Towing At Just Under 100% Kerbweight

[dodgyken]

Since when has it been illegal to tow more than the weight of the car.

How do you think 4*4s can tow 3500kg??

[Dav]

Originally Posted by dodgyken

Since when has it been illegal to tow more than the weight of the car.

How do you think 4*4s can tow 3500kg??

Its not more than the weight of the car but the manufacturers max tow weight

[dodgyken]

Originally Posted by Dav

Its not more than the weight of the car but the manufacturers max tow weight

So why did you say: "According to whattowcar.com this outfit is illegal as the van is heavier than the car irrespective of the towing max of 1800kgs"

In fact you are wrong - on more than one account - firstly a car can tow more than it's own weight - it's not advisabale.

Secondly - there is a difference between potential maximum loaded weight of both car and van - and actual weight

If your point was. "Towing a 1900kg caravan with a car that has a tow limit of 1800kg is illegal" - then why didn't you say that??

[4wheeldriver]

The thread about the xc60 nose weight where the Dazzler was refused a pay out on his insurance pretty much covers the issue. As the caravan was too heavy for the car he shouldnt have been pulling it therefore the insurance was invalidated. in his case it was based on bad info but never the less if it happens to someone that is aware then thats up to you to deal with.

[Big AL 1]

Originally Posted by Paddler Ed

Sorry,
Got a bit confused... Here's a link to the DFT website where it explains it all... I'd still err on the side of caution to avoid the hassle of a weighbridge

Looking at the above URL - very helpfully supplied by paddler - It does clearly state that as long as the trailer/caravan is less that 3500kgs the tow car not need to be heavier than the trailer, however the trailer weight must be below the stated maximum towing weight stated by the car manufacturer and the total weight of both the car and trailer should be less than the permissable gross train weight. Although I haven't seen any maximum permissable gross train weight stated for my XC90 I would assume that it would be the gross weight of the car + the max towing weight.

The real issue is that if it looks a little dodgy it not just the law that becomes a problem but also insurers who will do whatever they possibaly can to avoid paying out in the event of an accident whoever is to blame.

[dodgyken]

Originally Posted by 4wheeldriver

The thread about the xc60 nose weight where the Dazzler was refused a pay out on his insurance pretty much covers the issue. As the caravan was too heavy for the car he shouldnt have been pulling it therefore the insurance was invalidated. in his case it was based on bad info but never the less if it happens to someone that is aware then thats up to you to deal with.

You will find - that it is not the noseweight that was the issue but other text in the Volvo handbook. Dazzler was using his example of not relying on the handbook text.

[kev ryder]

johnny8718 this is completely illegal,if stopped you will be in for a big fine ,plus points on licence,plus void insurance and may not let you continue your journey.