Working out weights for extra bits (towing!)

[jen1]

How do you work out the weight of all the extras you take with you when towing?

Other than actually weighing every little thing, is there an average that you can use to work it out e.g. tack, rugs, other equipment, couple of normal size people, hay nets etc etc.

Was thinking the other day that someone at my yard wants to tow with a Rav 4, older one, but I think they may be over weight and have only taken the horse and trailer into consideration.

I have read on here that it's good to go by the 85% rule, so only tow up to 85% of the car's max towing weight, and that the curb weight is critical.

The Rav 4 can tow up to 1500, the curb weight is 1275 and the 85% rate is 1084, therefore I assume that they should not tow more than 1084Kg? The trailer is 750Kg and the horse at least 500! Not including people and equipment that's pushing it pretty fine isn't it?

OK so it's their decision but I wouldn't want to do it.....

 

[OWLIE185]

It not the weight of the trailer that is taken in to account. It is the fully laden weight (Maximun weight of trailer and contents stamped on the trailer).

I would not even attempt it with a Rav 4. Far too dangerous.

 

[jen1]

Just had a look and max towing weight of trailer is 1600Kg

 

[rdc1000]

No No No.....it is nothing to do with the maximum weight of the trailer. You're getting confused with the regulations regarding the B+E test. I'm assuming this query is not about whether this person can tow legally without doing a B+E because they're choosing to use a small vehicle (and if it is then YES you need to consider the MAM of the trailer).

The 85% ruule is a recommendation only. It came out of the caravanning organisations, but is a good measure to apply to all larger trailers because of the effects of wind etc destabilising them. However, on a weight per size basis, horseboxes tend to be heavier than caravans and consequently are likely to be more stable in the conditions which are likely to effect them.

HOWEVER, even caravanning organisations say that as you build up your experience it is safe to go above the 85% rule (and you are right, this rule is judged against the Kerbweight of the vehicle) and increase towards the maximum towing weight permitted on the vehicle.

In this case, it is the ACTUAL weight of the trailer which counts, i.e. the weight it would be if pulled over and weighed by the police, not it's MAM (Maximum allowable mass). The vehicle's handbook will have a maximum train weight, which will be the maximum permitted load in the car in addition to the trailer weight. Normally it is quite generous, but in most cases a FULLY laden car in terms of permitted weight will not allow a trailer at the maximum permitted weight. However, awful though it sounds, she will probably be fine legally.

I do prefer to see trailers which are at least lighter than the kerbweight of the car...even if close to it, but in this case it looks as though she won't be breaking the law.

 

[jen1]

The person doesn't need to take a towing test, I was just thinking that surely the outfit will be overweight for a Rav 4? Also it's fairly hilly round here so surely the car will have trouble towing a trailer, horse, people and equipment?

 

[star]

[ QUOTE ]
The person doesn't need to take a towing test, I was just thinking that surely the outfit will be overweight for a Rav 4? Also it's fairly hilly round here so surely the car will have trouble towing a trailer, horse, people and equipment?

[/ QUOTE ]

it certainly will. i wouldn't try it. it's not safe to tow more than ther kerbweight of the car whatever anyone says - the trailer could try and overtake the towing vehicle. aside from that it'll knacker the car. and if you believe some people, then the UK must abide by EU towing laws and they require the towing vehicle to be capable of towing the MAM of the trailer, not it's actual laden weight.