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I would amend those and say

1) do not tow a caravan that has a maximum weight that is greater than the cars kerbweight and keep it towards 85% if possible.

2) Do not load your car more than is allowed by the Max Allowable mass as plated on the car

3) Do not exceed the cars train weight

4) Take care when loading the caravan

5) do not exceed the cars max noseweight as plated on the car and do not exceed the max caravan noseweight as specified by the manufacturer.

6) keep the caravan tyres in good condition and inflated to the correct level, and replace them with the correct specification of tyres when they are 5 years old regardless of how much tread remains. Make sure that there is sufficient tread on the cars tyres, that they are in good condition and inflated as per the manufacturers instructions to compensate for load. When they are replaced make sure that the original spec is adhered to or exceeded.

6) make sure that you have the correct licence to tow the combination. Drivers with a licence dated prior to 01/01/1994 are unlikely to have problems but those with a ;icence dated after that date must ensure that the caravan max weight does not exceed the cars kerbweight and that the sum of the cars Max weight ( plated on the car ) plus the caravans maximum allowable weight ( usually plated on the van ) does not exceed 3500kg.

 

 

 

Quote: Originally posted by iain.morrison3 on 22/7/2012

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Just to keep things simple would I be correct if

1. Ensure the caravans max weight is 85% of the cars kerbside weight, listed in the handbook. But do not exceed the cars maximum tow weight.
2. Don't load up your car to try and make it heavier, because it is under weight to begin with.
3. Do not exceed the cars train weight
4. Ensure the caravan is loaded correctly
5. Check the maximum nose weight allowed on the car, towbar and caravan, and use the lowest.
6. Check tyre pressures are correct for the additional load, and that the tyres fitted are fit for purpose.

So if all the above is followed, you should be within the law, fully insured, and have at least done as much as you could reasonably expected to have done, should the unthinkable happen.

 

 

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I would have thought that ALL drivers should have an awareness of the dynamics of driving and that adding a trailer makes a difference, which is why we specify that it is unwise for an inexperienced tower to tow a caravan which gives a towing ratio that is above 85%

Your points about the dynamic loading of components is to my mind a red herring. driving any vehicle that is laden will at times mean that the dynamic load on the axles and other components is greater than the maximu static loading, but we have to assume that the manufacturer has done the correct testing and calculations to take account of this. The same must apply to noseweights. If we can not trust the static weights that the manufacturer gives us then we  should not be driving that vehicle at all, and since the vehicle must be type approved ( if it is less than 15 years old ) then we must accept that the bodies that grant type approval are also correct in their calculations. Anything else puts an undue pressure on an individual driver who is almost to a man unable to make such judgements since they do not have any access to the information which would be required and have no ways of measuring it.

As to tyres any caravan that is serviced has its tyres checked at least once a year and the age tread and weight capacity is checked at this time and due warnings given. By saying that very few people out there also check their own tyres for condition, tread wear and specifications I think you are being a bit ingenuous. Condition, pressure and tread wear are something which every driver has a responsibility to be aware of and as far as I can see most do a good job of dealing with this. Checking specifications is only necessary when buying new tyres and at that time both the buyer and the selling dealer will check that the coirrect tyres for the fitment are purchased.

GUidance in the right direction is essential, but expressing the idea that we must give information that is misleading and suggestive of excessive restrictions is completely wrong. A few simple rules adhered to is what we should aim for and adding extra unnecessary complications is counter productive.

 

Quote: Originally posted by cwdc56768 on 22/7/2012

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Take your point Janus, but caravanners must, IMO, have an awareness of the dynamics of towing, otherwise they may just not tow safely. We accept that caravanners need to have an understanding of how to load their van correctly to keep it stable and avoid swings. We accept that in high winds caravanners need to slow down. By the same token other dynamic factors relating to towing need to be in the memory banks before we set off.  

So, if we load the car to the max allowable axel weight we also need to be aware of the dynamics of towing and how that can increase that axel weight beyond the prescribed limits. So, it makes sense to take into account the downward force the van can have on our rear axel when loading the car.

As for tyres - How many folk buying vans out there actually inspect the tyres to check their age, tread, weight capacity etc? Very few I'll warrant. Thus a little pointer to the need to check the tyres is nothing amiss. From what the OP has placed before us with his question, it appears that there are many who have very little understanding of these issues, or maybe just don't care. Then there are those who are new to caravanning who read these posts. Guidance in the right direction never goes amiss even if the experienced do not need to be told how to suck eggs. 

 

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