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Topic starter
I've worked out that my mondeo estate when fully loaded with big family tent, 4 bikes, walking gear, climbing gear and family is just under the max gross weight for the car, but is over the max permitted rear axle weight by 50kg - that's with a roof box + 2 bikes on the roof and the other two bikes on a tow bar altera strada rack. The boot is stuffed to the ceiling, and there's nothing that can be left behind. I'm wondering if the (diesel) kodiaq or passat estate have higher max axle weights or more favourable unladen weight distribution, along with massive boots. I can work out axle loads but I need the unladen / kerb axle weights and the max axle weights, but can't find this info online. Any cognoscenti owners out there who know their unladen axle weights and could tell me the max axle weights from their VIN plates? Alternatives might be getting a trailer, but I don't really fancy towing it from Scotland to Austria (next year) for the family holiday, or attempting to convince Mrs Hpil that an Isuzu D-max really is the family car that is just right for our needs... 🤔
Posted : 06/07/2021 10:32 pm
Funny, I have a kodiaq 2.0tdi, the 190 hip version with 7 seats and a tow bar. I’ve never even thought about axle weights for the skoda loaded up with a Thule tow bar rack, boot full of luggage, 4 of us etc despite thinking about it lots for my motorhome and Ford ranger/ trailer combo!
Posted : 06/07/2021 11:03 pm
In the UK the DVSA would allow a 5% overweight allowance before considering a fixed penalty of £100, and I think thats total gross weight rather than one axle. I think you'd be extremely unlucky to come to grief. Insurance is another consideration though.
PS did you work this out by working out the centre of gravity...or have you been to a weighbridge?
Posted : 06/07/2021 11:09 pm
Topic starter
Both - got the unladen axle weights at a weighbridge, and have weighed (yes, really!) all the kit, then did the calcs
Posted : 06/07/2021 11:19 pm
Topic starter
@burko73 - what does your vin plate on the kodiaq say the max axle weights are? I wonder how they compare against the mondeo...?
Posted : 07/07/2021 12:14 am
Get a trailer. We have a 2m x 1.2m trailer with a frame covered by a fitted tarp cover. It is easy to tow, adds virtually nothing to the fuel economy - definitely less than a roof box, and means the car suspension suffers much less. Yes, you should drive a bit more slowly, but you should in a fully loaded car too.
We travel out to the Alps every year, and it has been a worthwhile investment. Life in the car is more comfortable and the things you need can be easily accessed.
Posted : 07/07/2021 12:43 am
Can you move the roof bars further forwards on the rails? Or only drive with half a tank of fuel 🙂
I recon a Thule express must be 10 kg lighter than a altera Strada too, and holds bikes nearer the car body.
Posted : 07/07/2021 8:47 am
If you're running it that tight I'd get a trailer.
Also if you're used to a Mondeo you're going to find the Passat boot a disappointment I suspect.
I've got a deep 750kg trailer with ABS lid and bike carriers on top. Makes light work of camping gear and we have an embarrassing amount of gear.
The other thing is it means packing up isn't a total ball ache of having to pack in a very specific order and then finding you have to remove half of it to use an underfilled tiny gap otherwise the boot won't shut. Just need to get the heavy stuff ahead of / above the axle and balance the trailer sensibly to its nose weight and job done.
One two week camping holiday with the kids told me I wasn't going to do the load every nook and cranny to the roof thing again.
I'd rather sit at 60 in a car not loaded to the roof with potential crash projectiles (and yes I did used to strap it down) than go at 70 with the family cramped and on edge.
Posted : 08/07/2021 1:43 am