Subject: VW Golf Author: Jonathan Date: July 20, 2010 at 22:51
I've got a Golf Mk V 1.9tdi 2007 manual and am looking to get a new caravan.
The Caravan Club seem to be very conservative about the caravan weights that I could tow.
What percentage/weight would be "reasonable"?
I've been towing for over 20 years, but always with a Land Rover Discovery.
Replies:
Author: Paul Date: July 20, 2010 at 23:15
Hi Jonathan.
Whats the exact model, i.e. Golf Plus, standard etc? I've found various weights and they seem model dependent, but all towing figures quote 1400kgs max. This isn't to say this is a recommended tow weight for the car however and regardless of towing experience I find it best to aim for the 85% of kerbweight suggestion to fall within safe tow limits.
Would you know what your cars kerbweight and train weight are - these should be on the VIN plate.
Author: Bert Date: July 20, 2010 at 23:16
The car's kerb weight is 1351 kg, a good recommendation is 85% of this kerb weight as actual laden weight of a caravan, so around 1150 kg. You qualify yourself as an experienced caravanner, thus the maximum is up to 100% so 1350 kg.
Author: Paul Date: July 21, 2010 at 10:17
Ah, Bert's found the definitive weight then it seems, I found mixed info.
If I might just add another word of caution though. Bert's quite right if you're happy enough to tow upto 1350kgs, but only you can assess your ability on this.
For example, a friend has been towing for 15 years, but in fact only tows twice a year; once to take van to a seasoned pitch and again to bring it back. I wouldn't consider his experience (and neither does he incidentally) comensurate with '15 years towing'.
