Towing a caravan, boat or trailer on a public highway is a task that takes careful preparation. If you have not towed anything before, or only very infrequently, then doubling the length of your car so that it becomes an articulated vehicle will take a lot of extra driver vigilance. Here’s how to make sure you are safe and within legal limits.
To be towing legally, your caravan basically needs to weigh less than your car’s legal towing limit. Firstly, you need to establish the kerb weight of your car. This may also be referred to as the maximum nose weight, the unladen running weight, or the mass in running order.
Whatever the term, you need to find out what the car weighs according to European directive 95/48/EC, which includes all fluids and a 90% full fuel tank. It might also include a nominal 75kg for the driver, which makes sense, as the vehicle will certainly not be travelling without one!
The figure should be listed in the car brochure or handbook, or the V5C form. You may also find the legal towing limit figures in these documents. A caravan has brakes, so use the braked figure, rather than the unbraked figure.
Next, you need to know the Mass in Running Order (MiRO) and the Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM) of your caravan. These should be in the brochure and also on the weight plate on the side of the caravan. The MiRO is basically the kerb weight, and the MTPLM is the most the caravan can weigh when loaded.
As most caravans will be loaded with luggage, its best to use the MTPLM figure. Now match it with your car’s kerb weight. If it is lower, then it can legally tow the caravan. There are other considerations, such as what your driving licence will allow. Also, just because your vehicle is a legal match, ask if it is a safe match.
If you are inexperienced at towing, and not 100% sure the caravan will feel stable at max speed in gusty winds, then it is best to stick with an 85% matching ratio.
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