towing

[scruffy101]

I have a bmw e39 540 touring,I am thinking of getting a caravan and i need to know the maximum i can tow safely.I have looked in the handbook but I do not understand what I am looking for ,ie the terms used like gross weight or anything really.Can anyone simplify it?Assume you are explaining it to a moron, thanks

[carmadgaz]

Should have a 'maximum towing weight' braked and unbraked (depending on whether the caravan is braked or unbraked) marked in the book.

Remember if you passed your test after 97 you are limited to a GVW of 3.5T or a trailer weight of 750kgs whichevers lower

[scruffy101]

thank you,2000kg it is then!

[davidjpowell]

carmadgaz said:

Should have a 'maximum towing weight' braked and unbraked (depending on whether the caravan is braked or unbraked) marked in the book.

Remember if you passed your test after 97 you are limited to a GVW of 3.5T or a trailer weight of 750kgs whichevers lower

That is the maximum legal weight not the safe weight.

Caravan Club recommends no more than 80% of the cars kerb weight. Don't forget it's not just the weight of the Caravan, but also all the st that goes in it, like awnings.

[Mars]

Remember that the 2000Kg is for the caravan fully loaded. If you buy one of those 26-foot monsters with twin axles (I really fancy one), they can be as heavy as 1700Kg empty. Mind you, 300Kg of luggage inside is quite a lot even if you put the bikes and the awning inside.

Worth taking it to a weigh bridge first time around, just to make sure you're in the right ballpark.

Have fun.

[Uhura fighter]

Mars said:

If you buy one of those 26-foot monsters with twin axles (I really fancy one)

You have made the list.......

[Mars]

Sadly my wife has curtailed my intentions to live in a tin box during the summer.

[GreatGranny]

Go onto the caravan club website for all the advice you will need.

80-85% of the vehicles gross weight is recommended and keep an eye on the nose weight as well.

This is the weight on the actual tow bar.

DO NOT just buy a van, chuck your kit in it and drive off. You will need to load the van sensibly, distributing the weight correctly. A badly loaded van can be very dangerous.

Happy caravanning!

[insideline]

This link here should help http://www.towsure.com/bespoke/outfit-matcher.html