Towing - do your research
When we’re in the market for a new vehicle it’s customary to take into account its looks, level of comfort and fuel economy, as well as other factors like safety and handling, before we even contemplate signing the dotted line.
But if you intend to use it to tow a caravan, boat, trailer etc., you must do your research. Otherwise you might find out on the wrong part of your holiday that your SUV can’t tow 3000 kilograms of caravan after all.
Before purchasing the vehicle you need to understand a few things:
- the legal requirements for towing;
- the manufacturer’s recommended towing specifications;
- the vehicle’s towbar specifications.
Did the dealer explain the towing capacity when the trailer is braked or unbraked?
While they may assure you the car is up to the task, you can’t take their word for granted. If you’re not provided with enough information, you might feel like they just want a sale – and you could be right.
We’d like to hear your towing experiences on the road and in the showroom.
For more information on towing, check out our Learning how to tow story.
November 17th, 2007 at 8:56 am
Whilst knowing the legal towing capacity of your vehicle is important, you must also know the allowable maximum tow ball vertical load, particularly if you are towing a caravan. Caravans typically have around 10% of their gross mass supported by the tow ball. Many vehicles have tow ball limits much less than 10% of the towing capacity. I tow a 1400kg caravan with my Nissan X-Trail which is rated to tow 2000kgs but has a tow ball limit of just 150kgs. My caravan is within that limit but only just.
Also, if you are towing a caravan which is close to your vehicles maximum, you should confirm the actual caravan loaded weight and tow ball load at a weighbridge. And, don’t forget to use a suitable weight distribution hitch. I believe they should be mandatory.
May 30th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
Whilst this issue is one which must be taken seriously, there can sometimes be a funny side to towing mishaps.
I recently came across an example of this on the home page of http://www.aussieusedcaravans.info. The YouTube video has to be seen to be believed. Such “ninkompoops” do exist. I trust that the driver actually learned something in the process.