I would like to travel next year in a Mercedes Sprinter 316 CDI.
I would also like to tow a Trailer.
Could somebody tell me what weight or size I can look to buy.
It has a marking (as in pics) of W-T 8.8
Would somebody be able to explain this to me please.
Hoping there is help out there somewhere please???
Regards Chucker
-- Edited by Chucker on Friday 7th of October 2016 09:05:03 AM
Dougwe said
09:22 AM Oct 7, 2016
Hope you don't mind Chucker, I re fitted you tow bar mate. Just thought your trailer when you get it would tow a bit easier and less chance of falling off
blaze said
09:28 AM Oct 7, 2016
tensile strength of the bolts
cheers
blaze
Treecrest14 said
10:41 AM Oct 7, 2016
The towbar should have a label on it advising what weight it is designed to tow. If not check your vehicle handbook - it will also have the max weight it can tow - or weight of both vehicle and trailer.
As Blaze said the 8.8 is just the tensile strength of the two bolts.
Chucker said
11:50 AM Oct 7, 2016
Now I get it.
Thanks Dougwe.
Step 1 taken care of .
Chucker said
11:52 AM Oct 7, 2016
OK.
Now we're making headway.
That gives me something to work with.
Thanks Guys. Reliable as ever.
-- Edited by Chucker on Friday 7th of October 2016 11:53:22 AM
Steve11 said
06:16 PM Oct 7, 2016
you need to find out the weight your car can tow, the total weight you car and van can weigh, the tow ball download limit etc, the tow bar should be made to aust standards and if so wont be a problem. these should be in your handbook. but dont buy a van that weighs right on the limit. you will need extra for packing gear,water, etc and then you want some spare so you car is not over worked. towing weights needs a lot of consideration, just take a look at some of the threads! once you have that info we can be much more helpful.
chers steve
Chucker said
08:51 PM Oct 7, 2016
Thanks Steve,
I will keep doing my homework. :)
Fringe Dweller said
09:20 PM Oct 7, 2016
I believe "towing weight" should be stamped on to of towball.
Can stand corrected on this , but I DO believe the weight HAS to be stamped on the towball.
macka17 said
03:59 PM Oct 8, 2016
That's ONLY the BALL capacity.
Either 2.5t or 3.5t in STD sizes.
There are larger and smaller specials.
ALL bars. by law have a plate stating it's capacity.
Even a home made one is supposed to.
Your veh plate with give IT'S capacity.
But Find the plate on vertical rear face of towabar.
or maybe horizontal under face.
THAT is your capacity. as long as BALL the same.
I would like to travel next year in a Mercedes Sprinter 316 CDI.
I would also like to tow a Trailer.
Could somebody tell me what weight or size I can look to buy.
It has a marking (as in pics) of W-T 8.8
Would somebody be able to explain this to me please.
Hoping there is help out there somewhere please???
Regards Chucker
-- Edited by Chucker on Friday 7th of October 2016 09:05:03 AM
Hope you don't mind Chucker, I re fitted you tow bar mate. Just thought your trailer when you get it would tow a bit easier and less chance of falling off

cheers
blaze
As Blaze said the 8.8 is just the tensile strength of the two bolts.
Now I get it.
Thanks Dougwe.
Step 1 taken care of .
OK.
Now we're making headway.
That gives me something to work with.
Thanks Guys. Reliable as ever.
-- Edited by Chucker on Friday 7th of October 2016 11:53:22 AM
you need to find out the weight your car can tow, the total weight you car and van can weigh, the tow ball download limit etc, the tow bar should be made to aust standards and if so wont be a problem. these should be in your handbook. but dont buy a van that weighs right on the limit. you will need extra for packing gear,water, etc and then you want some spare so you car is not over worked. towing weights needs a lot of consideration, just take a look at some of the threads! once you have that info we can be much more helpful.
chers steve
Thanks Steve,
I will keep doing my homework. :)
I believe "towing weight" should be stamped on to of towball.
Can stand corrected on this , but I DO believe the weight HAS to be stamped on the towball.
Either 2.5t or 3.5t in STD sizes.
There are larger and smaller specials.
ALL bars. by law have a plate stating it's capacity.
Even a home made one is supposed to.
Your veh plate with give IT'S capacity.
But Find the plate on vertical rear face of towabar.
or maybe horizontal under face.
THAT is your capacity. as long as BALL the same.
I'll check that out am.
Thank you.