Now ive got a renault grand scenic with a kerb weight of 1445 a max towing weight of 1300. My outfit has a ex works weight of 787 and max laden weight of 987.So....can anbody give me some idea of the 85 percent rule what I can go to weight wise for best towing as all these miros and mtlpm are doing my swede in slowly
whats the weight...H E L P
- Thread starter Aberdarian
- Start date
- Jul 30, 2007
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Hello Ian,
first of all don't panic.
You already have the imporant figures.
Your car has a kerbweight of 1445Kg and its maximum allowed trailer weight is 1300Kg.
Your caravan empty is 787, and fully packed must not exceed 987Kg. This is all good news.
The towing ratio is calculated from the maximum weight of the caravan as a percentage of minimum weight of the car, and it represents the theoretical worst case. The 85% is a suggested target ratio. It is not a rule, it is only a guideline. It has no basis in law and is unique to the UK.
Based on the figures you have supplied your ratio is 987/1445 = .683 or 68.3% - well under 85%. It represents a good weight match. and the car should cope with it very well, but weight ratios are only part of the story.
You must load the caravan carefully. Keep heavy items low down, and as close the axle as possible. Items like the gass bottles and battery should only be transported and used in the specific places designed for them.
You need to adjust the load positions to create the desired nose load. - the weight of the hitch that pushes down on the cars towball. this must be enough to keep the outfit stable when towing but must not exceed the weight limits set by either the car or caravan manufacturer, Check the hand books for their limits if there is a difference, always work to the lowest figure.
To measure the nose load the caravan must be on level ground. Use some bathroom scales and broom handle cut to support the caravan tow hitch at 350mm from the ground. Hand brake on, or wheels chocked lower the hitch onto the broom handle and scales, raise all the steadies and the jockey wheel off the ground, and the scales will show the nose load. To get you r target load move some of the items around inside the caravan.
It should not be a problem with your current caravan, but if you do upgrade, watch out for Renaults Maximum permitted Train Weight. This is the combined weight of the car and trailer as an outfit. Renault have a habbit of quoting a maximum trailer weight, but you cannot pull it when the car is fully loaded at the same time. You have to trade one of against the other to keep within the MTW limit.
I hope this has unraveled some of the mysteries.
Just a note of caution Adrian has suggested checking your outfit on a web site. Many of the third party websites do not have 100% accurate information, so do not rely on them - always check your vehicles details on the VIN plate, relevant hand book or with the dealer or manufacturer.
first of all don't panic.
You already have the imporant figures.
Your car has a kerbweight of 1445Kg and its maximum allowed trailer weight is 1300Kg.
Your caravan empty is 787, and fully packed must not exceed 987Kg. This is all good news.
The towing ratio is calculated from the maximum weight of the caravan as a percentage of minimum weight of the car, and it represents the theoretical worst case. The 85% is a suggested target ratio. It is not a rule, it is only a guideline. It has no basis in law and is unique to the UK.
Based on the figures you have supplied your ratio is 987/1445 = .683 or 68.3% - well under 85%. It represents a good weight match. and the car should cope with it very well, but weight ratios are only part of the story.
You must load the caravan carefully. Keep heavy items low down, and as close the axle as possible. Items like the gass bottles and battery should only be transported and used in the specific places designed for them.
You need to adjust the load positions to create the desired nose load. - the weight of the hitch that pushes down on the cars towball. this must be enough to keep the outfit stable when towing but must not exceed the weight limits set by either the car or caravan manufacturer, Check the hand books for their limits if there is a difference, always work to the lowest figure.
To measure the nose load the caravan must be on level ground. Use some bathroom scales and broom handle cut to support the caravan tow hitch at 350mm from the ground. Hand brake on, or wheels chocked lower the hitch onto the broom handle and scales, raise all the steadies and the jockey wheel off the ground, and the scales will show the nose load. To get you r target load move some of the items around inside the caravan.
It should not be a problem with your current caravan, but if you do upgrade, watch out for Renaults Maximum permitted Train Weight. This is the combined weight of the car and trailer as an outfit. Renault have a habbit of quoting a maximum trailer weight, but you cannot pull it when the car is fully loaded at the same time. You have to trade one of against the other to keep within the MTW limit.
I hope this has unraveled some of the mysteries.
Just a note of caution Adrian has suggested checking your outfit on a web site. Many of the third party websites do not have 100% accurate information, so do not rely on them - always check your vehicles details on the VIN plate, relevant hand book or with the dealer or manufacturer.
Hi Lutz thks for your reply.Now I may be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel from what you have said is that my nose weight should not exceed 1230 but according to my outfits spec the miro is 787 and the mgw or mtlplm is 987 so that means i should not go over 987 so I seem to be well under the 85 limit ...am i correct if not please put me right....sorri for acting the dull one but everyone starts somewhere ...i hope
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