Unfortunately, incorrect info was given by Dan Powell to a question “ What is the maximum weight we can tow?
I have a 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser. Its weight is 2.2 tonnes and the listed towing weight is 3.0 tonnes. We tow a horse box.
Half of our friends say the all up weight of the trailer cannot exceed the weight of the vehicle. Others say it is the maximum towing weight that matters.
We want to upgrade to an Equi-Trek box that is nearly 3 tonnes loaded
Who is correct?”
Dan replied “ Your friends are correct, the trailer must not exceed the weight of your car. Otherwise, it may result in poor stability when cornering or attempting to navigate a steep hill.
In my opinion, the towing capacity of your car should not be more than 85 per cent of your vehicle's kerb weight. The individual and combined weights of the vehicle and the trailer are among the most important things you need to know before towing. It’s vital that you stick to them; exceed them, and you’re breaking the law.
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) or Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) tells you how much a vehicle or a trailer can legally weigh in order to be used on the road, while the Gross Train Weight (GTW) or Gross Combination Weight (GCW), is the total, permitted weight of the vehicle, the trailer and everything it’s carrying. You can find these figures on the van or trailer’s chassis plate, in the handbook and sometimes on the V5C registration certificate.”
Whilst I agree a safe towing limit is 85% of the towing vehicles kerbweight, it is not a legal requirement.
Towing limit on a cat “B” licence depends on when you passed your test.
If you passed before 1 January 1997, you’re allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of 8,250kg.
If you passed your test on or after 1 January 1997, you can drive vehicles up to 3,500kg MAM with up to 8 passenger seats and with a trailer up to 750kg. You can also tow heavier trailers if the total MAM of the vehicle and trailer is no more than 3,500kg.
Edited by Tony Maris on 27/01/2024 at 09:26
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