Summary:
Not all vehicles are designed for towing, and those that are have specific weight limits that must be adhered to for safety and legal compliance. Before towing, always check your car’s handbook, the VIN plate, or the V5C registration document for towing capacity details. If you can’t find this information, your car is likely not suitable for towing.
Towing Capacities
Two towing capacities are often specified: one for a braked trailer and another for an unbraked trailer. Trailers over 750kg must legally have a braking system in working order, while smaller trailers under 750kg do not require brakes, though some may have them.
Calculating Towing Capacity
To calculate your car’s maximum towing capacity, refer to the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate or the owner’s manual. The Maximum Allowable Mass (MAM) or Gross Train Weight (GTW) represents the total weight of the vehicle, trailer, and any cargo. To determine towing capacity, subtract the car’s Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) from the MAM. For instance, if the MAM is 5,000kg and the GVW is 3,000kg, the capacity is 2,000kg. Always include the weight of any payload in the trailer.
Safety Guidelines
A safe guideline is to ensure the trailer’s weight is no more than 85% of the towing vehicle’s weight. For example, if your vehicle weighs 2,000kg, the trailer should not exceed 1,700kg. Use towing scales or online calculators to verify these figures.
Exceeding towing capacity can lead to accidents or severe vehicle damage. Always stay below the maximum allowable limits for safety.
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