towcar caravan query

[Graham_374374066]

now that makes sense-- MAM +tow weight = max train weight.

so (it seems to me) that provided I keep to max train weight; nose weight and don't exceed the MTPLM I should be ok

btw how do you know(without driving over a weighbridge) what your van weight actually is when you use it?

 

[RogerL]

A weighbridge is the only way to get an accurate weight.

 

[Graham_374374066]

so, realistically there must be lots of caravans on the road that are over the max weight?

 

[RogerL]

Probably!

Decades ago, before EN1645 imposed stricter requirements on manufacturers, one caravan was found to exceed it's GROSS weight direct from the factory!

 

[Lutz]

Not only caravan manufacturers have weight problems. Even reknowned car manufacturers like Mercedes Benz have had them. When the W140 Series came out in 1991, the S600 version was so heavy that the GVW limit was reached with only three 75kg passengers aboard. Technical changes were required very quickly to increase the GVW so that the car could take its full complement of passengers.

By the way, the V5C form has a provision for specifying the max. towload and this is a legal document (Ref: Section 4, Vehicle Details, Item O.1 - Technically permissible maximum towable mass of the trailer, braked)

 

[Forbes1]

You cannot exceed the manufacturers max tow weight. It will invalidate your insurance and put you in danger of being prosecuted for no insurance, using a vehicle in a dangerous condition (endorsable) and possibly dangerous driving if you are really above that max weight. I suggest you cahnge your towcar to allow a larger choice of van. You cannot add the noseweight to increase the weight and both VOSA and the Police have access to manufacturers data.

 

[RogerL]

Exceeding the MAM of the vehicle or the MTPLM of the trailer doesn't invalidate the insurance (but are offences) so why does exceeding the towing limit invalidate the insurance?

 

[Graham_374374066]

sorry but didn't mean to start an argument.

Just that when we first thought about getting a van I came up against this prob with tow weight. I had the discrepancy between the vin plate and the handbook so went and got the car weighed. Easily done, cost me a fiver and confirmed the weight as per the hand book.

It just occurs to me that with all the vans on the road, how do the owners know what weight they are. I mean, a few no doubt check weigh theirs but the vast majority must just pack them and go on holiday. I remember using scales once(years ago) to check nose weight - easy enough, but had no idea of what the van/trailer actually weighed.

Tahnks for all the advice btw

 

[Forbes1]

Exceeding the MAM of the vehicle or the MTPLM of the trailer doesn't invalidate the insurance (but are offences) so why does exceeding the towing limit invalidate the insurance?

They do as well, just this OP was talking about the towing limit.

 

[RogerL]

Forbes - the only thing that invalidates my car insurance is to drive without the appropriate licence entitlement - it's just a commercial contract, insurers can't impose terms that aren't in the contract.

 

[Lutz]

Roger, is there nothing in your insurance contract about invalidating coverage in case of gross negligence? That's a wonderful backdoor that many insurance companies like to keep open in order to avoid settlement of claims because 'gross negligence' is such a nebulous term. They could always argue that exceeding the manufacturer's limits is grossly negligent. Maybe you're lucky with your insurance.

 

[RogerL]

No Lutz, like all insurance policies I can drive dangerously, wrecking other cars and killing people and my insurer will pay up. UK law requires third party insurance for drivers - no exceptions or get-outs are allowed.

The sanction that insurance companies have is to load your premium or refuse to cover you at all.

I don't drive dangerously, of course, I was just trying to illustrate a particular situation.

 

[Lutz]

No Lutz, like all insurance policies I can drive dangerously, wrecking other cars and killing people and my insurer will pay up. UK law requires third party insurance for drivers - no exceptions or get-outs are allowed.

The sanction that insurance companies have is to load your premium or refuse to cover you at all.

I don't drive dangerously, of course, I was just trying to illustrate a particular situation.

Of course, third party coverage must always be maintained. I was thinking more along the lines of comprehensive insurance, although over here, if gross negligence is proved, the insurance company will later try to recover their settlement to a third party from the negligent driver. Maybe that is not the case in the UK.