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What can you Tow?
It's recommended that you
do not exceed 85% of the kerb weight. This means that
your caravan when it's fully loaded should not be more
than 85% of your cars kerb weight or maximum tow weight
if this is lower. If you are an experienced tower you
can go up to 100% of your cars kerb weight providing this
does not exceed the cars maximum tow weight, but
this is not recommended. For safe towing, the loaded
caravan should never be heavier than the tow car.
If the caravan exceeds the
kerb weight of the car and you are stopped by the Police
you may well be prosecuted
How much is 85% of the
cars kerb weight ?
Here's how you can work out 85% of your car's
kerb weight (check your car handbook for kerb
weight)
First take the car's kerb weight ÷ 100 = this
gives you 1% of the car's kerb weight
x 85 = this gives you 85% of car's kerb weight
e.g If your car weighs 1600kg then 1% of the kerb
weight
is 16kg.
multiply by 85 gives you an 85% kerb weight of 1360kg.
So your loaded caravan should ideally weigh no more
than1360kg.
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What other factors should I Consider?
Maximum Size of Caravan or Trailer
If the towing vehicle is an ordinary car and not a goods
vehicle. The overall length of the Caravan or Trailer
must not exceed 7m, excluding A-frame and hitch and the
maximum width of the Caravan or Trailer should not
exceed 2.3m.
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Having considered weight and size
what other factors should I consider?
Check that the car engine is large
enough to tow the trailer, and don't forget the trailer
load.
Remember the ability of the car to
pull the caravan is important but even more important is
its ability to stop it, so make sure the brakes are
adequate to stop the combined load. |
