Tow weights for Qashqai and Swift Conqueror
Hello,
We are new to caravaning and have bought a 2012 Swift Conqueror with an unladen weight of 1335kgs. We have a 2014 Quashqai with a kerb weight of between 1518-1562kgs.The caravan has a motor mover and we would like to store the awning in the van when towing.
We would like to avoid changing our car as we are very satisfied with it but obviously we are close to or exceed the 85% advice rule regarding towing. What are people's similar experiences and advice please?
Comments
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What is the laden weight - MTPLM - of the caravan? That's the one that counts.
The weight of the mover and the awning will need to be deducted from the van's payload and that will help you decide if the awning can be carried in the van.
It sounds to me, on the info available so far, as if you are going to be towing more than 100% of car's weight. It's certainly not safe to do that, or wise, and may not be legal. Check your GTW allowance as well as your legal towing limit weight and the
nose weight.0 -
I have a 2015 1.5 diesel Quashqia - it is a superb vehicle and tows my sterling Europa like a dream, be warned though the 1.5 diesel can only tow 1350kg.
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Hi
Thanks for the responses.
In response to Tinwheeler the MTPLM is 1500kgs and not sure yet of the weight of the mover or awning. It does sound as if the match is very tight though but any additional views welcomed. Thanks again.
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If the cars kerb weight is 1562kg then if you choose to stick to the 85% (recommended by both of the 2 major clubs technical departments, especially for newcomers to the hobby) then the calculation is 1562 - 15% which equals 1327kg available to tow.
It's too heavy for your car mate. Sorry.
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As Fysh said, this isn't a match which is what I feared earlier.
Car = 1518+kg
Caravan = 1500kg
That's near to 100%.
You need a heavier car with a kerb weight of 1800kg or thereabouts.
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I think it's likely the CAR insurance would be invalidated by towing something of an unsafe or illegal weight.
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The makers towing limit is not of course what can a caravan be safely towed at on the road but this is what some dealers are now claiming.
Mine is something like 2200kg. I won't be trying that anytime soon as the kerb weight is only 1750kg.
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You do not say what the makers towing limit is and this depends on the engine but you must not exceed this as it would be illegal. The match is poor and you really need a heavier tow car. The weight of the awning is not given but in general they are heavy
so could result in the caravan being overweight and would be far better in the car.0 -
I have a 2014 Qashqai 1.5 diesel 4*4
The log book says its Kerb weight is 1666Kg and braked towing limit is 1800Kg
Keeping to 85% that gives 1400Kg towing limit.
Plated MTLMP is 1416 for Avante 554
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I think with that I would just tow whatever I felt like towing.
Not good as advice and pretty silly at best.
Of course it was said in jest. Good heavens
I am stunned that anyone could think otherwise. Wow!
If life has taught me anything,it is this: If something can be taken the wrong way, then be assured that someone will.
That's certainly been my experience when posting on CT.
Now I’m wondering how this post will be construed.
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I have a 2014 Qashqai 1.5 diesel 4*4
The log book says its Kerb weight is 1666Kg and braked towing limit is 1800Kg
Keeping to 85% that gives 1400Kg towing limit.
Plated MTLMP is 1416 for Avante 554
As we know, the 1800kg max is meaningless is real life.
You are on the 85% of kerb weight with your outfit so should be OK although, personally, I'd choose a heavier and more powerful tug.
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"If life has taught me anything,it is this: If something can be taken the wrong way, then be assured that someone will.
That's certainly been my experience when posting on CT.
Now I’m wondering how this post will be construed.
"Construed as helpful mate.
Sorry the formatting has gone to pot as I am on a smartphone and I have fat fingers.
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I agree the 1800kg is meanigless (and can be dangerously misleading to novice caravan towers) and I too wouldn't tow with a Qashkow however given that it is near as damn it to the 85% weight ratio Club 'commandment' i am confused why one would suggest the OP should get an even heavier tug? Providing all the other towing weight and safety related aspects are correctly dealt with by the OP (such as but not limted to nose weight, weight distribution, weight balance, tyre pressures etc etc) there shouldn't be a problem, or am i missing something? (Sorry for the opic drift however When I have more time i intend starting a new thread seeking support to discuss and if supported by sufficient members to lobby both 'Clubs' to revisit the whole issue of the 85% 'recommendation').
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I agree the 1800kg is meanigless (and can be dangerously misleading to novice caravan towers) and I too wouldn't tow with a Qashkow however given that it is near as damn it to the 85% weight ratio Club 'commandment' i am confused why one would suggest the OP should get an even heavier tug? Providing all the other towing weight and safety related aspects are correctly dealt with by the OP (such as but not limted to nose weight, weight distribution, weight balance, tyre pressures etc etc) there shouldn't be a problem, or am i missing something? (Sorry for the opic drift however When I have more time i intend starting a new thread seeking support to discuss and if supported by sufficient members to lobby both 'Clubs' to revisit the whole issue of the 85% 'recommendation').
Are you referring to my post, Flatcoat?
If so, I actually said DHF's outfit should be OK. I said personally I'd choose a heavier tug. That's personal choice and not a suggestion that he should do likewise. You said yourself that you wouldn't tow with a Qashqai so we are of similar minds.
It's not the same set up as in the OP's case where his van is heavier than DHF's but his car is lighter.
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I think with that I would just tow whatever I felt like towing.
Not good as advice and pretty silly at best.
Of course it was said in jest. Good heavens
I am stunned that anyone could think otherwise. Wow!
If life has taught me anything,it is this: If something can be taken the wrong way, then be assured that someone will.
That's certainly been my experience when posting on CT.
Now I’m wondering how this post will be construed.
Write your comments here... If it was said in jest then I missed it. It does worry me the way it was said though.
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