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Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2015 9:04:12 GMT 10
This is a subject that bring some contradictions regarding what a "modern car" can tow. I have a 2004 Magna, Mitsubishi specs saying that the towing capacity is 1500 kg and the opinion of many caravan people is that perhaps that weight will be to much. In the other hand I was looking an old photo in our sister forum of a Holden FJ towing a 18 footer dual axle Franklin caravan. Some will say that the Magna cannot tow that van. I know that the old cars have leaf springs that will take more ball weight that a coil spring suspension but the 3.5 V6 Magna have heaps of more power and torque than the old FJ. |
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Post by boblor on Dec 4, 2015 9:20:41 GMT 10
Hi gitano
It is quite legal to tow 1500kgs provided you have this tow bar fitted. I would highly recommend the installation of a suitable weigh distribution bar set up, to transfer weight to your front wheels, which will improve your baking and steering capacity.
Cheers boblor
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Post by doublechevron on Dec 4, 2015 9:42:33 GMT 10
Magnas are great tow cars, especially the wagons ( 2 stage rear springs ? ) and the AWD versions. It'll be fine towing upto 1500kg so long as the caravan is loaded correctly.
The 18' duel axle franklins probably only weighed 1200kgs ..... They were a very light weight caravan.
seeya,
Shane L.
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Post by tim on Dec 4, 2015 14:19:08 GMT 10
The rules on towing capacity have changed over time, and I think its fair to say that people used to get away with towing more than they probably should have.  Part of that was related to the technology that was available. Cars tended to be smaller, less powerful and less well braked, and many of the modern lightweight caravan building techniques and materials didn't exist, so vans were relatively heavy. If your only choice to tow a heavy van is a small car, and everyone else is doing it... Today, were a lot more safety conscious - largely due to the efforts of insurers - so there's a lot less of the old "If she can move it, she can tow it" attitude. Tim |
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Post by Deleted on Dec 4, 2015 17:02:54 GMT 10
Hi gitano It is quite legal to tow 1500kgs provided you have this tow bar fitted. I would highly recommend the installation of a suitable weigh distribution bar set up, to transfer weight to your front wheels, which will improve your baking and steering capacity. Cheers boblor The bar in the Magna it is rated 1600 kg and I have weight distribution bar for up to 2 tons so all well. I hope that I am going to be able to keep the van at 1300 kg which it is bellow the rate of the pair of 13"light truck tyres. |
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