hi any one towed a sprite swift with a vw caddy 1.9tdi diesel before how did it tow  have any problems 

regards

Rudy

the GVM is around 2000kg so it should be able to tow it legal

https://cdn.24.co.za/files/Cms/General/d/3636/4b2b94e189c44f42a14f8147846b52bf.pdf

What is on paper unfortunately does not always show in practice.   I would also like to know from people with experience of such a combination how it works.

Fred wrote:

What is on paper unfortunately does not always show in practice.   I would also like to know from people with experience of such a combination how it works.

Pointing out an important distinction that many caravan owners might not fully understand in South Africa: the difference between a manufacturer's claimed towing capacity and the legal requirements under the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996.

1. Manufacturer's Towing Capacity:

   • This figure refers to the maximum weight the vehicle can tow, as specified by the manufacturer. It usually assumes that the trailer or caravan has an effective braking system, either mechanical or electrical. This capacity can be higher than what is legally allowed, depending on the vehicle and the region’s road traffic laws.

2. Legal Towing Capacity (National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996):

   • The law prescribes specific limits on towing, based on the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of both the tow vehicle and the trailer/caravan.
   • For trailers with a GVM of more than 750 kg, an overrun brake system (a braking system that engages when the trailer pushes against the vehicle) is required.
   • For trailers with a GVM of 750 kg or less, the tare (unladen) weight of the tow vehicle must be at least double the GVM of the trailer for it to be towed without brakes. If this condition is not met, a braked trailer is mandatory.

The confusion may arise because people might think that if their vehicle's manufacturer's claimed towing capacity is high, they are legally allowed to tow that much weight. However, the law imposes specific conditions that must be adhered to, which can restrict the actual towing capacity depending on the braking system and the GVM of both the trailer and the vehicle.

Would you like to dive deeper into these rules or explore some scenarios that commonly create confusion among caravan owners?

Hi i just want tokn

ow if anyone  has had this combonation and how did it perform the weight and that is all legal

thanks 

rudy

The GVM of the Sprite Sprint is 1110kg.  As far as I can remember the Swift is an older but lighter caravan.

So if the GVM of your Caddy is around 2000kg I think you should be fine.  You must however confirm with VW what weight the Caddy can tow.  This is the spec of the manufacturer and I would advise that you do not exceed this weight.

Rudy wrote:

Hi i just want tokn

ow if anyone  has had this combonation and how did it perform the weight and that is all legal

thanks 

rudy

I can not recall that anyone directly part of the forum tows with a Caddy.  We will have to see if any forum member knows of someone or a relative that uses such a combination.

Lets wait and see.

Eish.  This has been addressed before.  Please do not look at your vehicle manufacturers specs as some of my esteemed friends on this group states.  The only rule that applies is the RSA National Road Traffic Regs.  Read reg 151 of the Regs.  

Search for Towing Vehicle Question and see my input there. 

In some cases the manufacturer indicates a lower towing weight that would be legal in our law. The principle therefore is your towing weight is the loweste of the weight allowed by law and that of the manufacturer.

Hi, Ek het my Sprite Swing gesleep gesleep met 1.9TDi caddy. (Swift lighter than a swing - I had both) Hierdie was 'n baie goeie kombinasie - sleep soos 'n droom. Die Caddy het 'n "agteras" wat regdeur loop (soos 'n bakkie) en volgens my help dit met die dra vermoe en sleep.

Kan ook noem, as gevolg van die caddy se vorm - hy is redelik hoog, is die windweerstand minimaal en mooi aangepas by 'n lae profiel karavaan.