How much will my car tow?

Video OverviewYou'll find the videos conveniently divided into sections covering towing regulations, the 85 percent and 100 percent rules, and a handy 85 per cent rule hack.

Importance of Knowing Your Tow CarStart by understanding what your car can legally and safely tow to avoid frustration later in the caravan selection process.

Avoiding Tow Car LimitationsLearn from a personal experience where a customer, initially confident with their tow car, later discovered he couldn't legally tow their desired caravan. This emphasises the importance of avoiding such situations.

Rule of Thumb for Tow Car Capacity:  Consider a rule of thumb: If your tow car can handle a load 500 kilograms heavier than the caravan's legal weight, you're likely fine for single-axle caravans. Even if you fall in this category, it's recommended to watch the videos for best practices.

Understanding MTPLM:  - Understand MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass) and check the caravan's data plate for this crucial information to avoid exceeding weight limits.

Weighing Caravan at a Weighbridge:  - Make it a habit to periodically weigh the caravan at a weighbridge. Be aware of potential weight increases due to added items during holidays. An annual check is suggested to ensure compliance and avoid potential issues with law enforcement.

The Eighty-Five Percent Guidlines

1. Understanding the 85 and 100 Percent Rule:   Let's talk about the 85 and 100 percent rule and clarify what it means. In this video, we'll focus on the guidelines, leaving discussions about personal opinions for the next one. 

2. The Caravan Club Guidelines:   The Caravan Club introduced these guidelines, emphasizing that they are not laws but practical recommendations. According to these guidelines, the Maximum Total Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM) of your caravan should not exceed 85 percent of the curb weight of the towing vehicle.

3. Example Calculation for 85 Percent:   Using the example of a Mondeo with a curb weight of 1622, calculate the 85 percent mark: 1622 multiplied by 0.85 equals 1378. This is the maximum MTPLM your caravan should not exceed to adhere to the 85 percent guideline.

4. Simplicity of the 100 Percent Rule:   The 100 percent rule is straightforward: the MTPLM of the caravan should not surpass the curb weight of the towing car, which, in this case, is 1622. This rule offers a clear limit to ensure safe towing practices.

5. Next Steps and Best Practices:   The Caravan Club's guidelines provide valuable insights. In the next video, we will delve into best practices associated with towing, building upon the foundation of understanding the 85 and 100 percent rule. Click on the next link to explore these practices for a comprehensive approach to towing.

In Reality...

In this section

1. The Problem with the 85 Percent Towing Rule:   - The 85 percent towing rule can be limiting, especially when customers strictly adhere to it.   - It can rule out many caravan options with better layouts due to the restriction on weight, e.g., smaller caravans with limited berths.

2. Workaround for 85 Percent Rule:   - An effective workaround for the 85 percent guideline is considering real-life scenarios where the tow vehicle is not completely empty and the caravan is not fully loaded.   - By adding weight to the towing vehicle, like passengers, dogs, or extra items, one can still comply with the 85 percent rule and access a broader range of caravan layouts.

3. Practical Considerations for Accurate Towing Weight:   - To determine the actual weight being towed, it's recommended to load the caravan with holiday essentials, load the car normally, and visit a weigh bridge.   - This ensures a more accurate understanding of the towing setup and helps align with the 500-kilogram rule for optimal towing.

4. Best Practices for Safe Towing:   - Proper loading of the caravan is crucial, with heavy items placed over the axle to maintain balance.   - Ensuring a level caravan during towing, along with regular maintenance of chassis, tires, and braking systems, contributes to safe towing practices.   - Adherence to speed limits and adjusting speed in adverse weather conditions is emphasized.

5. Experience and Safety:   - The text highlights the potential risk of complacency in experienced tow drivers, suggesting that novices may be more cautious.   - Over time, experienced drivers may become less aware of the caravan behind them, leading to potential accidents, emphasizing the importance of staying vigilant regardless of experience.

Bonus: Importance of Towing Safety:   - Overloading or defective brakes during towing can lead to a dangerous situation called "snaking," where the caravan sways uncontrollably.   - Maintaining a weight balance that prevents the caravan from being heavier than the car is crucial to avoid instability and potential accidents.   - The discussion aims to provide comprehensive information on towing safety, legal limits, and best practices to ensure a secure towing experience.

Towing a Larger Caravan?

1. Twin Axle vs. Single Axle Caravans:   - If you're wondering about the difference between twin axle and single axle caravans, here's the scoop. Twin axle caravans are generally larger due to having two axles, allowing for increased length and more features. This results in a feeling of sturdiness on the road, minimizing snaking issues.

2. Maneuverability and Road Stability:   - While twin axles offer stability on the road and reduce snaking, they can be less maneuverable on-site compared to single axles. Consider the ease of turning and twisting, especially when getting to your destination. Motor movers can aid in maneuvering twin axles but may have limitations.

3. Choosing Based on Layout and Feel:   - Your choice between twin and single axles depends on personal preferences. If you find the ideal layout in a twin axle, and your car can legally tow it, consider it. The difference in towing experience on the road may not be significant, but maneuverability on-site and storage requirements should be considered.

4. Eight-Foot Wide Caravans:   - Be cautious when considering eight-foot wide caravans, as they present unique challenges. While they offer a spacious feel, especially inside, they fill up mirrors and roads, requiring extra caution on narrower roads. Consider your confidence level and the types of roads you'll be navigating.

5. Standard Width Considerations:   - For those new to towing, sticking to standard widths (from six foot eight up to seven foot six) is advisable. These widths provide a good balance of space and ease of towing. If you're intrigued by the eight-foot wide caravans, be mindful of the challenges they pose, especially on narrower roads. Consider trying one in a controlled setting before making a purchase decision.