Can I tow I tow a lightweight Caravan with a Jimny

I'm a caravanner, love it. My Jimny won't go anywhere near towing my van though so I have a naff land rover for that.
There are a couple of sets of important figures, the first two are from the manufacturer, maximum towing weights for braked and unbraked trailers, these are the maximum the jimny can physically tow. The most important though is the 85% rule! never tow more than 85% of the weight of the towcar otherwise the caravan is in control of the car rather than the car in control of the caravan.
For instance, a land rover discovery according to the manufacturer can tow 2500kg, the manufacturer gets these figures from government rules which state that the max towing limit must be what a car can tow from a standing start on a 1in4 hill. But the 85% rule states that to tow safely the caravan must weigh no more than 85% of the kerbweight of the towcar, which is less than 2500kg. This is not the law but if you have an accident towing more than 85% then you are likely to be prosecuted for dangerous driving.
Ask about this at the caravan dealer, a reputable dealer will not sell you a caravan weighing more than 85% of your towcar! and recent problems I have had after a caravan accident also show that your insurance may be void if towing above 85%.

Gary

I have read that if a car can tow a tonne and you hitch up a trailer and the plate says it can carry 1,5tonne even though its empty you are breaking the law.EU law gone mad

Thanks for the new replies chaps.
I'll be getting the towbar fitted at the end of this next week.
I can then be better prepared for when a caravan comes up.
Next month....posh MCB 4X4 roof rack.
I'll keep you all informed
Ta

gilburton wrote:

Hi could you advise where you got you're 4x4 rear number plate plinth and reg plate light from?

Ta

Richard

Towbar now fitted
Good service from Towbar Express who came out to my home to do it
Getting there now
Time to look more into the caravan purchase now.
Ta

Northern-Wanderer wrote: I have read that if a car can tow a tonne and you hitch up a trailer and the plate says it can carry 1,5tonne even though its empty you are breaking the law.EU law gone mad

That's correct.