Hook And Chain Towing Is Different Compared To Flatbed Towing

The law can frequently seem confusing to those that are brand-new to caravanning, however, put simply, there are 2 groups of motorists - those that passed their test before the 1st January 1997 and those who passed it on or after 1st January 1997.

You must currently have category B+E on your licence. This implies that you do not need to take an extra test to tow a caravan presuming the tow vehicle and caravan mix does not exceed 8,250 kg - which must provide you plenty of scope to choose a tow cars and truck and caravan!

If you passed your driving test more just recently, you are only entitled to drive an automobile approximately 3,500 kg and tow a caravan or trailer camping tent no greater than 750kg under category B+B 1.

A smaller tow cars and truck implies you can tow a heavier caravan supplying the overall weight of the combination does not exceed 3,500 kg. It is also a legal requirement for the Optimum Authorised Mass (MAM) of the caravan or trailer camping tent not to exceed the unladen weight of your towing automobile. The manufacturer's handbook need to be able to inform you the unladen weight of your towing car.

Must you want to tow anything bigger than this, you will be needed by law to take an additional test to add category B+E to your licence. With the above information in mind, it's now time to match your tow cars and truck with your caravan. For those brand-new to caravanning and towing in basic, it's best to go for the lightest option and not attempt to go for the heaviest possible caravan for your vehicle.

It is recommended that the Optimum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM) of the caravan need to not exceed 85% of the kerb weight of your tow vehicle. Using your owner's handbook for your automobile to discover the kerb weight, you can calculate the MTPLM by multiplying the kerb weight by 85 and after that dividing by 100.

This guideline can just be used if the maximum pulling weight for the vehicle is equal to or higher than 85% of the kerb weight (the handbook must have the ability to offer the maximum pulling weight). The MTPLM of the caravan should not exceed this towing weight limit if it is lower than 85%.

To make hauling much safer, it is necessary to pack your caravan correctly so as not to unbalance it. Withstand the temptation to pack everything into the front locker along with your gas bottles and spare wheel as you might easily go beyond the nose weight of your caravan and tow car (the maximum weight the tow bar can take). Exceeding the nose weight of your car and caravan will make pulling dangerous.

Just products that are lightweight can be loaded at head height in the caravan's fitted cabinets. Products of medium weight (such as empty aquarolls) must be positioned at floor level at the front and back of the caravan to cancel the heavy products put over the axle. Location heavy products, such as awnings, at flooring level and using a towtruck as near to the caravan's axles as possible. Placing heavy products at the back of the caravan will unbalance it and cause a pendulum impact when towing.

Some brand-new caravans come fitted with hauling stability systems such as AL-KO's ATC. These can prove indispensable in preventing your caravan from snaking and causing a mishap. They can likewise mean you get approved for a discount rate off your caravan insurance! It's always useful for new caravanners to go to pulling courses where they can receive expert tuition on driving and manoeuvring and ask guidance from the experts. It might make the first outing that bit less demanding and prevent prospective caravan insurance claims!