WoodlandsCamper said:
WoodlandsCamper said:
Nieuwoudt said:
maybe a very basic or stupid question: I have a Tuscon and find just different weights on my data plate- what is what ( MTPLM etc)
listed without any explanation is:
2120 kg
4020 kg
1-1280 kg
2-1150 kg
The four numbers are
Max vehicle weight
Gross train weight
max front axle load
Max rear axle load
The difference between the first 2 numbers is max trailer weight ie MTPLM
The above MTPLM is for an 'ideal' trailer eg low slung, but as a caravan isn't ideal then the recommendation is for the caravan MTPLM to be no more than 85% of the cars kerb weight.
In general the advice above provides a sound method of selecting a caravan, but it is misusing terms and relationships between weights and weight limits and the detailed definitions of some of the systems.
If you are interested in learning more, then please read on, but if you already think you know it or don't like such detail, don't read it and don't complain unless its about a factual error.
Not withstanding the industry advice on weight ratio's, sStrictly speaking the difference between the first two figures only determines the maximum load that a trailers wheels may carry. It is a Towed Load, which is not the same as the whole weight of the caravan, becasue part of the caravan weight is exerted through the coupling (Nose load), and thus does not appear on the trailer wheels load.
The caravans whole weight is expresses as road wheel load + nose load, and that combined figure must not exceed the caravans stated MTPLM.
The EU directives expect nose loads to be a minimum of 4% of the trailer total weight, and UK caravanners are advised to aim for 5 to 7% of caravans total weight (not MTPLM) However as we rarely ever know the true weight of a caravan, aiming for 5 to 7% of MTPLM is a sensible target, obviously with reference to the tow bars maximum permitted nose load.
Putting this into context if your car has an towed weight limit of 1400kg, and you choose a caravan with and MTPLM of 1400 and it is fully loaded to that limit, If we assume a nose load of 6% then in theory the caravan will have a nose load 84kg and the wheels will only be carrying 1316kg. Where as if you went for a caravan with 1400kg on the axle and an 84kg nose load that is a legal difference of 168kg whole caravan weight!
Now the disclaimer Whilst the above may be legally correct in terms of weights, it is using up all the available mechanical capacity of the vehicle. Caravans in particular are not good trailers and can easily be destabilised and towing a caravan at these extreme limits may not be advisable and could produce an unstable outfit, which by definition is unsafe and thus illegal.
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