Car / caravan weight ratio

[xanderma]

Looking to buy a new caravan, and will be replacing the car early next year. We have towed for many years, but have never really completely got to the bottom of the safe weight ratios and towing capacities of cars. Caravan dealers say one thing, car dealers another.
Is there a definitive way of calculating that our car can safely tow our caravan? We've always worked on keeping the caravan less than 80% of the car weight, but is that right?
We're looking at a van which is a twin-axle, Mass in Running Order 1430kg, Max Technical Permissible Laden Mass 1700kg. Our car states a max towing capacity of 1600kg, but the kerb weight is 2165kg, so I understood the towing capacity of 80% of this would be 1732kg.
The car we're looking at buying next year has a kerb weight of 2310kg but states a maximum towing capacity of 3360kg!
Very confused, can anyone shed any light please.
Thanks

[phizzy]

hi - if you can't fiond it in the car's handbook give caravan club a call, i would think they should be able tell you ?

[LostSheep]

This website might help you -

http://www.whattowcar.com/