Your Car and Your Caravan – Some Statistics.
Having a car with a comparatively long wheel base and a short distance from between the rear wheels and the towbar is a good start.
Here are some terms to keep in mind:
* Kerb weight (KW) of your car as set by the manufacturer is in the car’s manual.
* Actual laden weight (ALW) is the total weight of the caravan and its contents when being towed.
* Caravan/vehicle weight ratio (CVWR) is the ALW recorded as a percentage of the KW. (ALW divided by KW multiplied by 100).
* Eighty-five percent is recommended as the maximum ratio.
* If you are stopped by the police and your caravan is more than the KW of your car, you could be taken to court.
* European laws apply to tow bars.
Cars registered after 1st August 1998 need to have a tow bar that meets the specification of the new law. Details can be found on (www.gocaravanning.com). Should you be involved in an accident, your insurance will be invalid if your towbar does not match the legal specification.
Using stabilizers on the caravan can help to reduce the effects known as “pitching” and “snaking.” These effects can appear when overtaking or being overtaken or when the car and caravan are being driven too fast, because of side winds or through poor road surfaces. There are two types of stabilizer on the market.
It is recommended to seek advice from a caravan dealer about the merits of both types before you have them fitted.
More caravanning advice on the links below: |
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