Towing Power

F

Freddie08

Member
Joined
25 March 2008
Messages
14
Visit site
Hi I am thinging of changing my 4x4 for something more economical and environmentally friendly as the chancellor seems intent on punishing us 4x4 drivers. I currently drive a SWB Mitsubishi Shogun 2.8 TD. I have a Bateson Trailer which weights 860kg and two TB's who together will weigh approx 1050kg therefore total load 1910kg. I am thinking of buying a Nissan X-trail. Has anyone towed with one of these? The stats say it will tow 2000kg so I am getting close to its max. What do people think? Any advice appreciated
 
Remember to check the kerb weight, the tail should not wag the dog as they say, so your laden trailer shouldn't weigh more than 85% of the towing vehicle's weight to be safe.

Also remember that when you load up your trailer with water, haynets (especially soaked ones!) tack etc it could come to considerably more - remember 1 litre of water weighs approx 1kg!
 
presumably if the towing capacity is 2000kg, then the car actually weighs less than this - check the kerb weight as helsB says. you absolutely never want to tow something heavier than your car and ideally want to stick within the 85% rule.

there is also an EU rule that says the towing vehicle must be capable of towing the MAM of the trailer which is somewhere around 2400kg for the Bateson from memory so the X-trail wouldn't be suitable.
 
[ QUOTE ]
there is also an EU rule that says the towing vehicle must be capable of towing the MAM of the trailer

[/ QUOTE ]

Is this law actually in force in the UK?

Sooo many grey areas with towing laws in this country I found
crazy.gif
 
yes, we are part of the EU and have to follow their rules. seems this law is little known by anyone other than the authorities though and catches a lot of people out when they get stopped and weighed.
 
I looked at Nissans and our local dealership told me that the Xtrail is not suitable for towing horses, although I do know someone that tows a 3-horse Rice trailer with one
frown.gif
shocked.gif
- thank goodness it's flat in East Anglia
 
i too looked at x-trails a few years ago & the sales man admitted that they weren't really upto the job , terrano is though
smile.gif
 
Someone on our yard towed with a Nissan X Trail, he loved them, he had two and he's regarded as being quite fussy when it comes to doing things the 'correct way' very safety consious etc but that was just with one horse in I think, but I recon he'd of take two if he had two...if you get what mean. We do live in flat area though.

Personally...no idea, if Nissan have warned you not to then your best of listening to them, otherwise your insurance will not be valid should you have an accident or a claim if you have not got the stats right...I'm thinking.
confused.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top