kerbweight

[ghostrider]

hello folks

im quite new to caravanning but not to towing ive been a recovery mechanic for 12 years in the army towing tanks,trucks an bits an bats now im a tanker driver but the question is the kerbweight on my car is 1600kg (max tow 1800) when loaded with 2 kids and wife and fishing tackle etc weighs 1900kg but the mtplm? is 1650kg of a caravan i wish to purchase. Q. is this a problem? as i never load the one i have now up to its max i dont want to change car as its fantastic on mpg

thanks all

paul

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hi Paul,

Legally the, the maximum you are allowed to tow is specified by the tugs manufacture. The factor that might restrict you is if you passed your test after Jan 1997 and only have the basic licence, in which case you are limited to 100% of the kerb weight of the tug. You would need to take the additional towing test to enable you to exceed 100%. If you passed prior to Jan 97 then you are not restricted to 100%

Based on the figures you give, your caravan is well within the 1800Kg limit but is slightly higher than the kerb weight. the official ratio for your set up would be Trailer MPTLM/ kerb weight *100% (1650/1600 *100 = 103%). Unfortunately the law only considers the worst case scenario of car kerb weight and trailer's topped out weight.

It is generally recommended that novice towers try to keep the ratio to 85% or less, however this is only guidance and not law. It is thought that such a ratio is less likely to catch a tower out with instability, but in reality there are other factors that are as influential, such as how the weight in the trailer is distributed, the condition of tyres and other running gear, and the way the outfit is driven.

As with any road vehicle the driver must take care and to drive within the prevailing conditions, the capability of the outfit, and of course any regulations.

I hope this helps. For clarification PC has a useful web page that can be found at :

http://www.practicalcaravan.com/legal/index.html

 

[ghostrider]

Hi Paul,

Legally the, the maximum you are allowed to tow is specified by the tugs manufacture. The factor that might restrict you is if you passed your test after Jan 1997 and only have the basic licence, in which case you are limited to 100% of the kerb weight of the tug. You would need to take the additional towing test to enable you to exceed 100%. If you passed prior to Jan 97 then you are not restricted to 100%

Based on the figures you give, your caravan is well within the 1800Kg limit but is slightly higher than the kerb weight. the official ratio for your set up would be Trailer MPTLM/ kerb weight *100% (1650/1600 *100 = 103%). Unfortunately the law only considers the worst case scenario of car kerb weight and trailer's topped out weight.

It is generally recommended that novice towers try to keep the ratio to 85% or less, however this is only guidance and not law. It is thought that such a ratio is less likely to catch a tower out with instability, but in reality there are other factors that are as influential, such as how the weight in the trailer is distributed, the condition of tyres and other running gear, and the way the outfit is driven.

As with any road vehicle the driver must take care and to drive within the prevailing conditions, the capability of the outfit, and of course any regulations.

I hope this helps. For clarification PC has a useful web page that can be found at :

http://www.practicalcaravan.com/legal/index.html

thanks 4 that john yes i passed my hgv 1 in 96 so no probs there

just got to sell my motorbike now!!!!!!!!!