Towing question...

[Mr Pies]

What sized car would I need to tow a E36 328 BMW on an un-braked car trailer? I'm guessing a Volvo V70 would be too small?

[GoneAnon]

Surely the BMW weighs more than 750kg so exceeds the GVW limit for an unbraked trailer without even considering the weight of the trailer itself?

[v8will]

Wouldn't fancy it at all on an unbraked trailer.

Something like a Disco 4 is only rated to around 750KG unbraked

[4key]

e36 328 kerb weight 1395 kg 3075 lb

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

I think that the answer is

[RDMcG]

Pretty dangerous , an unbraked trailer at that weight. I use a braked trailer with a trailer controller so that I can adjust brake bias on the fly.

[GreatGranny]

As above it needs to be on a braked trailer

[Mr Pies]

Ok so assuming I can borrow a braked trailer instead, what governs me on what I can tow it with then? Weight of the tow car?

[Mr Pies]

4key said:

e36 328 kerb weight 1395 kg 3075 lb

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

I think that the answer is

Sorry just notice this, will have a read now.

[RDMcG]

Mr Pies said:

Ok so assuming I can borrow a braked trailer instead, what governs me on what I can tow it with then? Weight of the tow car?

You need to find out the rated towing capacity of the car. Normally its in the original spec. Evidently the weight of the trailer plus the weight of the vehicle being towed are added together. Trailer weights vary widely. I have an aluminium trailer which is significantly lighter than an equivalent steel trailer.

Also , a good rule of thumb is that the loaded trailer should be less than 75% of the rated towing capacity.

[v8will]

More or less.

A decent braked trailer will be around 600KGS at a guess + the BMW so pretty close to 2 Tonnes. A V70 will pull around 1600KGS. I pulled a Brenderup trailer with a 850T5 and a Volvo 460 on the back, probably a little over 1600KGS and it wasn't pleasant.

You need a bigger car, really something like a Disco or similar.

[Condi]

Remember in the eyes of the law its PLATED weight which matters. Unless of course the plate has fallen off at which point they have to go by kerb weight.

So pulling a trailer rated to 3t behind a car legally allowed to pull 2t is a no no, even if you're only loaded to 1.5t.

[whirlybird]

I can't believe someone would actually ask that first question, hope I don't share the same road space,!!!!!

[Mr Pies]

Sorted thanks everyone. Managed to have use of a small flat bed recovery truck as a favour from a friend if a friend.