towing code
11
Notes:
(i) When measuring the noseweight it is
important that the caravan is fully loaded.
Do not place extra items indiscriminately
into the caravan after this adjustment has
been made.
(ii) The caravan is intended to be towed
slightly nose heavy. The nose weight can be
adjusted by distribution of the load within
the caravan. The nose weight should be
approximately 7% of the actual laden weight
(but not greater than the hitch capacity) and
at the same time suit the towing vehicle. See
section on Measurement of Nose Weight.
(iii) It is not recommended that you tow with
just a battery, spare wheel and gas bottles
as this may exceed the the permitted nose
weight. Additional payload must be placed
behind the axle to compensate for this.
toWInG veHIcle terMs
Kerb weight (Mass of vehicle in running order):
The weight of the towing vehicle as defined by
the vehicle manufacturer. This is normally with
a full tank of fuel, with an adequate supply of
liquids incidental to the vehicles propulsion,
without driver or passengers, without any load
except loose tools and equipment with which
the vehicle is normally provided and without
any towing bracket.
yes
no
Maybe
85%
Equal
Fig . a car/caravan
weight ratios
caravan to towing vehicle Weight ratio:
The towing vehicle to caravan weight ratio can
be determined by calculation and is equal to:
actual laden weight of caravan
x 100%
Kerb weight of towing vehicle
the law requires that caravans & their
towing vehicles & the loads they carry must
be in such a condition that no danger or
nuisance is caused .
(Regulation 100 of the Road and Vehicles
[Construction and Use] Regulations 1986).
power to weight ratio:
No hard and fast rules can be stated but, here
is a general guide.
(a) Conventional petrol engines with a capacity
up to approximately 1500 cc should be
adequate for towing a caravan weighing
around 85% of the kerb weight of the
towing vehicle.
(b) Above 1500 cc such engines should
manage a caravan weighing up to 100% of
the kerb weight of the towing vehicle and
still give adequate performance.
Note: The towing vehicle manufacturer’s limit is,
