Caravan advise/help needed for beginners

[EarlRiversRegiment]

Hi,

Could anyone help me and my wife. We have been camping in tents for many years, nearly every weekend as re-enactors. My wife is currently expecting our 2nd child any day now, so I thought it would be nice to surprise her by upgrading to a 4 berth touring caravan, which what I thought was simple enough, however I am very confused on the law side off things!

Looking at a few website confused me even more about M.A.M etc... so could anyone please help?

My wife and I are both 25 and hold a cat b licence. We both passed our test after 1997 so does this entitle us to tow a caravan or do I need to take a test?

Is it the law to have Insurance on the caravan or does your car insurance cover the caravan to?

Our car is a ford Mondeo 2.0 ltr, petrol.

So sorry, quite embarrassing really! But I have not got a clue.

 

[Jane_374240756]

Hi,

I also passed my test after 1997. I rang the DVLA and as long as your car & caravan are not over 3 1/2 tonnes you are okay to tow without doing the test.

In choosing a caravan I always look at the MTPL (this is the amount the caravn can weigh up to with items in it eg awning, clothes etc. To check compatibility with your car you need to know the kerbweight and as you are new to it make sure the MTPL is not over 85% of the cars kerbweight.

Hope that helps

Jane.

 

[glyn_374312385]

HI

If you go on to (All about tow cars towing caravans) it well work it all out for you, All you have to do is put in the make of your car and caravan

Glyn

 

[izzeybear1]

To check your compatability find your kerb weight of the towing vehicle Next choose a caravan with a MTPLW that is 85% of the kerbweight.If you have never towed before try a towing course held by the Caravan Club and the like.

Best of luck

 

[BeemerMal]

Earl Rivers Regiment.....Re your comment about Insurance.

No there is no legal requirement to have seperate insurance for a caravan. However, seperate insurance for a caravan is in my opinion essential. It covers damage, theft, 3rd party claims and legal cover at all times.

Some car insurers will allow third party cover for the caravan on the car insurance policy, but cover is only when in tow and you need to advise them and get confirmation, ideally in writing that you are covered. You would be suprised how many insurers back out of any claim if they have a chance to avoid payment.

However, the third party cover whilst in tow does not cover any damage to the caravan (just damage caused by the caravan). For example if the caravan, after being uncoupled, causes damage to other people or their property the car insurer will not pay out and the responsibility for damage would be yours alone. This could run into thousands of pounds....so always insure your caravan.....if for nothing else you will have piece of mind.

 

[Pat_374304630]

Hi ERR,

I hope this helps you as an example:

Say your car weighed 1500kgs.85% of that is 1275kgs.This means that the weight of your caravan plus your belongings i.e clothes,cutlery,aquoroll etc must not exceed 1275kgs.The total weight would then be 2775kgs.No special licence required.THe key to all of this is the kerbside weight of your car.

I totally agree about seperate insurance for your caravan.

There are many different layouts for 4 berth caravans.Look in practical caravan at the layouts decide which layout you would like and spend time looking.

If you live in Leics/Northants area THe Caravan Company is a good place to look.

Pat

 

[Mikey1]

The 85% is not a rule,it is only a guide.You can tow up to 100% of your cars kerbweight.

Its also important to load your van correctly ie heavy awning across the axle.

 

[RayS]

Beg or borrow a copy of the Caravan Club UK site guide which has a lot of the information you are looking for. If you are certain that you are going to buy a van, join the CC beforehand and then you can access their website for some very useful leaflets etc.

you will also find theri main sites very good with excellent toilet blocks, washing machines etc.

I'm sure other will tell you that the Camping and Caravanning Club (CCC) is also very good - i'm sure it is but have no personal experience.