Could my mercedes CLK 240 (G Reg) tow a CARAVAN???

Blobcat

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Hello and welcome,

You need to find your VIN plate (example below)

If you don't have a number where the 4000 is below then your car hasn't been type approved for towing

0.jpg

The 4,000kg is the gross train weight (the combined maximum allowable mass of the vehicle and trailer)

The 2,135kg is the Gross Vehicle weight (the maximum allowable mass of the vehicle including occupants, fuel and luggage)

The 1,050kg and 1,1115kg is the maximum axle loads for the front and rear axles

So taking 2,135 from 4,000 gives a maximum tow-able weight of 1,865kg working on 85% gives 1,585kg for a trailer / caravan.

You shouldn't really be towing at 100%, 85% is the recommended limit
 

Blobcat

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A G reg CLK??
Good point, '97 were the first ones - "P" or "R" reg although I doubt many have survived the tin worm from then
 
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A

Anna Sz

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Hello and welcome,

You need to find your VIN plate (example below)

If you don't have a number where the 4000 is below then your car hasn't been type approved for towing

View attachment 51271

The 4,000kg is the gross train weight (the combined maximum allowable mass of the vehicle and trailer)

The 2,135kg is the Gross Vehicle weight (the maximum allowable mass of the vehicle including occupants, fuel and luggage)

The 1,050kg and 1,1115kg is the maximum axle loads for the front and rear axles

So taking 2,135 from 4,000 gives a maximum tow-able weight of 1,865kg working on 85% gives 1,585kg for a trailer / caravan.

You shouldn't really be towing at 100%, 85% is the recommended limit
Thanks for your help!! Ill find my Vin plate...
 
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Anna Sz

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Thanks for your help!! Ill find my Vin plate...
ok I found it!
my Gross vehicle weight is 2030 kg
my Gross train weight is 3530 kg
my front axle is 1020 kg
my rear axle is 1070 kg

so if I follow you correctly, my max. towable weight is 1500 kg but i should only use 85% of that which is 1275 kg...

am I correct?
 

Blobcat

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ok I found it!
my Gross vehicle weight is 2030 kg
my Gross train weight is 3530 kg
my front axle is 1020 kg
my rear axle is 1070 kg

so if I follow you correctly, my max. towable weight is 1500 kg but i should only use 85% of that which is 1275 kg...

am I correct?
Yes - :)
 

keefysher

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A quick note of thanks to my apprentice Blobcat for his timely and correct interpretation of the data plate :geek::rolleyes::shock::D:D:D

Anna Sz you might find a tow bar here:
https://www.pfjones.co.uk/tow-bars/...mercedes-clk-cabriolet-towbars-1997-2002.html

Please establish if your proposed caravan has a stabiliser hitch, in which case you will require a suitable tow ball, not the std two bolt one, but an extended head to provide sufficient vertical articulation.

Also the electrics require confirmation of 13 pin or N&S (2 plugs/sockets) to power the fridge and any stability control system you may have on the caravan.

Long gone are the days of just bunging it on the back :eek::D
 

Bogus

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The 85% thing is a guideline, and probably makes sense for somebody new to towing, but dont let it get in the way too much, if your van comes in at something just over the 85% dont go thinking you cant tow it. Its about much more than weight percentages, how you load the van and car is just as important, and you,ll get lots of good advice on one of the caravan forums.
 

keefysher

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The 85% thing is a guideline, and probably makes sense for somebody new to towing, but dont let it get in the way too much, if your van comes in at something just over the 85% dont go thinking you cant tow it. Its about much more than weight percentages, how you load the van and car is just as important, and you,ll get lots of good advice on one of the caravan forums.

Practical Caravan.

Not Caravan Talk, Club Together unless you are in the clique :geek::rolleyes::shock: always good for a wind up though :cool::cool:
 

Bogus

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Caravan talk is generally ok with lots of good advice , albeit a bit overmoderated, its the caravan club forum that is cliquey and needs to be avoided at all costs.
 

EmilysDad

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.....

You shouldn't really be towing at 100%, 85% is the recommended limit

The 85% 'rule' is an abitary number from the Caravan Club ..... it has no legal standing. ;)
All the rest of your post though I fully agree with. :):)

..... maybe I should have read all the thread before adding my post.
 

Blobcat

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The 85% 'rule' is an abitary number from the Caravan Club ..... it has no legal standing. ;)
All the rest of your post though I fully agree with. :):)
No legality mentioned, just “recommended” :)

Having no idea on the OP’s experience, erring on the side of caution is a good place to start...


 

Craiglxviii

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Could my mercedes CLK 240 (G Reg) tow a CARAVAN???
Depends how big the caravan is. Your car’s handbook will have maximum towing weight listed; you will certainly be able to tow a caravan. There are two factors to consider:

1. The absolute weight of the combined vehicle train (shown on your car’s inspection plate as MGTW), this is the car’s limit.
2. The ratio of caravan weight to your car’s kerb weight, should not exceed 85% as a good rule of thumb.
 

bembo449

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im always amazed when I see certain cars towing caravans , there no wonder the get into bother doing so , too many put a big assed van on a weedy little motor , I saw a kia cee'd towing a massive twin wheeler last week :shock:
 


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