Prado Kakadu 2013 caravan capacity

[Sambeak Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Sambeak]

I have trouble understanding the towing allowances for my kaka. The label advices 2500 max towing capacity and I am looking at a Jurgens with stated 2178 ATM. The salesman considers that i am safe to tow but with additions - food, clothes, chairs etc is this too close for comfort in you opinions.? Thanks for your help.

[EddieF Member Find all posts View Profile Close EddieF]

Sounds like the Lunargazer?. Yes you may be going over your capacity if not careful. If I understand correctly the ATM is the loaded capacity so check the technical section of the caravan on their web site (as it will also show unloaded weight). Add up in kg what you are going to put in the van, don't forget to add in the weight of the water in the tanks, in the hot water system and toilet, gas bottle, and any added options you will then know how close you will be in theory.
You should also see if the weight matches what is on the plate (get it taken to a weigh station as I have read about some discrepancy). The grey nomads site may be able to provide advice from people who have tackled the same issue.
Hope this helps

[Sambeak Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Sambeak]

Thanks EddieF. Much appreciated your good advice. Thanks I will do.

[EddieF Member Find all posts View Profile Close EddieF]

FYI If it is the Lunargazer looks like the ATM (loaded max weight) for this van is 2200kgs.
Cheers

[Sambeak Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Sambeak]

Thanks EddieF. Does that mean when you add water, clothes, food, chairs etc I would then be over the allowable 2500 for the kaka?

[Bushki Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Bushki]

ATM (aggregate trailer mass)

This is the tare mass of your caravan plus its maximum payload. It’s the maximum your caravan is allowed to weigh in transit. This is a rating set by the manufacturer and cannot be exceeded.

ATM = tare mass (caravan) + max payload

[Sambeak Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Sambeak]

Thanks Bushki. So if the van plus contents is less than 2178kg then I should be ok to tow using my 2500 capacity kaka. Its a big worry as once you buy its then too late.

[Morningside Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Morningside]

If you look on the caravan plate it will quote the ATM , this is the maximum loaded weight of the van , if it is 2500 or less you are legal, I tow a van with ATM of 2300 fine, when fully loaded put it over a weigh bridge to be sure before you purchase it.

[Sambeak Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Sambeak]

Thanks Morningside. Will do. Regards

[Clarky85 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Clarky85]

Morningside is generally right in theory and that's a safe way to look at it.

However, I tow a van with an ATM of 2700

The van tares at 2200

My 2014 Prado can tow 2500 max

This leaves me 300 for water/cargo

[watsea Member Find all posts View Profile Close watsea]

One also needs to check how much is loaded in the Prado, how the load is distributed in the van. and how much tow ball weight is allowed.
Owners manual and maybe a plaque on the tow bar should state max rating for the tow bar.
Another limitation is alllowable maximum rear axle rating which often an important consideration when towing a van.
Also one must consider GVM and GCM limitations for the vehicle.