C a r a v a n D a t a
This link to the owners clubs will open in a new tab www.clicreports.talktalk.net/addresses.htm
Your local dealer should also be able to help, failing that try www.towsafe.co.uk
The information listed on these pages is supplied by the manufacturers, and is, as far as can be ascertained, correct, but there is always room for error!
So, any such data listed here is for guidance only, and should always be double-checked with the vehicle handbook.
Please remember, MIRO is Mass In Running Order (Unladen weight), Payload is the total amount of weight you can add, and MTPLM is Maximum Technically Permissible Load Mass (Laden weight)
The following was submitted to CLIC by Ian Willis in answer to an inquiry about the 85% beginners towing rule. It was generally thought within CLIC, that Ian's words helped to clarify the situation as regards to towing in Great Britain.
85% (or even 100%) rules are not "rules" but guidelines which have no substance in law. They are designed to ensure that the outfit will be stable (all other factors being equal). Exceeding this figure, whilst not illegal in itself, COULD lead to prosecution if the driver was stopped because of (say) instability or after an accident as there is a requirement on the driver to ensure the safety of his vehicle in the Construction and Use Regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions;
Q: What is the largest size of caravan allowed on UK roads?
Q: What is the heaviest caravan my car will tow?
Q: Do I need a special licence for towing a trailer?
Q: How do I measure for an awning?
Some useful info:
Don't forget there's 112 pounds in a Cwt
Kilograms to Pounds. Multiply by 2.2045 and Pounds to Kilograms. Multiply by 0.4536
Kilometres to Miles. Multiply by 0.625 and Miles to Kilometres. Multiply by 1.6
Litres to Gallons. Multiply by 4.55 and Gallons to Litres. Multiply by 0.21978
Bar to PSI. Multiply by 14.7 and PSI to Bar. Multiply by 0.068027
Usually a manufacturer will quote a tow weight which is far greater than the mass of the vehicle. Generally this is based on the total train weight (car + caravan) which can be started on a 12% gradient.
Where this weight (or any other e.g. nose weight) is given as lower by the manufacturer the user ignores it at his peril. Insurance could well be void after an accident - worse, the illegal combination could cause the accident if the vehicle is unable to handle it.
The big problem we have in the UK is the traffic density, especially on Motorways, which has caravans in close proximity to both cars and large goods vehicles at speed. The vortexes encountered can cause trailers to wander if not loaded correctly and matched to the towing vehicle.
A: The car or non-commercial vehicles caravan maximum length is 7 metres (23 feet) but this does not include the drawbar or 'A' frame. The maximum width is 2.55 metres (8ft 4ins)
A: Your car manufacturer will have set this limit based on the weight of the car, and the capabilities of the braking system, drivetrain, and suspension components. But, this weight is basically the maximum weight bunged in a trailer. As this weight may well be in excess of the maximum weight of the car, it is recommended that the 85% 'rule' is adhered to.
A: If you passed your Driving Test BEFORE 1997, then no, but you may find it helpful to take one of the many driving courses available.
A: If you passed your Driving Test AFTER 1997, and the trailer has a total laden weight of under 750kg, then no
A: If you passed your Driving Test AFTER 1997, and the trailer has a total laden weight of over 750kg, then yes. You will almost certainly need to contact a driving school.
A: Park the caravan on level ground. Run a tape measure from the ground at one end of the caravan, up, along, and down the awning rail to the ground at the other end. Round the figure up to the next 5cm, and add 5cm. That will account for some slight unevenness in pitches. This is the A to A measurement. For a graphical representation, please click here;
A to A picture.
Kilograms to Cwts. Multiply by .01968 and Cwts to kilograms. Multiply by 50.8