Does towing wreck your vehicle?

[9D280]

Lets put this in perspective:

Many years ago I drove a fiesta and towed a lasrer dingy most weekends.

Total weight of the boat + trailer - call it 150KG.

2 of my mates in the car - 150Kg.

That car did nearly 100,000 with the rear tyres it left Dagenham with.

[9D280]

I should add that those tyres were legal for all of that time!

(and I was being polite regarding the mass of my mates!)

[Rokraider]

Originally Posted by David G

Yes, you are probably correct here

Currently we re-imburse them for ALL the fuel they use towing despite the fact that they were going anyway.

Some people think this is enough re-imbursement others think they should get more as it adds time to their trip and 'wrecks' their vehicles............

Why not check out someone such as the AA and see what the suggested standard rate per mile charge would be if you were using your vehicle for company work. Seems a fair solution?

[Barrowboy]

Originally Posted by Rokraider

Why not check out someone such as the AA and see what the suggested standard rate per mile charge would be if you were using your vehicle for company work. Seems a fair solution?

HMRC allows 45p per mile.

[Copinsay]

Originally Posted by David G

Hi,
If someone says to me "I'm never going to tow because it wrecks my clutch on the slipway, it wrecks my brakes on the trip etc etc" then should I believe them or suggest to them that either they are driving badly or have an inadequate vehicle?

From a people-centred perspective, if someone said that, I'd not bother letting them tow anyway as it would seem like they will be looking for a whinge whatever the truth may be. I'd also worry for the boat if it was being towed in a way the 'wrecked' the car - eg sharp braking, fast around corners etc.

Equally, I'd then think how that person compensates others for towing the boat (if he/she is using it) if they allege the damage is so significant.

From towing between, two 500kg horses, a large caravan and my 5m RIB across the length of Scotland (not at the same time!) I'd say yes to the consumables and fuel, but no to the "wrecking" statement

Steve