Towing a trailer?!?

Notmyrealname

Suarez wrote: »

I think a small 4wd would probably be my best bet.

It won't. It'll either put you overweight or not have a high enough towing limit.

Its easier just to get Category E put on your licence if you're going to tow regularly.

marlot

You might get some towcar ideas here: http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/expert-advice/choosing-and-buying/choosing-a-towcar/towcar-award-winning-choices/towcar-of-the-year-awards/tested-towcars/

Suarez

Notmyrealname wrote: »

It won't. It'll either put you overweight or not have a high enough towing limit.

Its easier just to get Category E put on your licence if you're going to tow regularly.

The trailer itself only weighs 800kg.

marlot

Suarez wrote: »

I cant seem to find a website that will search for vehicles based on their gross weight and un-laden weight.

I think a small 4wd would probably be my best bet.

Yes, manufacturers are not very good at giving the weights. The police/insurance will go by the VIN plate of the actual car you'll be using and some manufacturers simply quote things like 'kerb weight from xxx Kg'.

To tow 1300 Kg safely, you're looking at a Mondeo size car. You should be able to find something but you'll find it a job to get the information you need.

You really want a car with a kerbweight around 1400-1500Kg. Obviously it has to have a max weight of 2200Kg or less if you're to stay within the 3500Kg max you're allowed.

Some smart alec will probably be along to say that its OK to tow a 1300Kg trailer if its only half loaded. But as you know, a B licence holder is limited by the maximum plated weights.

If you don't need to have the trailer full, one option might be to ask the manufacturer to down plate it - you'll get a lot wider choice of towcar if you downplate the trailer to 1200Kg or 1100Kg.

Suarez

marlot wrote: »

Yes, manufacturers are not very good at giving the weights. The police/insurance will go by the VIN plate of the actual car you'll be using and some manufacturers simply quote things like 'kerb weight from xxx Kg'.

To tow 1300 Kg safely, you're looking at a Mondeo size car. You should be able to find something but you'll find it a job to get the information you need.

You really want a car with a kerbweight around 1400-1500Kg. Obviously it has to have a max weight of 2200Kg or less if you're to stay within the 3500Kg max you're allowed.

Some smart alec will probably be along to say that its OK to tow a 1300Kg trailer if its only half loaded. But as you know, a B licence holder is limited by the maximum plated weights.

If you don't need to have the trailer full, one option might be to ask the manufacturer to down plate it - you'll get a lot wider choice of towcar if you downplate the trailer to 1200Kg or 1100Kg.

Thanks for the informative post. I will have a look around and also give the company I purchased the trailer from and ask them if they can downgrade the plate.

mikey72

Suarez wrote: »

Thanks for the informative post. I will have a look around and also give the company I purchased the trailer from and ask them if they can downgrade the plate.

What do you carry on it?

marlot

I've just remembered a website which partially helps - it lists the kerbweights, but not the max weights (unfortunately). I'd still check the VIN plate or V5 of any car I was planning to buy though!

http://www.cuddles.abelgratis.net/ford.htm

As you can see, most of the focus' are too light. You're really looking at Mondeo. [You'll find other makes on there too!]

Notmyrealname

Suarez wrote: »

The trailer itself only weighs 800kg.

What the trailer weighs is irrelevant. It is the plated weight that matters - the plated weight being the unladen weight plus maximum load carrying capacity. If they downgrade the plate that reduces what you can carry. If you are found with it more than the new plated weight you will be fined for overloading which can be £1000+ and VOSA DO pull over cars towing trailers and put them over a weighbridge.

peter_the_piper

Don't forget to upgrade your insurance or check with them its ok on your current one.

mikey72

peter_the_piper wrote: »

Don't forget to upgrade your insurance or check with them its ok on your current one.

I've never had a policy that didn't include towing.