Will the car be ok to tow?

dwalters · 22 April 2008, 10:06

I have a Ribcraft 6.5m with a Suzuki 175hp. The trailer is a single axle trailer. I recently bought a new car with a tow bar which is BMW 335 diesel, this has a weight limit of 1,800kg.

I have a 3 hour tow to do this weekend, and just wondered whether anyone though it sounded a bit big for the car. Very much welcome any thought?

I have also had to buy a caravan wing mirror extension, which I am not happy about!

Mollers · 22 April 2008, 10:44

You're a bit boarderline, best stick the boat/trailer on the nearest weighbridge. Cracking car that 335, a 535d might be more suitable now though.

JABS · 22 April 2008, 10:52

The bare rib is over 500kg, engine 225kg?

Fuel, batteries, seats, console, anchor, paddles, electronics, stuff.

Trailer 400?

I would say very marginal.

Also, would worry about going down a slip!!

My 528 was OK for towing, but was terrible when the time came to recover on a slip.

Your rig will also be much wider than the car.

dwalters · 22 April 2008, 11:07

Don't worry I have no intention of ever launching with it, its just for A303 and A30 towing!!

dwalters · 22 April 2008, 11:12

Just thinking about it, if

If the boat is as you say 500kg
The engine 211kg
The trailer as you say 400kg
That totals 1,100 kg

Surely that is ok, there is nearly enough left for a whole another bare boat and trailer before I hit 1,800kg

ADS · 22 April 2008, 12:06

I probably wouldn't want to launch with it but you will be absolutely fine towing on the flat with that, should be under the 1,800 limit too. I echo the comments above the 335d is a cracking car.

Jeff · 22 April 2008, 13:03

It would be worth putting on a weighbridge - I think you may be suprised.
Mine is only a 6m Cobra with a 150 optimax (slightly lighter than yours at 197kg) .... and the rig weighs in at 1560kg gross on a single axle (1600kg) trailer - 1510kg nett on the axle.
That is with only 1/3 full tank (approx 70litres of fuel) ... but the usual kit of anchors,chain, flares and all the kit that you add to a bare hull.
I wasn't sure whether the 1800 kg referred to the axle limit on your trailer or the max towing weight of the BMW .... if the latter, its worth checking the axle/tyre design load
Jeff

ANDYJC · 22 April 2008, 16:27

I had my Brig on a weighbridge before I brought it in Dec.

length - 6.48m
beam. - 2.5m
engine mercury 150 verado
100 lts fuel - (yes they left the fuel in)
twin axle trailer

all weighed in at 1415kg and I got them to give me a printed slip with in on. So you should be ok with the 335

Andy

dwalters · 22 April 2008, 17:57

Thanks everyone, as you can see it could be a bit of concern, but I think on the dual carriage way it shouldn't be a problem.

Mollers · 22 April 2008, 18:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwalters

Just thinking about it, if

If the boat is as you say 500kg
The engine 211kg
The trailer as you say 400kg
That totals 1,100 kg

Surely that is ok, there is nearly enough left for a whole another bare boat and trailer before I hit 1,800kg

Put it on a weighbridge and It might be a shock. DHDai put his New Vipermax 585 with Opti 150 (199kg) on a bridge and it came in at 1500kg. That was with only two single pod seats.

A Ribcraft isn't built of tissue paper and chewing gum like a Brig.

fred bolton · 22 April 2008, 19:52

Towing limit of the car is 1800kg but Caravanning press recommend 85% of the kerbweight which is 1655kg X 85% = 1400kg. Your car will have no problem pulling it as it has more torque than the missus

, stability is the problem so make sure that the nose weight is at the recommended level

Downhilldai · 22 April 2008, 20:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

A Ribcraft isn't built of tissue paper and chewing gum like a Brig.

Someone had to say it....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

..DHDai put his New Vipermax 585 with Opti 150 (199kg) on a bridge and it came in at 1500kg. That was with only two single pod seats.

Yes, but my trailer weighs a tonne