The Towing Code
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.
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, in some cases, less than the kerb weight.
Vehicles with automatic transmission may
need an oil cooler fitting or the SAE rating of
the gearbox oil increasing when towing. The
advice of the vehicle manufacturer should be
sought.
Mass in Running Order:
Caravanners can use a public weighbridge to
establish the mass in running order.
Note: Weighbridges have varying weight
tolerance levels.
Maximum Permissible Towing Mass:
The weight defined by the vehicle
manufacturer as being the maximum that
the vehicle is designed to tow.
Train Weight (Combination Weight):
The maximum combined weight of the
towing vehicle and trailer combination as
specified by the towing vehicle manufacturer.
3
Fig. A Car/Caravan Weight Ratios
YES NO
MAYBE
85%
EQUAL
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