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[Andy B]

Despite being affected by having to take the trailer test (still on my to do list), I completely agree with it. The idea of taking your test in fiesta and then being immediately allowed to tow a 7t combination of land cruiser and trailer always struck me as bonkers.  ....

but it's OK/sensible to tow a 1750kg trailer with a 1750kg tow car ...... 

As a newly qualified driver, no, I don't think it is, hence my next point about tiered car licences. I think the pre-97 rules were completely bonkers, I think the system we have now is better but doesn't go far enough.

but as a new driver the law would allow you to do so, as long as you were with gross train weights for the car.  You would be far safer though, towing the same 1750kg trailer with my 2200kg 4x4 but that would be illegal

[Andy B]

....

Loaded, most 7 seat MPVs are knocking around 2.5t

Agreed. My Dad has a Chrysler Grand Voyager. Just looked up the 'kerb weight' and that is min of 2200kg .... most passengers tend to be lying down in the back though 

[New POD]

Okay, I own a Y reg 3.2 MV6 saloon. And in the shed I have a tow bar, which I've never fitted.  I passed my manual in 1984.
How heavy a caravan can I tow ?

[Viral_Jim]

Up to whatever the towing limit of the omega is (1800kg for the auto I think) I would say. However that would be more than the weight of the omega, which many people will tell you is unwise.

Shed dragging forums will often tell you that the limit for towing is 85% of kerb weight, known as the 85% rule. But this is just a guideline someone in the caravan club dreamt up and has no basis in law (despite what many posters in such forums seem to think).

[Andy B]

Okay, I own a Y reg 3.2 MV6 saloon. And in the shed I have a tow bar, which I've never fitted.  I passed my manual in 1984.
How heavy a caravan can I tow ?

What Jim ^^ says. Take the cars gross weight from the gross train weight, that gives the max weight of the caravan you can tow ie  Maximum Technically Permitted Laden Mass (MTPLM),

[Rangie]

Advised towing weights can be easily found in the owners handbook.

[Andy B]

Advised towing weights can be easily found in the owners handbook.

but who reads that? 

[Rangie]

Advised towing weights can be easily found in the owners handbook.

but who reads that? 

. 

Oops I forgot commonsense no longer exists 😄😃😀

[Doctor Gollum]

Yup.

And if you take a Car and trailer test in an auto, you can only tow using an auto, even if you hold a manual licence.  ....

I find this bit bizarre. IMHO the 'trailer test' is testing you on manoeuvring & connecting the trailer, not testing your ability to control the vehicle.

The whole thing is ill thought out and ends up with people towing weight for weight cos they don't want to exceed the magic 3500kg gross train weight when they'd have been safer towing their trailer/glider/boat/etc with a a big 4x4 rather than a mid-sized Eurobox.

Trailer test includes a road test

I know .... I'd considered that a road test would also include manoeuvring the outfit ... 

Manoeuvre part is the same as the HGV one. Then you go on the road test. 

[Viral_Jim]

Do you have to back up and hitch up the trailer? I always thought that getting that inch perfect without either a backup camera or a spotter would take me a fair amount of practice to do repeatably.

[Entwood]

Advised towing weights can be easily found in the owners handbook.

but who reads that? 

If it goes against your "manliness" to actually "RTFI"... then you could always try the VIN plate .. drivers door pillar or engine bay.. both give all the information you need to be legal ....

[Doctor Gollum]

Do you have to back up and hitch up the trailer? I always thought that getting that inch perfect without either a backup camera or a spotter would take me a fair amount of practice to do repeatably.

Yup, although the test rules make no mention of a camera. Or not

To save repeating etc, here's the breakdown of the trailer test...

https://www.gov.uk/car-trailer-driving-test/what-happens-during-test

Related pages include test vehicle and trailer requirements. Most should be reassured about the detail of the test 

[Rangie]

When I bring our twin axle caravan home my neighbour is always amazed when I reverse it straight into our driveway it's easy once you know how ,but you see some folk panic as soon as the outfit is put into reverse gear, my advice is do a course if you can got my training in the forces cost me nothing, but for around £80 the caravan & camping club provide excellent tuition my best mate is one of the instructors.

[Andy B]

Advised towing weights can be easily found in the owners handbook.

but who reads that? 

If it goes against your "manliness" to actually "RTFI"... then you could always try the VIN plate .. drivers door pillar or engine bay.. both give all the information you need to be legal ....

Don't you mean R T F  M? 

I already knew where to find the info .... the VIN isn't the plate with the weights on 

[Andy B]

When I bring our twin axle caravan home my neighbour is always amazed when I reverse it straight into our driveway .....

but a twin axle is easier .... they don't turn as fast as a single axle  & need to be made to turn 

(Mine's a twin axle too  )