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CARAVAN AND TOW VEHICLE
THE CARAVAN TO TOWING VEHICLE WEIGHT RATIO
The caravan should never exceed the weight of
the towing vehicle.
The optimal combination is a caravan that
weighs less than 85% of the towing vehicle’s
kerb weight.
This is licence entitlement dependant as post
1997 further restrictions apply.
The following equation can be used to calculate
the above.
Actual laden mass of caravan
Kerb weight of towing vehicle
As a general guide:
• Conventional engines with a capacity
of up to approximately 1600cc petrol or
1800cc diesel should be adequate for
towing a caravan weighing around 85% of
the kerb weight of the towing vehicle.
• Engines above 1600cc petrol or 1800cc
diesel should manage a caravan weighing
up to 100% of the kerb weight of the
towing vehicle and still give adequate
performance.
The towing vehicle’s manufacturer towing limit
is, in some cases, less than the kerb weight.
Vehicles with automatic transmission may
need an oil cooler fitted or the SAE (Society of
Automotive Engineers) rating of the gearbox
fluid increasing when towing. The advice of
the vehicle manufacturer should be sought.
The law requires that caravans, their towing
vehicles and the loads they carry must be in
such a condition that no danger or nuisance is
caused.
TOWING VEHICLE’S REAR SUSPENSION
It is important that the towing vehicle’s rear
suspension is not deflected excessively by
the nose weight. If it is excessive the steering
and stability will be affected and at night the
headlight beam is likely to dazzle other drivers.
It is important to ensure that the caravan is
towed either level or slightly nose down. If it is
not, then the car’s towbar may be at the wrong
height.
Always consult your tow vehicle
manufacturer for advice on towing
and the loads that the vehicle is
capable of towing.
RECOMMENDED TOWBALL HEIGHT
The recommended towball height for Bailey
caravans is 385 +/- 35mm (350mm to 420mm).
SECONDARY BRAKING CABLE (BREAKAWAY
DEVICE)
Purpose - To apply a trailer’s brakes if it
becomes separated from its towing vehicle.
Having done this, the cable assembly is
designed to part, allowing the trailer to come
to a halt away from the towing vehicle.
Construction; A thin steel cable, coated in red
plastic and fitted with a means of attachment
for connection to the towing vehicle.
× 100 = %
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