The information listed on these pages is supplied by the manufacturers, and is, as far as can be ascertained, correct, but there is always room for error!
A new caravan, the Frystar, is available for those needing wheelchair access.
Please remember,
MIRO is Mass In Running Order (Unladen weight), Payload is the total amount of weight you can add, and MTPLM is Maximum Technically Permissible Load Mass (Laden weight)
The following was submitted to CLIC by Ian Willis in answer to an inquiry about the 85% beginners towing rule. It was generally thought within CLIC, that Ian's words helped to clarify the situation as regards to towing in Great Britain.
85% (or even 100%) rules are not "rules" but guidelines which have no substance in law. They are designed to ensure that the outfit will be stable (all other factors being equal). Exceeding this figure, whilst not illegal in itself, COULD lead to prosecution if the driver was stopped because of (say) instability or after an accident as there is a requirement on the driver to ensure the safety of his vehicle in the Construction and Use Regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions;
Q: What is the largest size of caravan allowed on UK roads?
Q: What is the heaviest caravan my car will tow?
Q: Do I need a special licence?
Q: How do I measure for an awning?
Some useful info:
Any such data listed here is for guidance only, and should be double-checked with the vehicle handbook.
Please see the appropriate page for further data and contact details.
Usually a manufacturer will quote a tow weight which is far greater than the mass of the vehicle. Generally this is based on the total train weight (car + caravan) which can be started on a 12% gradient.
Where this weight (or any other e.g. nose weight) is given as lower by the manufacturer the user ignores it at his peril. Insurance could well be void after an accident - worse, the illegal combination could cause the accident if the vehicle is unable to handle it.
The big problem we have in the UK is the traffic density, especially on Motorways, which has caravans in close proximity to both cars and large goods vehicles at speed. The vortexes encountered can cause trailers to wander if not loaded correctly and matched to the towing vehicle.
A: The car or non-commercial vehicles maximum length is 7 metres (23 feet) but this does not include the drawbar or 'A' frame. The maximum width is 2.3 metres (7ft 6ins)
A: Your car manufacturer will have set this limit based on the weight of the car, and the capabilities of the drive, and suspension components. But, this weight is basically the maximum weight bunged in a trailer. As this weight may well be in excess of the maximum weight of the car, it is recommended that the 85% 'rule' is adhered to.
A: If you passed your Driving Test AFTER 1998, then yes. You will almost certainly need to contact a driving school.
A: If you passed your Driving Test BEFORE 1998, then no, but you may find it helpful to take one of the many driving courses available.
A: Park the caravan on level ground. Run a tape measure from the ground at one end, up, along, and down the other end to the ground. This is the A to A measurement. For a graphical representation, please click here;
A to A picture.
Kilograms to Cwts. Multiply by .01968 and Cwts to kilograms. Multiply by 50.8
Don't forget there's 112 pounds in a Cwt
Kilograms to Pounds. Multiply by 2.2045 and Pounds to Kilograms. Multiply by .4536
Kilometres to Miles. Multiply by 0.625 and Miles to Kilometres. Multiply by 1.6
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