max weights

Post by **hogseye** » 31 Jan 2008, 07:58

Hi does anybody know what the max weight my diesel single cab can legally pull. got a twin axle braked trailer with a max gross weight of 2600kg can i legally pull this? cheers nick

Post by **toomanytoys** » 31 Jan 2008, 08:35

Someone will be along in a min with correct numbers..
but no... a 2wd wont pull 2600kgs...... IIRC it could be a max of 2000 with "special cert" and more likely 1500......
A syncro can pull 2000kgs, or with special cert, 2500.. but wether the special cert is valid in the UK or not is debatable.. then you get into the 75% of towing vehicle etc etc....

Post by **toomanytoys** » 31 Jan 2008, 08:35

double post....

Post by **airhead** » 31 Jan 2008, 09:07

I know the ruling here is that 2+ axle trailers must be pulled with 4wd vehicles, and the weight of the trailer must not exceed the maximum pulling weight of the vehichle.

Post by **Syncro G** » 31 Jan 2008, 17:34

The 75% of the towing vehicle thing is just a recomendation, the things you can't legally exceed is whats probubly written on the VIN plate. You'll get a max vehicle weight and a Gross train weight which is the max weight of the vehicle and trailer both laden. Think its fine to have a trailer rated to carry more than would be aloud for the vehicle Gross train weight, so long as the extra capicity isn't used - remember that'd include the weight of the trailer. As T3's aren't really that old they should have a plate somewhere telling you what not to exceed.

You'll obveously need to have a B+E licance (trailer entitlement) to be able to pull a trailer with a gross weight more than 900kg behind it. (basicly any trailer with brakes).

There isn't anything in the law about vehicles needing 4WD but in calculating what trailer a vehicle can pull they consider its ability to pull away laden on a 12% gradient. In these conditions the extra traction gained from 4WD and the fact such vehicles often have very low gears avalable aswell (Syncros included) enables them to still pull away easilly when a 2wd would struggle. Hence they are often plated to tow more. Thats how less than 2 tonnes of unlaiden Land Rover 90 can legally tow 4 tonnes if it has the right hitch and brakeing system fitted, more commonly 3.5t if its got the usual over run brakes and a 50mm ball.

Post by **hogseye** » 31 Jan 2008, 19:59

thanks for answers i have a class 1 so can pull a trailer, will have to look on plate for weights. Ain't used the thing yet only got it about 3 weeks

ago but it needs cam belt and service but haven't had time yet...hopefully next week

Post by **toomanytoys** » 01 Feb 2008, 12:13

Just in case what I wrote was slightly confusing...

you can pull your 2600kg trailer, as long as it isnt loaded so it weighs more than the max towing weight of the vehicle.. As said, chassis plate is a good place to start, but some (depends on what market it was sold in) dont have weights on them...

Post by **CycloneMike** » 01 Feb 2008, 14:50

Glass's technical service book lists the following max towing weights by engine type for van bus or pick up. Dj 2000kg, KY 1200kg, JX Turbo 1500kg.

Post by **Westy.Club.Joker** » 01 Feb 2008, 15:49

The VW handbook says 1200KG braked trailer for the diesel, on gradients up to 12% , and 1500KG for the turbo diesel, same gradients. Unbraked is 600KG for either engine.