Towing - again
27-10-2008, 10:29 AM
#1
Almost there!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Gatwick (ish)
Posts: 7,434
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Towing - again
i know ive skimmed over this in the past - but trying to work out the towing limit details.
every site i find with info seems to be out of date, or to confusing for my small brain.
my main thing to tow is going to be the cossie on a trailer - but im hearing so many people stating that i need to use a vehicle with twice the weight of what im going to be towing - which equates to a vehicle best part of 3 ton.
but then on the road you see plenty of vectra's and mondeo's still towing cars around on trailers and not being pulled over.
ive got myself a Discovery, but its not really my thing and its far to juicy - but i dont want to trade her in and get a normal familly saloon and then get told off by Mr plod on my first outing.
any true insights to this please guys!?!?
every site i find with info seems to be out of date, or to confusing for my small brain.
my main thing to tow is going to be the cossie on a trailer - but im hearing so many people stating that i need to use a vehicle with twice the weight of what im going to be towing - which equates to a vehicle best part of 3 ton.
but then on the road you see plenty of vectra's and mondeo's still towing cars around on trailers and not being pulled over.
ive got myself a Discovery, but its not really my thing and its far to juicy - but i dont want to trade her in and get a normal familly saloon and then get told off by Mr plod on my first outing.
any true insights to this please guys!?!?
27-10-2008, 10:44 AM
#2
10K+ Poster!!
27-10-2008, 10:45 AM
#3
10K+ Poster!!
My understanding is you can only tow up to your vehicles Max Train Weight.
So if your 4x4 has a limit of 3500kgs thats what you total weight of the 4x4, trailer and car can equal.
Alex
So if your 4x4 has a limit of 3500kgs thats what you total weight of the 4x4, trailer and car can equal.
Alex
27-10-2008, 11:07 AM
#5
Fleet Manager
i work with caravans and u see people towing big twin axle caravans 1700/1900kg (MPTL) with vectra's, mondeo's, e class merc's, 3/5 series bmw's
but on the other hand a lot of people use 4x4
get yourself a nice heavy estate E class/5 series etc etc
but on the other hand a lot of people use 4x4
get yourself a nice heavy estate E class/5 series etc etc
27-10-2008, 11:55 AM
#7
10K+ Poster!!
99% of the time it won't be an issue I'm sure - but if they impound your vehicles you might wish you'd stayed legal!
Trending Topics
27-10-2008, 12:37 PM
#8
PassionFord Post Troll
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Dunstable (Junction 9 or 11 of the M1)
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've just been through this and its a proper fucked up
example
Land Rover Discovery (89-98)
Braked Towing Weight (max) unbraked
2.0 MPi 3d 3500 750
2.0 MPi 5d 3500 750
3.9 V8i 3d 1000 750
3.9 V8i 3d Auto 1000 750
300 Tdi 3d 4000 750
300 Tdi 3d Auto 4000 750
300 Tdi 5d 4000 750
300 Tdi 5d Auto 4000 750
same 4x4 but petrol 1000kg and Td 4000kg
It seems like it has nothing to do with the weight of the car, its what its MTW most big cars are 2000kg ish which allows caravans etc
If your trailer has a gross weight the car your using has to be equal or exceed the trailer weight even if its not loaded.
look here to find out the towing weights of cars
http://www.parkers.co.uk/advice/TowingWeightCalc.aspx
But if you've got a home made trailer its seems like it doesn't matter
I'd stick with what you got
27-10-2008, 12:57 PM
#10
PassionFord Post Troll
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Dunstable (Junction 9 or 11 of the M1)
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No prob's
no need to call back as I've put the info above took a while to put it to understandable text as its a proper headfuck
actually I've made a mistake on it -
If your trailer has a gross weight the car your using MTW weight has to be equal or exceed the trailer gross weight even if its not loaded.
27-10-2008, 06:29 PM
#12
as said, you can tow up to the vehicles maximum train weight, (total weight of car and loaded trailer)
to work out what weight trailer you can tow, take your gross weight away from your train weight =trailer (loaded weight)
dont forget, if your over 3500kg train weight, your into tacho territory.
we have had lots of issues with these lately
to work out what weight trailer you can tow, take your gross weight away from your train weight =trailer (loaded weight)
dont forget, if your over 3500kg train weight, your into tacho territory.
we have had lots of issues with these lately
Last edited by JTECH James; 27-10-2008 at 06:34 PM.
27-10-2008, 07:08 PM
#14
Almost there!
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Gatwick (ish)
Posts: 7,434
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Steve, it was after seeing those pics, and knowing Richie tows with a 1.8 vectra that it got me a bit confused.
id much rather be driving around in something along the lines of what you have as a to and from work car rather than the jucy Tank that the Discovery is.
id much rather be driving around in something along the lines of what you have as a to and from work car rather than the jucy Tank that the Discovery is.
27-10-2008, 07:41 PM
#15
Its a 2.0
Only ever towed the Ka shell and S1 shell though Kelv
I'm modifying the front cross member of the Ka to take a bolt on A-Frame, so straight away i lose the weight of the trailer. That tilt bed Brian James trailer i had at Snetterton was 600kg by itself
27-10-2008, 08:20 PM
#18
I have (touching wood!) never been stopped, I even towed my track car behind my mk1 v6 mondy all the way to donington and back with no issues,
On sunday I saw 3 police cars when I moved the 200, non battered an eyelid
as for how legal it is I really don't know, I get the feeling that up here if you are not been a fool behind the wheel they (the police) let you get on with it.
steve
On sunday I saw 3 police cars when I moved the 200, non battered an eyelid
as for how legal it is I really don't know, I get the feeling that up here if you are not been a fool behind the wheel they (the police) let you get on with it.
steve
27-10-2008, 08:23 PM
#19
I have (touching wood!) never been stopped, I even towed my track car behind my mk1 v6 mondy all the way to donington and back with no issues,
On sunday I saw 3 police cars when I moved the 200, non battered an eyelid
as for how legal it is I really don't know, I get the feeling that up here if you are not been a fool behind the wheel they (the police) let you get on with it.
steve
On sunday I saw 3 police cars when I moved the 200, non battered an eyelid
as for how legal it is I really don't know, I get the feeling that up here if you are not been a fool behind the wheel they (the police) let you get on with it.
steve
27-10-2008, 08:57 PM
#20
I've found that life I needed.. It's HERE!!
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,285
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I tow a Cosworth on a trailer with a BMW 328 estate. TBH the BMW is not heavy enough and the trailer wags a bit over 70mph. The way I looked at it is the BMW has a 1500kg towing weight limit. The Cossie weighs 1100 and the trailer weighs 500ish so I'm a little bit over.
Any car that you choose will have a towing weight limit - specified by the manufacturer.
Charlie
Any car that you choose will have a towing weight limit - specified by the manufacturer.
Charlie
27-10-2008, 09:17 PM
#21
10K+ Poster!!
So you'd be more over weight than before LOL
27-10-2008, 09:34 PM
#22
Part of the Furniture
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The Beverly Hills of Fife.
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You are allowed 3.5tonnes gross train weight on a normal license but if your trailer is un-braked then it and its combined load weight can not exceed 3/4 of the weight of the towing vehicle eg: car is 1tonne trailer can only be 750kgs.
For a braked trailer i understand it to be 3.5tonnes gross train weight and thats it, trailer & load & towing vehicle = 3.5tonnes.
I don't think that half of the police know the law on this themselves but as said before the VOSA "nazis" are the ones to watch for.
Anything over 3.5tonnes needs a tacho and operators license and is a total pain in rear end!
Not sure but think your Disco,Coss trailer rig might be a touch on the fat side.
For a braked trailer i understand it to be 3.5tonnes gross train weight and thats it, trailer & load & towing vehicle = 3.5tonnes.
I don't think that half of the police know the law on this themselves but as said before the VOSA "nazis" are the ones to watch for.
Anything over 3.5tonnes needs a tacho and operators license and is a total pain in rear end!
Not sure but think your Disco,Coss trailer rig might be a touch on the fat side.
27-10-2008, 09:39 PM
#23
you dont HAVE to have a tacho or operator licence over 3.5tonne,
you just need to know why you havent got one....ie how you can claim tacho exemption, and be able to prove you can legally claim the exemption.
if you guys really think vosa are interested in car and trailor combos, you need to get out more.
its more worrying for yourselves knowing the car will not meet even the minimum brake effort if the train is over weight...if you have even the smallest accident you will be SCREWED big time.
you just need to know why you havent got one....ie how you can claim tacho exemption, and be able to prove you can legally claim the exemption.
if you guys really think vosa are interested in car and trailor combos, you need to get out more.
its more worrying for yourselves knowing the car will not meet even the minimum brake effort if the train is over weight...if you have even the smallest accident you will be SCREWED big time.
Last edited by JTECH James; 27-10-2008 at 09:44 PM.
27-10-2008, 10:34 PM
#24
Advanced PassionFord User
So true. Most coppers don't want the hassle of trying to find what rule you may have broken. Don't drive stupid or look realy overloaded. But if the VOSA or the other customs lots stop you your fucked as they will put you down as driving in the wrong TAX class
27-10-2008, 11:24 PM
#25
the fine is massive now for overweight, more ofter instant impound of all vehicles involved, and for those towing big cars on trailers with cars, i hope im no where near you when you have to TRY and stop quicly, because you wont, or even down a long gradiant, your fools to yourselves.
We tow the rally cars everywhere, we always allow for car/twin axle trailer, and about 2 tons of spares and tools/crew. a good 3.5 ton van is good for 5.5ton gross train, i wouldnt use anything else (except the dual purpose category vehicles).
I have had to stop an van and trailer in an emergency situation, and fook me its scary, even within the law.
We tow the rally cars everywhere, we always allow for car/twin axle trailer, and about 2 tons of spares and tools/crew. a good 3.5 ton van is good for 5.5ton gross train, i wouldnt use anything else (except the dual purpose category vehicles).
I have had to stop an van and trailer in an emergency situation, and fook me its scary, even within the law.
28-10-2008, 11:03 AM
#28
Advanced PassionFord User
i tow noddy with an ex aa t4 transporter van
according to this i can tow 2000kg
http://www.whatvan.co.uk/vandata.asp
Load Volume(M3): 5.4
Gross Payload(Kg): 1180
Gross Vehicle Weight(Kg): 2800
Kerb Weight(Kg): 1620
Towing Limit(Kg): 2000
Tank(litres/gallons): 80/17.6
car sould be no more than 1200 so should be ok????
according to this i can tow 2000kg
http://www.whatvan.co.uk/vandata.asp
Load Volume(M3): 5.4
Gross Payload(Kg): 1180
Gross Vehicle Weight(Kg): 2800
Kerb Weight(Kg): 1620
Towing Limit(Kg): 2000
Tank(litres/gallons): 80/17.6
car sould be no more than 1200 so should be ok????
Last edited by tracktoy; 28-10-2008 at 11:07 AM.
28-10-2008, 11:16 AM
#29
MY MONDINGO WILL TOW 1750KG LEGAL LIMIT , SO MY trailer and car cannot exceed this my trailer is 350k my escort is 950k so is well under ,with my pug on its the same pug is 800k ish , as for a coss i would imagine they weigh 1300 ish trailer twin axel 500is so would be well close i tranny van is the way forward imo , thats wy i never used the saff as a track car to heavy with trailer for a mondingo derv, and thats the estate.
the youth i would say you may be over weight whats the car weigh ? what the limit on the v6 it will be under the bonnet on the vin ?
tim
the youth i would say you may be over weight whats the car weigh ? what the limit on the v6 it will be under the bonnet on the vin ?
tim
28-10-2008, 11:17 AM
#30
PassionFord Post Troll
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Dunstable (Junction 9 or 11 of the M1)
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The way it has been explained to me and the way I have taken it is
The trailer has a gross weight loaded. in my case 3500
the tow vehicle has to have a towing capacity of 3500
has nothing to do with loaded size of car etc just these max weights
most cars will NOT tow 3500 and just because its a big car means nothing if you look at my above example a 95 v8 disco has 1000kg and a 95 tdi disco has 4000 kg
totally fucked up
In youth's case your trailer will be weight will be 2500 so your mondeo has to have a towing capacity of 2500 which I don't think it has towing capacity.
Anyway you can do what you want which has been proven but rear end someone at lights or motorway roundabout and you'll be paying dearly no insurance and with the claim blame bollocks whiplass city
I thought fuck it and got a Range Rover 4.6
don't care problems etc I'll sort it
The trailer has a gross weight loaded. in my case 3500
the tow vehicle has to have a towing capacity of 3500
has nothing to do with loaded size of car etc just these max weights
most cars will NOT tow 3500 and just because its a big car means nothing if you look at my above example a 95 v8 disco has 1000kg and a 95 tdi disco has 4000 kg
totally fucked up
In youth's case your trailer will be weight will be 2500 so your mondeo has to have a towing capacity of 2500 which I don't think it has towing capacity.
Anyway you can do what you want which has been proven but rear end someone at lights or motorway roundabout and you'll be paying dearly no insurance and with the claim blame bollocks whiplass city
I thought fuck it and got a Range Rover 4.6
don't care problems etc I'll sort it
28-10-2008, 11:21 AM
#32
MY MONDINGO WILL TOW 1750KG LEGAL LIMIT , SO MY trailer and car cannot exceed this my trailer is 350k my escort is 950k so is well under ,with my pug on its the same pug is 800k ish , as for a coss i would imagine they weigh 1300 ish trailer twin axel 500is so would be well close i tranny van is the way forward imo , thats wy i never used the saff as a track car to heavy with trailer for a mondingo derv, and thats the estate.
the youth i would say you may be over weight whats the car weigh ? what the limit on the v6 it will be under the bonnet on the vin ?
tim
the youth i would say you may be over weight whats the car weigh ? what the limit on the v6 it will be under the bonnet on the vin ?
tim
what does it state the max train weight can be?
i'm going t have a look at some stickers now, so brb
28-10-2008, 11:22 AM
#33
PassionFord Post Troll
iTrader: (5)
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Dunstable (Junction 9 or 11 of the M1)
Posts: 3,002
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
MY MONDINGO WILL TOW 1750KG LEGAL LIMIT , SO MY trailer and car cannot exceed this my trailer is 350k my escort is 950k so is well under ,with my pug on its the same pug is 800k ish , as for a coss i would imagine they weigh 1300 ish trailer twin axel 500is so would be well close i tranny van is the way forward imo , thats wy i never used the saff as a track car to heavy with trailer for a mondingo derv, and thats the estate.
the youth i would say you may be over weight whats the car weigh ? what the limit on the v6 it will be under the bonnet on the vin ?
tim
the youth i would say you may be over weight whats the car weigh ? what the limit on the v6 it will be under the bonnet on the vin ?
tim
got nothing to do with weight plus weight mate capacity of the trailer over what the car will tow.
Another example - your trailer is gross weight 3500 your car is 1750 but the trailer weighs 1000kg could strap a feather on the trailer and still be classed as over weight.
I can't find figures for vans but I think a Ford is 2800 don't quote me on that though (please) BUT a Iveco daily is 3500
28-10-2008, 11:26 AM
#37
got nothing to do with weight plus weight mate capacity of the trailer over what the car will tow.
Another example - your trailer is gross weight 3500 your car is 1750 but the trailer weighs 1000kg could strap a feather on the trailer and still be classed as over weight.
I can't find figures for vans but I think a Ford is 2800 don't quote me on that though (please) BUT a Iveco daily is 3500
Another example - your trailer is gross weight 3500 your car is 1750 but the trailer weighs 1000kg could strap a feather on the trailer and still be classed as over weight.
I can't find figures for vans but I think a Ford is 2800 don't quote me on that though (please) BUT a Iveco daily is 3500
What ur saying then is your max trailer weight (lowded) must be under you max towing car weight even if its empty ? all is clear now
tim