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![xtskinz](themes/aaAle/images/interface/profile-pic-placeholder.47cf740a.png)
Hi there, I've been looking at caravans and just trying to work out what I can tow safely and legally (and I know there are few variables). My question is this - I have car rated to tow 1600kgs (manufacturers specification) and the towbar says this as well but the maximum weight on the towbar says 75kgs. I understand when towing, ideally you'd be looking at 10% of the towed weight as weight on the towball (i.e. up to 160kgs in this case). Is this a hard and fast rule (legal requirement) meaning I could only tow 75kgs with this towbar? Or is it bigger than this (i.e. the weight of the van and load v the weight of the tow vehicle and it's ability to stop/control the tow weight?)
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thank you.
![Anon](/assets/aa/aa-avatar.png?m=1466990309)
Hi The 75KG is the maximum down force on the ball, however you are able to pull a load of 1600kg maximum. If you exceed the 75KG amount of down force it may alter the characteristics of the vehicle and cause it to become unsafe to drive.
![xtskinz](themes/aaAle/images/interface/profile-pic-placeholder.47cf740a.png)
Thanks Ian. I realised I made a typo in my original post - I realise the 75kg is the amount of down force on the tow ball but was wondering about the 10% loading on the tow ball or does that not apply in this case as this (75kgs and 1600kgs) meet the manufacturers recommendations for towing?
The car is a Mazda 6, auto, 2018. Is there anything else that AA is aware of that I should take into consideration when towing with this vehicle? Transmission cooling, anti-sway kits etc?
I will obviously look to balance the load correctly and not overload the car and van (aiming for no more than 1200-1300kgs total)
Thank you very much.