Towing Question "Have I got this right??"

[Oscarguitar]

I have been doing a lot of reading on this subject however would welcome some informed advice.

I would like to widen my cruising area and its cheaper to tow a boat at 25mpg rather than boat it at 2.5 mpg!

I have an 8.6m RIB with a (calculated) weight of boat and engine of 1140 kgs. My trailer weighs 950 kgs so total weight excluding fuel and gear is say 2100 kgs.
My vehicle is an X5 3.0D auto with a gross weight of 2695 kgs and towing capacity of 2700 kgs.
I have a licence that includes BE, B1, C1, C1E, D1 and D1E.

If (big if) I decided to put a towbar etc on the car would
a) I be allowed to drive it and
b) it be a relatively safe rig

I accept that this would be a big rig and that some slipways may be tricky. I have done a lot of towing in the past but the changes to the regulations have passed me by so could someone who understands these regulations let me have the beneift of their wisdom.

Many thanks

[Nos4r2]

Assuming your trailer brakes work properly and it's rated to carry the weight of the boat then yes, it's legal and no problem.


I wouldn't have a problem towing it myself-I'll be trailering my 7.8 everywhere. You may find you need mirror extensions.

[Oscarguitar]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Assuming your trailer brakes work properly and it's rated to carry the weight of the boat then yes, it's legal and no problem.


I wouldn't have a problem towing it myself-I'll be trailering my 7.8 everywhere. You may find you need mirror extensions.

Thanks.

I thought it was probably OK but wanted to check. If I was going to do this I would get the trailer a full service first and get a spare wheel. I had one go on a single axle years ago and leaving a boat on the verge while I went off to try and find a replacement is not something I want to do again.

[mick]

Don't know about the licence part it's not the length that troubles me when towing its the width
People reckon on 85% of your car weight if novice at it.
One of my customers got charged £3000 for a tow bar on an X5 at main dealer apparently they have to alter the engine mapping so be warned.

[Oscarguitar]

There is some coding required for the electrics but its minor. The removable towbar is about £1000 from BMW but much cheaper if you get a top quality Witter or similar from a specialist.

The £3000 could have been to have the extra duty towing pack added that includes a transmision cooler and other mods. That might explain it. It does increase the rated capacity to 3500 kgs so it must be fairly significant not just a simple bolt on job!

Good advice on the 85%. Thanks

[mick]

You would think a motor of that cost and calibre would come ready to tow, when you can get a Defender and go out and pull 3500 kg.

[Ian M]

Originally Posted by discomick

You would think a motor of that cost and calibre would come ready to tow, when you can get a Defender and go out and pull 3500 kg.

Could that be why BMW are BMW, and Land Rover are now .....Indian??

[Oscarguitar]

Here we go! The land rover brigade get started. I love defenders and drove 1000s of miles when i was farming But not for 90% of my driving which is on Tarmac. I like my climate control, leather, decent handling, decent power, reasonable consumption. For most people 2700 kgs is plenty. If you want some comfort and 3500 kgs buy a disco or rangy. But the Chelsea tractor suits me fine thanks. And it goes with my poncey rib!

[Ian M]

Steady on fella. I was not commenting on the products, more the marketing strategies used by the respective companies. Anyway, it is probably a mute point now, as LR seem to be goiing the same route, vis Evoque etc. etc.

[ROG.]

Licence and weights are fine

The 85% thing is for caravans and to be honest is ok just as a guide for newbies

There are many vehicles out there which have been designed to tow much more than their fully loaded GVW

You did not mention what the MAM of the trailer was but as long as it is between 2100 and 3500 you will be ok