Towing a Xantia

handyman · Unread post by **handyman** » 20 Aug 2008, 18:05

Does anybody have experience of towing a Xantia with either an A frame or a towing dolly?

I want to pick up a Xantia saloon, which runs OK, but needs to be towed. I was contemplating using my Xantia estate, as it is fitted with towbar and I have a long leaded lightboard.

As far as the legals go, I assume I am OK, as the estate is heavier than the saloon. The towed car does not have a current MOT, although I wonder if it needs one if it is being towed.

I am sure somebody on the Forum has all the answers and I would be grateful for relevant comments.

By the way Andrew, it is an Activa!:D

Handyman,

Stunned Monkey · Unread post by **Stunned Monkey** » 20 Aug 2008, 18:12

On a dolly, or A-frame (which are legally for emergencies only) the Xantia is limited to 750kg un-braked weight.

Combined with a braked trailer, you have 1500kg to play with on a hatchback, dunno about the estate.

citroen7 · Unread post by **citroen7** » 20 Aug 2008, 18:30

technicaly you will fall foul of the law as to tow it you should have a mot unless you are towing it to an mot (not likley)but provided you are not going too far you should get away with it but that is up too you

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 20 Aug 2008, 18:58

What consideration needs to be given to the lack of hydraulic pressure for the suspension?
I thought there was a reason why all recovery companies use flatbeds when dealing with hydraulic Citroens?

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 20 Aug 2008, 19:32

you are allowed to tow a car with no MOT/ROAD TAX and/or INSURENCE, as long as one axle is off the ground, the only thing you might fall foul of the law on is as some one has said is the towed weight braked or un/braked,

and no it dose not only apply for going to an MOT station, so long as it is going to be put some were off the public highway,

aso whit the enginge running will the susspention ride at the normal ride hight whilst you are towwing it
regards malcolm

reblack68 · Unread post by **reblack68** » 20 Aug 2008, 19:36

There is a lot of confusion about towing limits. Some people say the limit is 85% of the tow vehicle's weight, others say it's 100%. Both are incorrect (although 85% is generally regarded as the sensible limit), the legal towing limit is given in the car's handbook- as are all the other weight limits.

I think 1500kg limit only applies to certain Xantia models and the 1.9TDs are nearer 1200kg.

I reckon the suspension would be fine if it wasn't going too far, they can stay up on stored pressure for quite a while.

Stunned Monkey · Unread post by **Stunned Monkey** » 20 Aug 2008, 21:10

The legal limit for un-braked weight is 750kg for a car... period.

My Xantia allows for 1500kg, even though it's only 1300-something kg itself. That always amused me. Remember the more weight in the boot, that harder the rear brakes work. I may or may not have towed several car transporter trailers several times. with mine. my record was Germany and back, although this was from Fishguard to east sussex:

http://www.venturi-owners.co.uk/R300ven4.jpg
http://www.venturi-owners.co.uk/R300ven5.jpg

Stunned Monkey · Unread post by **Stunned Monkey** » 20 Aug 2008, 21:10

reblack68 wrote:
I reckon the suspension would be fine if it wasn't going too far, they can stay up on stored pressure for quite a while.

Not when they're being "used"

Ross_K · Unread post by **Ross_K** » 20 Aug 2008, 21:36

Call me chicken but there's no way I'd A-frame a Xantia. I think I'd rather hire a trailer.

An a-frame is considered an unbraked trailer so 750kg is the limit as Stunned Monkey says.

Some traffic cops would turn a blind eye, but sod's law says you'd meet the one jobsworth who'd go to town on you...

handyman · Unread post by **handyman** » 20 Aug 2008, 21:42

The car will run okay, so the issue of the suspension does not come into it.

My queries are concerning weight limits. Whether I can tow the car legally on an A frame or a dolly or whether I need to use a trailer. If I use a trailer and tow it with my estate, am I within the towing limits? I can even drive it onto the trailer.

The car is currently untaxed and without a valid MOT. It needs repairs to pass
an MOT so needs to be recovered to my workshop.

Handyman

Note to the moderators!!! Do not know how this has ended up in this forum. Can you move this to Citroen forum?

[moved as requested!]

andmcit · Unread post by **andmcit** » 20 Aug 2008, 21:59

Stunned Monkey wrote:http://www.venturi-owners.co.uk/R300ven4.jpg
http://www.venturi-owners.co.uk/R300ven5.jpg

But you've got it on the wrong way round!?

Those Cx mirrors get about the place too, don't they!
And still around in '98...

Andrew

andmcit · Unread post by **andmcit** » 20 Aug 2008, 22:10

Nantes to Swansea, South Wales;

Yes, for a one owner 1972 GS 1222!!

Andrew

wheeler · Unread post by **wheeler** » 20 Aug 2008, 22:21

citronut wrote:you are allowed to tow a car with no MOT/ROAD TAX and/or INSURENCE, as long as one axle is off the ground, the only thing you might fall foul of the law on is as some one has said is the towed weight braked or un/braked,

Im pretty sure all wheels must be off the ground if the car is not taxed.
The AA will not tow a car without tax unless it is full lifted on a flatbed.

Unread post by **myglaren** » 20 Aug 2008, 22:21

That's a nice looking town cleverly framed between the two cars.

Toby_HDi · Unread post by **Toby_HDi** » 20 Aug 2008, 22:24

myglaren wrote:That's a nice looking town cleverly framed between the two cars.

Mont. St. Michael I believe