Could a car take 1/2 a ton in the back?

Rolandtheroadie

Just a quick one out of curiosity really. As the title says, do you think a car (Mondeo) could take 1/2 a ton in weight (back seats down, load spread evenly over surface area and 2 passengers).
Will probably use something bigger, (without a bulkhead either for those that will mention braking sharply) and better equipped to take it but just to canvas popular opinion.

Plus I'm bored.

Doozergirl

Even if it did I'll tell you that even at a relatively low speed impact, you won't be able to take 1/2 ton when that lot continues to move forwards, shears the bolts off your seat taking it clean off, shooting forwards and crushing you in the process.

Pleasant thought. Even something that you'd consider relatively light could kill you. I wouldn't even think about it.

Wig

You need to look at the data plate(?) inside the engine bay
It should say two figures with Kg after it.
the lower figure is the unladen weight of the car
the higher weight is the laden weight including passengers & driver

These figures should easily accomodate 500kg of load with only a driver. The load should be spread as far as possible, and don't forget the passenger footwell and passenger seat, I'd put at least 100kg into the front passenger area.

Adding passengers into the equation reduces your ability to spread the load and conform to the weight restrictions.

And you'll need your tyres pumped to the max ~ 45psi

bungle4x4

scotsman4th wrote: »

Just a quick one out of curiosity really. As the title says, do you think a car (Mondeo) could take 1/2 a ton in weight (back seats down, load spread evenly over surface area and 2 passengers).
Will probably use something bigger, (without a bulkhead either for those that will mention braking sharply) and better equipped to take it but just to canvas popular opinion.

Plus I'm bored.

probably be fine, might bottom the springs out on speed bumps if you go a bit briskly mind:cool:

mikey72

I had an old fireplace in the back of my skoda favorit once. Big concrete thing, hanging out of the back as it wouldn't fit in, with the hearth as well. Probably not ideal, as the back was on the bump stops, and the front was pointing upwards.

Rolandtheroadie

The reason I ask is that i thought it was slightly nuts, but then though. Imagine say a golf outing. 4 big guys, say 100 kg each . Then 4 sets of golf clubs and associated weekend away stuff. Is 500kg so out the park?

kiddy_guy

In your scenario Yes, but not 500kg in the back.

mikey72

Our peugeot 106 has a payload of 400kg, (including the driver)

mikey72

kiddy_guy wrote: »

In your scenario Yes, but not 500kg in the back.

3 fat people with luggage

Premier_2

scotsman4th wrote: »

Just a quick one out of curiosity really. As the title says, do you think a car (Mondeo) could take 1/2 a ton in weight (back seats down, load spread evenly over surface area and 2 passengers)...

scotsman4th wrote: »

The reason I ask is that i thought it was slightly nuts, but then though. Imagine say a golf outing. 4 big guys, say 100 kg each . Then 4 sets of golf clubs and associated weekend away stuff. Is 500kg so out the park?

If the back seat is down, then the maximum permitted occupancy of a Mondeo is driver plus 1 passenger

Iirc, a 2 litre Mondeo Ghia is just under 1500kg kerb weght and has a GVM is just under 2100kg - meaning it can carry out 600kg payload (including driver/passengers etc)

I don't have the maximum permitted axle weights to hand, but you would need to consider these too. i.e distribute the weight so as not to exceed them.

Edit:
In your second example, you'll be pleased to know that a luggage retention test is carried out using 100kg in the boot (using 50% male manekin) to ensure the rear seats withstand a frontal impact equivilent to 50kph solid barrier. (and chest compression is not excessive)

(no luggage retention tests are carried out with rear seat folded down, iirc)

vikingaero

If it's a hatchback Mondeo then I would say that you risk going over the payload limit never mind the single axle load limits. You might get away with it more comfortably on an Estate Mondeo which will probably have uprated springs and shocks.

Most small hatchbacks have a limit of 3-400kg, a Focus will be 400kg+, and I would be surprised if the Mondeo has more than 500kg limit. On my MPV the load limit is 600kg.