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And why aren’t there any vans on this list? Because, when it comes to towing 3.5 tonne, vans of that capacity are not really available with most closer to 2000kg towing, or even less. Braked trailers fascinate me, primarily because of the mechanics behind the braking system they use called overrun brakes. These clever systems work automatically through a linkage directly to the tow bar and uses the trailer's inertia as the activator. A tow car has to remain usable every day. There’s no point being able to effortlessly tow if every other journey is miserable? That’s why this list features SUVs that are good daily transport, as well as great tow cars. We’ve also included SUVs of all shapes and sizes knowing that not everybody needs – or can afford – a vast tow car. With a kerb weight of 2281kg and 2949kg GVM, the turbo-diesel Grand Cherokee has a payload of 668kg and 6099kg GCM. Another thing you need to bear in mind is something called noseweight. This refers to the weight that will be pushing down on your towing vehicle’s tow ball. Higher noseweight generally means a more stable trailer, especially at higher speeds, but the rated capability of the towing vehicle (see your car's handbook) and trailer hitch (normally marked on it) must never be exceeded. For boxy trailers like caravans, which can be more vulnerable to high speed instability if not correctly loaded, noseweight of at least 5-7% of the trailer’s laden weight is advisable. You may need to redistribute the load in the trailer to get an optimum noseweight.
On the flip side… if you passed your driving test after January 1997, you can drive a vehicle that weighs 3.5 tonnes, tow something that weighs up to 750kg - anything heavier than that & you'll have to take another test. What Is Gross Vehicle Weight & Gross Combination Weight? Finding the right car that can tow up to 3500kg can be very difficult, and there's really no good way to try before you buy. Fortunately, there are plenty of test-drive reports out there to help you make your mind. But before you start looking, it's important to see what the different options are as this will help you narrow down your search. The Caravan and Motorhome Club, as well as caravan and trailer retailers, will all be able to advise on the most suitable towing combinations. To get the best out of caravan or trailer towing, we’d advise getting some further training, which will give you loading tips, general safety and manoeuvring skills. The third consideration is the actual construction of the vehicle. While more modern, monocoque body designs can be lighter and handle better, for towing, the traditional body-on-frame construction is still hard to beat. A clear distinction is made between "braked" and "unbraked". Unbraked trailers are often used as "light trailers" to tow motorcycles or small boats. These are normally smaller trailers with just two wheels and a single axle. The type of trailer you would use to go to the tip with your garden waste or to take the lawn mower in for repairs.
Looking for a towing-capable car that is tough and powerful? Discover our curated collection of premium vehicles with a powerful 3.5-tonne towing capability, including sumptuous SUVs and adaptable vans
As you brake in your van, your trailer moves forward and the mechanical linkage activates the trailer brakes (the harder and faster the trailer moves against the tow bar mechanism, the harder the brakes are applied on the trailer). This keeps happening as the towing vehicle slows until both the van and the trailer have stopped – that's when the overrun brakes disengage completely ready to go again. What Is A Tachograph & When Do I Need One? The five-link coil spring rear suspension has been completely redesigned to handle an increased payload when towing, whilst still remaining comfortable when unladen. Stiffer than the previous MU-X, rear coil spring rate has been increased, allowing for increased payload capacity when loaded up. Redesigned to reduce unwanted body roll and improve vehicle composure, the rear anti-roll bar has a wider span than the previous model, which better manages sprung mass in corners. Overall, the new coil spring suspension offers more flexibility, load-carrying capacity and enhanced handling and dynamics than the preceding MU-X.
Tow bar: Assuming the vehicle you’re towing with was manufactured and fitted with a tow bar post-1998, then the tow bar will need to have Type Approval and meet EU regulations. This will be clearly marked on the tow bar, either with a label or a plate with an approval number. Whatever you are towing must never exceed the trailer’s MAM or the car’s maximum towing capacity. These must be treated as absolute limits and the sensible option is to keep well below them to be safe. Towing licence rules: what can you legally tow in the UK? First thing to consider about a car good tow car is its towing limit, or capacity – that’s the weight a car is legally allowed to tow. It’s gospel, as well, because towing more than your car is allowed to is a criminal offence. Some vehicles aren’t cleared (homologated, to use the technical term) for towing at all, so can never legally do so. Many hybrids and electric cars aren’t.
Prior to the 2021 rule change, drivers who passed their test after 1997 would have had to undergo additional training and pass a dedicated car and trailer test if they wished to tow anything heavier than 750kg. However, this test is no longer required. Conversely you don’t want to have too much weight at the rear of the trailer as this is likely to make it unstable and potentially dangerous. Thus, the heaviest items in your trailer should be located close to its axle. As all trailer and towing combinations will vary significantly, it’s best to get professional advice if you’re at all unsure. Improving your towing skills Knowing your car’s towing limit is important because it means you can stay on the right side of the law when towing a load. Attempting to tow more than the manufacturer’s limit means you are technically unroadworthy. This chassis and body combination is the strongest and most durable ever seen in a MU-X, featuring improvements in corrosion-resistance, rigidity, capacity, quietness and safety.And beyond all those things is the fact that attempting to tow too heavy a load can easily damage your vehicle and will also make it unsafe in terms of its braking and handling.
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