Caravan Width

[Benji]

Hi

We have just returned from our caravan holiday in Germany during which time we had a look at some of the German caravans at the local dealer. Some of the vans we saw were very impressive however they are 2.5 meters wide and I believe the legal limit for caravans on Uk raods is 2.3 meters.

Does anyone have any idea why the Government set the limit at 2.3 meters, seems starnge given that on the continent they can tow vans at 2.5 meters wide.

Thank you

Russell

 

[Lutz]

One can only assume that the 2.3m width limit was introduced before the EU-wide 2.55m limit came into being, because it just doesn't make sense. Even in the UK trucks can be 2.55m wide, too, but caravans are limited to 2.3m if the towing vehicle has a GVW of less than 3.5 tonnes. What the weight of the towcar has to do with the width of the caravan, heaven only knows. It would have been undestandable if the law had specified by how much the caravan may be wider than the car, but that is not how it is worded. As it stands, it's just plain silly.

 

[Benji]

One can only assume that the 2.3m width limit was introduced before the EU-wide 2.55m limit came into being, because it just doesn't make sense. Even in the UK trucks can be 2.55m wide, too, but caravans are limited to 2.3m if the towing vehicle has a GVW of less than 3.5 tonnes. What the weight of the towcar has to do with the width of the caravan, heaven only knows. It would have been undestandable if the law had specified by how much the caravan may be wider than the car, but that is not how it is worded. As it stands, it's just plain silly.

Lutz

Many thanks for your feedback

Russell