towing code
10
caravan toWInG code
this code of practice contains
recommendations jointly reviewed and
agreed by the following organisations:
The National Caravan Council
The Caravan Club
The Camping and Caravanning Club
The Caravan Writers Guild
The Department for Transport
scope of the code
The Code applies to all trailer caravans of
maximum laden weight not exceeding 3500 kg
(7,700 lbs), overall width not exceeding 2.3m
(7ft 6in approximately) and overall length not
exceeding 7m (23ft approximately), excluding
the drawbar and coupling.
This is legally the maximum size of trailer
that can be towed by a motor vehicle with a
maximum gross weight of less than 3500 kg.
caravan terMs
Mass in running order:
The mass of the caravan as stated by the
caravan manufacturer, as new with standard
fixtures and fittings.
Note: Because of differences in the weight
of materials supplied for the construction of
caravans, a tolerance has been allowed for in
the Mass in Running Order weight.
Maximum user payload:
The maximum allowable weight to be put into
the caravan whilst it is being towed. This is
made up of 3 sections:
Personal effects, optional equipment and
essential habitation equipment.
The user payload is the difference between the
Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass
and the Mass in Running Order.
essential Habitation equipment:
Those items and fluids required for safe
and proper functioning of the equipment
for habitation as defined by manufacturer
of the caravan.
personal effects:
Those items which a user can choose to
carry in a caravan and which are not included
as Essential Habitation Equipment or
Optional equipment.
optional equipment:
Items made available by the manufacturer
over and above the standard specification of
the caravan.
Maximum technically permissible
laden Mass:
The maximum weight for which the caravan is
designed for normal use when being towed on
a road, laden.
This mass takes into account specific operating
conditions including factors such as the
strength of materials, loading capacity
of tyres etc.
WarnInG: under no circumstances should
the maximum technically permissible laden
mass of this caravan be exceeded .
upgrading of maximum technically
permissible laden mass:
The standard/declared MTPLM quoted in the
specification handbook and on new caravan
weightplates maybe of lower value than the
maximum possible.
If extra user payload is required, an upgrade
maybe available (model dependant), this must
be requested via your dealer.
If required you will be issued with the following:
(i) New weightplate giving upgrade
weight detail
(ii) New NCC Certificate (declaring the
upgraded MTPLM
(iii) Manufacturers letter confirming the upgrade
for that Vehicle Identification Number
Note: Tyre pressures may increase
when upgrading
nose weight:
That part of the static mass of the caravan
supported by the towing device on the rear of
the towing vehicle.