There are two sides to the coin
1 Legal requirement
2 Towing safely
Towing safely
My 4x4 weights 2000kg and I pull 2600kg trailer (legally). However, you have to consider that the trailer weights more than the 4x4. In the wrong hands the combination could be dangerous. Iincorrectly loaded it will induce Trailer Snaking. Another point to consider when pulling a heavy trailers is the dreaded push you down the hill scenario. The brakes on the trailer fail and the momentum carries you forward. Conversely and this has happen to me many years ago. I hooked up a boat trailer which was over braked. When I tried to stop by applying the brakes it would run into me and shunt me along then apply the trailer brakes violently. This yo yo effect if quite alarming and increases your breaking distance considerable whist giving your neck a workout.
Many factors have to be considered when transporting horses no factor on its own is dangerous it’s the combination. The 85% recommendation is a good idea if you’re novice too towing. Keeps you safe.
My point is stick to the 85% rule and educate yourself if you opt out. It’s not dangerous to tow above 85% as long as you understand what’s going on.
Simple things like tyre pressures suddenly become more important in reducing the lateral deflection of the tyre sidewall and controlling the yaw inertia. If you don't understand then the 85% recommendation is a good idea for you.
Happy towing
1 Legal requirement
2 Towing safely
Towing safely
My 4x4 weights 2000kg and I pull 2600kg trailer (legally). However, you have to consider that the trailer weights more than the 4x4. In the wrong hands the combination could be dangerous. Iincorrectly loaded it will induce Trailer Snaking. Another point to consider when pulling a heavy trailers is the dreaded push you down the hill scenario. The brakes on the trailer fail and the momentum carries you forward. Conversely and this has happen to me many years ago. I hooked up a boat trailer which was over braked. When I tried to stop by applying the brakes it would run into me and shunt me along then apply the trailer brakes violently. This yo yo effect if quite alarming and increases your breaking distance considerable whist giving your neck a workout.
Many factors have to be considered when transporting horses no factor on its own is dangerous it’s the combination. The 85% recommendation is a good idea if you’re novice too towing. Keeps you safe.
My point is stick to the 85% rule and educate yourself if you opt out. It’s not dangerous to tow above 85% as long as you understand what’s going on.
Simple things like tyre pressures suddenly become more important in reducing the lateral deflection of the tyre sidewall and controlling the yaw inertia. If you don't understand then the 85% recommendation is a good idea for you.
Happy towing
