To listen to some people you would think its some kind of scientific program to tow a caravan.
Yes I am a beginner, never done caravaning before, I usually go on a cruise every year so this is a complete change. Don't want dealers to take advantage of this
- May 24, 2014
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Have you considered the caravan club towing course. Not been on it myself but I know novices that have and found it beneficial.
I agree with what has been said, that good practice is as important as anything, as is good loading and tip top mechanicals. In the long run, there is no substitue for experience, and I doubt any of us will ever finish learning. For my part, even with 30 odd years driving artics, I can still come across an unusual situation driving the caravan, and still have to drive with all my wits tuned in. Take it steady and you will be fine.
In respect of answers in a forum digressing slightly from the OP, it will always happen, and this is often where more knowledge can be gleaned. If an OP simply asks will it, and the answer is just YES, the forum would be an incredibly boring place.
Digressing also. as Jono says he is completely new to this and hasnt mentioned his age, one would also have to mention having the correct licence.
Oh, and welcome to the forum Jono B)
I agree with what has been said, that good practice is as important as anything, as is good loading and tip top mechanicals. In the long run, there is no substitue for experience, and I doubt any of us will ever finish learning. For my part, even with 30 odd years driving artics, I can still come across an unusual situation driving the caravan, and still have to drive with all my wits tuned in. Take it steady and you will be fine.
In respect of answers in a forum digressing slightly from the OP, it will always happen, and this is often where more knowledge can be gleaned. If an OP simply asks will it, and the answer is just YES, the forum would be an incredibly boring place.
Digressing also. as Jono says he is completely new to this and hasnt mentioned his age, one would also have to mention having the correct licence.
Oh, and welcome to the forum Jono B)
- Mar 14, 2005
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Hello Seth,
In the light of your comment I must defend the more detailed responses.
This forum may be read by a much wider audience than just the few that contribute. Anyone posting should be aware they are making a public statement, and whilst their question may about personal matter, it may have resonance for other readers in a similar situation.
There is nothing more frustrating than reading a forum (not just PCF) than to see a question that is not fully answered, or is answers in such a way that you need to be in the 'club' to understand all the jargon that so often surrounds interest groups.
If as you assumed the OP is a new caravanner, again we know from past similar threads that in many cases the OP's have asked what they thought was a simple question, but were unaware of the wider implications that are actually involved. A good example of this are the increasing numbers of newer caravanners who know they want a large car to tow a large caravan but then fail to spot their licence is limited to a CAT B combined MAM of only 3500kg which means they can't tow their chosen outfit!
Its better to have too much information than not enough, after all we must assume the reader can choose what to read or not, and they can disregard anything they don't want.
In the light of your comment I must defend the more detailed responses.
This forum may be read by a much wider audience than just the few that contribute. Anyone posting should be aware they are making a public statement, and whilst their question may about personal matter, it may have resonance for other readers in a similar situation.
There is nothing more frustrating than reading a forum (not just PCF) than to see a question that is not fully answered, or is answers in such a way that you need to be in the 'club' to understand all the jargon that so often surrounds interest groups.
If as you assumed the OP is a new caravanner, again we know from past similar threads that in many cases the OP's have asked what they thought was a simple question, but were unaware of the wider implications that are actually involved. A good example of this are the increasing numbers of newer caravanners who know they want a large car to tow a large caravan but then fail to spot their licence is limited to a CAT B combined MAM of only 3500kg which means they can't tow their chosen outfit!
Its better to have too much information than not enough, after all we must assume the reader can choose what to read or not, and they can disregard anything they don't want.
Parksy
Moderator
- Nov 12, 2009
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seth1 said:
Towing a caravan is not rocket science Seth, but there's more to it than simply hitching any caravan in any condition to any vehicle and setting off with the family and their assorted luggage and pets with no knowledge of what can be involved.
The more that we know, the safer we become.
It's great that you took the trouble to cut to the chase in order to try to give a direct answer to a question from a novice caravanner, but any forum is a place of discussion and most topics meander along various routes while exchanging tips and information along the way.
Hopefully any additional information will be of some use the the o.p. or to anyone who reads the thread, if they don't want or need the additional information it's a simple matter to switch to something else.
I am a coach driver and middle age
My car is c-max 1.6tdci 115ps 2014 model and it MTPLM is 1200kg
I am looking at brand new either
Pursuit 400-2 MTPLM 1090kg
Venus 460/2 MTPLM 1155kg
Xplore 304 MTPLM 1100kg
I like the Venus but my concern is the weight which only leaves 45kg left and once you have 2 dogs, the missus, clothes and caravaning bits (awning, cuttlery, plates, bedding, chairs etc) will I be to over weight and the car struggle?
Which caravan do u think is better as a make?
And which one is better for my car?
Thanks again for answering my quests all is much appreciated..
My car is c-max 1.6tdci 115ps 2014 model and it MTPLM is 1200kg
I am looking at brand new either
Pursuit 400-2 MTPLM 1090kg
Venus 460/2 MTPLM 1155kg
Xplore 304 MTPLM 1100kg
I like the Venus but my concern is the weight which only leaves 45kg left and once you have 2 dogs, the missus, clothes and caravaning bits (awning, cuttlery, plates, bedding, chairs etc) will I be to over weight and the car struggle?
Which caravan do u think is better as a make?
And which one is better for my car?
Thanks again for answering my quests all is much appreciated..
hi all, and John,
to follow on from the Prof's last post, why it is that when complicated answers are given [with good intentions] some of the true facts are sometimes lost in translation,
constantly with answers on such subjects where the questioner is new like this one. it is stated what the recommendations are regarding a 85% tow ratio based on the cars unladen weight and the vans MTPLM, neither of which. has any relation to actual tow loads when in use, as it is unlikely one would tow a fully loaded van with an empty car, that is one of the main reason I have never subscribed to it. the calculation are too vague to be of much use. the only true and useful way of calculation ratios is on a weighbridge.
while quoting the restrictions on a CAT B licence of 3500kg MAM, for new drivers may be useful surely this would be the first question to ask,
it is a pity there is not a comprehensive everything explained sticky that new members could be referred to instead of the hotch potch variety that often ensues.
edit,
Jono663, your car cannot possibly be 1200kg MTPLM as this is the term for max weight of a van,
what you are refering to is the manufacturers maximum tow load and is not the same thing, the tow load is the weight of the van minus the noseweight as this is carried by the car,
moreover the MTPLM of the van is an absolute maximum but the van may weigh much less,
to follow on from the Prof's last post, why it is that when complicated answers are given [with good intentions] some of the true facts are sometimes lost in translation,
constantly with answers on such subjects where the questioner is new like this one. it is stated what the recommendations are regarding a 85% tow ratio based on the cars unladen weight and the vans MTPLM, neither of which. has any relation to actual tow loads when in use, as it is unlikely one would tow a fully loaded van with an empty car, that is one of the main reason I have never subscribed to it. the calculation are too vague to be of much use. the only true and useful way of calculation ratios is on a weighbridge.
while quoting the restrictions on a CAT B licence of 3500kg MAM, for new drivers may be useful surely this would be the first question to ask,
it is a pity there is not a comprehensive everything explained sticky that new members could be referred to instead of the hotch potch variety that often ensues.
edit,
Jono663, your car cannot possibly be 1200kg MTPLM as this is the term for max weight of a van,
what you are refering to is the manufacturers maximum tow load and is not the same thing, the tow load is the weight of the van minus the noseweight as this is carried by the car,
moreover the MTPLM of the van is an absolute maximum but the van may weigh much less,
- Jul 15, 2008
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........I think Lunar designed their 2 berth Venus for just such a tow car as was mentioned by the OP 
My advice to Jono663 is to carry on giving his proposed change from cruising to being a caravanner very serious consideration.
To me the two activities are chalk and cheese........I am a caravanner because I don't mind the work involved in reaching the enjoyment......I can accept the responsibilities for planning .....the driving and for having backup if anything goes wrong.
People I know that go on cruises like the fact that all they have to do is pay and turn up .......... leaving them completely free to have a relaxing time and not worry about anything at all.
Discussing options on a forum is a good method of weighing up the angles and deciding
My advice to Jono663 is to carry on giving his proposed change from cruising to being a caravanner very serious consideration.
To me the two activities are chalk and cheese........I am a caravanner because I don't mind the work involved in reaching the enjoyment......I can accept the responsibilities for planning .....the driving and for having backup if anything goes wrong.
People I know that go on cruises like the fact that all they have to do is pay and turn up .......... leaving them completely free to have a relaxing time and not worry about anything at all.
Discussing options on a forum is a good method of weighing up the angles and deciding
Use to go camping a lot and enjoyed that very much so it's not as if I am going into something completely new!
I like the cruise life for the food
I like the cruise life for the food
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