Holidaying with a caravan is one of the most exciting ways of travelling and seeing the sights. However, towing a caravan involves more than attaching a towbar to a vehicle and hitching up. It adds another aspect to driving and there are a number of considerations to take into account. Understanding the tow weight of the proposed towing vehicle is essential.
It is important that the vehicle used to tow a caravan is adequate for the task. Pulling a caravan behind any vehicle will inevitably have an impact on the vehicle's performance. Starting the towing vehicle, particularly on inclines, can be more laboured and stopping needs extra distance. Be extra careful when cornering and negotiating sharp bends.
Understanding Vehicle Tow Weight
The loaded weight of a caravan must not exceed:
- the capacity of the towbar
- the maximum towing weight specified by the towing vehicle's manufacturer
- the maximum ball weight specified by the towing vehicle's manufacturer
Check the vehicle manufacturer's handbook to ensure that the engine is large enough to tow the caravan's weight plus the caravan's contents.
Check that the brakes are powerful enough to stop both the car and caravan safely.
Check that the caravan's weight plus anticipated content weight, does not exceed the towing capacity of the car. The vehicles manufacturer's recommended towing limit should be stated in the car's handbook.
The Caravan Club in the U.K. recommends, for safety and stability, that a vehicle should not tow a caravan that weighs more than 85% of the towing vehicle's kerb weight. The kerb weight is the weight of the vehicle pus a full tank of petrol and 75 kg (for driver and luggage). A vehicle's kerb weight can be found in its manufacturer's handbook.
Nose Weight Gauge
This device helps check that the caravan is within the limits of the towing vehicle and not nose (or front) heavy. Any weight moved from the front of the caravan should be distributed over the caravan axle, and not at the back, to counterbalance the nose weight.
Practical Caravan magazine has a useful feature on understanding nose weight.
Under no circumstances should a vehicle's towing weight be exceeded. To do so puts both the vehicle's passengers and other motorists at great risk.
It's essential, before purchasing a caravan, to ensure that the tow weight is appropriate for the proposed towing vehicle. If unsure, seek advice from the vehicle's manufacturer. Also take into consideration the driver and what he will feel comfortable towing. Getting the right size caravan for the towing vehicle can make all the difference in driving safety and comfort. Safety and Caravanning provides more information on safe driving with a caravan in tow.
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