3.5 tonne towing question

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Mr T

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I would like to tow my boat , can anyone clarify if the 3.5 tonne towing limit includes the weight of the towing vehicle.
 
That's the reply I wanted. I can go out and by a suitable tow vehicle. Thank you ��
 
You'll find the maximum towing weight in your car's handbook, and the gross train weight on a plaque in the vehicle. Probably best to comply with both, although I've never been able to ascertain whether the max towing weight is advisory or legal requirement.

Even the government website is ambiguous, it says "Most cars have a maximum weight they can tow. It’s usually listed in the handbook or specification sheet. Alternatively the vehicle’s ‘gross train weight’ may be listed on the vehicle identification number (VIN) plate on the car. This is normally under the bonnet or inside the driver’s door. The gross train weight is the weight of the fully-loaded car plus fully-loaded trailer and must not be exceeded."

Most cars have both limits specified though, so it's not clear whether you can legally exceed the towing limit, as long as you stay within the gross train weight.
 
My understanding from when I towed was that in addition to the stated max tow weight on the car's vin plate a further restriction is that the towed weight cannot exceed the curb weight of the vehicle. Which ever is the lesser. I had to buy a Disco 3 to tow 2.5 ton, you may struggle to find a conventional tow car of 3.5 ton to exploit this max allowance.
 
BruceK said:
My understanding from when I towed was that in addition to the stated max tow weight on the car's vin plate a further restriction is that the towed weight cannot exceed the curb weight of the vehicle. Which ever is the lesser. I had to buy a Disco 3 to tow 2.5 ton, you may struggle to find a conventional tow car of 3.5 ton to exploit this max allowance.
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That is incorrect. There are recomendations along a similar line, but they are only that. You would have needed something like a disco to tow 2.5t anyway, as there are few cars smaller that are rated to 2.5t. Most of the mid range SUV stuff seems to top out around 2t, or a least it did when I last looked.
 
If you tow a load and exceed your vehicles towing capacity or train weight your insurance is invalid. Clearly it's advisable not to do this whether the law is a grey area or not!
 
DiscoVolante said:
If you tow a load and exceed your vehicles towing capacity or train weight your insurance is invalid. Clearly it's advisable not to do this whether the law is a grey area or not!
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I don't think anyone is suggestion that you should exceed any limits. To do so would be foolhardy.
 
NP300:
BRING THE BIG TOYS
With a best in class towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes, whether it's for work or play, the all-new Nissan Navara helps ensure you never have to leave anything behind again.
 
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