Ask Honest John

Honest John Ask Honest John » Can you explain the confusing towing limits for my car?
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Can you explain the confusing towing limits for my car?

According to the VIN plate on my 2013 Peugeot 5008, the GVW is 2250kg and the GTW is 2950kg. I have been told by a caravan salesman that this makes the legal towing limit 700kg.
This is at odds with information in the car handbook, which gives the GTW as 3250kg and 1300kg for a braked trailer. I wish to buy a caravan weighing 1147kg but if the police go by the information on the VIN plate, I will be in trouble. Why the discrepancy? Thanks.

Asked on 17 August 2020 by David Broadhead

Answered by Andrew Brady
The GVW is the maximum weight the car can legally be when fully loaded. Bear in mind that you're unlikely to drive the car fully loaded, so you can use that spare capacity to tow a trailer - provided the GTW doesn't exceed 2950kg. A 1147kg caravan is fairly small and should be well within the towing capacity of a diesel 5008. It's also within the 85% rule (which suggests that the trailer shouldn't exceed more than 85% of the car's kerb weight).
Similar questions
Can you suggest a car that can tow a 2000kg caravan? I only commute 10 miles a day so diesel is not an option. Thanks.
I am looking for a reliable and economical SUV to pull a 4 or 5 berth caravan. What do you suggest?
I own a Honda Jazz 2014 EX Auto. Would I be able to tow a caravan? If so what weight?
Related models
Practical and versatile seating layout, good range of engines, comfortable to drive, good value as a used buy.