Discussion
I've read a number of previous threads on towing but I'm still a bit confused. Can anyone clarify?
There are four weights listed on the VIN of my car.The first two are 1950kg and 3150kg. From a search, I have learned that these are the max weight of loaded car and the max train weight (total of car plus towed load, assuming it is braked). (The final numbers are 950kg and 1030kg which are max front and rear axle weights).
Now assuming the car with me and fuel to be around 1450kg, that means I can tow around 3150-1450 = 1700kg.
I think a typical car trailer is around 500kg.
However, I've seen mention that any trailer under 750kg is not counted as part of the train weight. This doesn't sound right to me but can anyone confirm this one way or another as it would make a big difference to what I could legally tow?
Incidentally, are the dollies that I've seen which carry the two front wheels of a towed car legal? I think they are unbraked.
Thanks for any help.
There are four weights listed on the VIN of my car.The first two are 1950kg and 3150kg. From a search, I have learned that these are the max weight of loaded car and the max train weight (total of car plus towed load, assuming it is braked). (The final numbers are 950kg and 1030kg which are max front and rear axle weights).
Now assuming the car with me and fuel to be around 1450kg, that means I can tow around 3150-1450 = 1700kg.
I think a typical car trailer is around 500kg.
However, I've seen mention that any trailer under 750kg is not counted as part of the train weight. This doesn't sound right to me but can anyone confirm this one way or another as it would make a big difference to what I could legally tow?
Incidentally, are the dollies that I've seen which carry the two front wheels of a towed car legal? I think they are unbraked.
Thanks for any help.
I do not know about the trailer under 750kg but would assume it means laden weight, not empty. I cannot see why a trailer under 750kg would not be counted so I would further assume this to be incorrect. The trailer should also have a plate with the weights on. I would suggest that the maximum weight of the trailer with load would need to be within the train weight for your towcar, regardless of the actual weight carried.
IMHO you need to have a larger 4x4, Pickup of large saloon estate (Merc TD etc.) to tow another car on a trailer.
IMHO you need to have a larger 4x4, Pickup of large saloon estate (Merc TD etc.) to tow another car on a trailer.
Forget about trailer weights and braked weights. If you are pulling something, the combinatiion becomes a train. It is all then subject of train weight.
If you exceed any of the weights stamped on the VIN plate by 5% you are likely to be prosecuted with a large fine and points.
Do not be lulled into thinking the GVW (car or pulling vehicle) only refers to the unladen weight plus the fuel. It includes everything, including passengers, drivers and their effects. If you are on the limit of any of the weights, best not to have a hearty Motorway service station meal as this will increase the problem by a straw that may break the camels back
If you exceed any of the weights stamped on the VIN plate by 5% you are likely to be prosecuted with a large fine and points.
Do not be lulled into thinking the GVW (car or pulling vehicle) only refers to the unladen weight plus the fuel. It includes everything, including passengers, drivers and their effects. If you are on the limit of any of the weights, best not to have a hearty Motorway service station meal as this will increase the problem by a straw that may break the camels back
Jap-Car said: Thanks for the information. Looks like I'll be limited to towing fairly light cars unless a dollie proves to be legal.
Is there anywhere I can find a list of possible tow cars and their max tow weights other than looking at each VIN plate?
It sounds as though you want to tow a car trailer?
If you are looking at this as a viable and legal proposition, then you need to be looking at large 4X4 type vehicles or transit van type stuff which should give you the overall scope to pull another vehicle on a trailer without problems. Anything smaller than that will start to give you problems.
Indeed - looking at towing a car on trailer.
I've previously towed a car weighing 1250kg on a trailer without giving the legal situation a thought. It was only 15 miles and looking at the numbers, I was probably just OK.
I was hoping to be able to tow a vehicle weighing 1700kgs but that doesn't look possible with my current car once a trailer is included.
Does anyone know of a company which would give a competative rate for trasnsporting such a vehicle approximately 500 miles?
I've previously towed a car weighing 1250kg on a trailer without giving the legal situation a thought. It was only 15 miles and looking at the numbers, I was probably just OK.
I was hoping to be able to tow a vehicle weighing 1700kgs but that doesn't look possible with my current car once a trailer is included.
Does anyone know of a company which would give a competative rate for trasnsporting such a vehicle approximately 500 miles?
Trailers of up to 750Kg gross weight can be used without having brakes fitted to them. However the towing vehicles kerbside weight must be twice that of the laden trailer - If not brakes must be fitted.
If using a braked trailer then
MAX TRAIN WEIGHT = 3.5 TONS
(i.e. car + trailer + both loads inc fuel etc.)
Other figures are only manufacturers recommended max.
I know a met traffic cop who used to tow a 2 ton MDU behind a Citroen ZX estate - slow but legal and I used to legally tow a car trailer behind large estate cars with the likes of maxi's and marina's on it - e.g laden trailer 1.8 ton (measured on weigh bridge) ...
As for dollys and A frames - I'm not sure.
Hope this helps .
If using a braked trailer then
MAX TRAIN WEIGHT = 3.5 TONS
(i.e. car + trailer + both loads inc fuel etc.)
Other figures are only manufacturers recommended max.
I know a met traffic cop who used to tow a 2 ton MDU behind a Citroen ZX estate - slow but legal and I used to legally tow a car trailer behind large estate cars with the likes of maxi's and marina's on it - e.g laden trailer 1.8 ton (measured on weigh bridge) ...
As for dollys and A frames - I'm not sure.
Hope this helps .
5ltr-chim said:
I know a met traffic cop who used to tow a 2 ton MDU behind a Citroen ZX estate - slow but legal and I used to legally tow a car trailer behind large estate cars with the likes of maxi's and marina's on it - e.g laden trailer 1.8 ton (measured on weigh bridge) ...
As for dollys and A frames - I'm not sure.
Hope this helps .
I wonder what the 2 ton MDU caused in relation to the weight over the rear axle of the citroen. I wouldn't mind betting that the combination exceeded a weight limit in one area at least!
5ltr-chim said:
If using a braked trailer then
MAX TRAIN WEIGHT = 3.5 TONS
(i.e. car + trailer + both loads inc fuel etc.)
Other figures are only manufacturers recommended max.
Surely not?
If for example a Mondeo has a braked trailer limit of 1400KG then if you exceed this then you are also breaking the law, even if the total train weight is within 3.5 tons?
Otherwise you could tow an E Class with a Seicento and be legal?
spnracing said:
5ltr-chim said:
If using a braked trailer then
MAX TRAIN WEIGHT = 3.5 TONS
(i.e. car + trailer + both loads inc fuel etc.)
Other figures are only manufacturers recommended max.
Surely not?
Train weights will differ with every make and model of vehicle. The above calculation is risky to say the least. They are manufacturers recomendations, but they are legally binding and if you exceed them by 5%, you risk prosecution.
The weights are tested for safety when the vehicle receives its type approval for manufacture. They are not something that you should use just for guidance. You must not exceed them!
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