The Towing Code
lower jockey wheel before entering the
caravan and then raise before measuring
again. (See Loading).
Note: The height of the towball on the
towing vehicle, when laden, is also critical.
TYPE OF DRIVING LICENCE
HELD
In order to be able to tow a caravan a driver
must hold a Category B licence. Those car
drivers who passed their tests prior to 1
January 1997 would have automatically
obtained Category B+E. However, anyone
who passed their test after 1 january 1997
will need to take a further test in order to
obtain a Category B+E if they wish to tow a
car and caravan combination whose train
weight exceeds 3,500kg, or up to 4,250 if
the caravan is less than 750kg or if the
caravan’s Maximum Technically Permissible
Laden Mass exceeds the unladen weight of
the car.
Note: The unladen weight of a car is
normally less than the kerbside weight.
GLOSSARY & CHECKLIST
Awnings - Can consist of just a simple top
sheet but may extend to a five sided frame
tent attached to the side of the caravan.
Fire blanket - approved to BS 6575 is ideal
for dealing with ‘fat pan’ fires.
Fire extinguisher - It is strongly
recommended that a fire extinguisher is
carried in the caravan. (For suitable types
see Safety and Security).
Gas bottles - Bottled L.P. gas is the most
convenient portable source of fuel. Two
bottles are required for a constant supply. An
initial deposit is payable on each cylinder.
We recommend the use of 6kg Propane or
7kg Butane bottles. One position for use and
one for storage only. (For detailed
information see Services - Gas).
Jack - A suitable jack is essential (screw,
scissor, side mounted or air jack type). Many
car jacks are unsuitable.
Levellers - Levellers help level the caravan
from side to side before unhitching.
Proprietary products can be purchased from
your caravan dealer and need to be
positioned as indicated by a spirit level.
Spare Wheel - It is always advisable to carry
a spare wheel with your caravan.
Spirit Level -A spirit level is extremely useful
when siting the caravan.
Stabiliser -Stabilisers help to dampen the
side to side movement of the caravan. One
end fits to the car’s towing bracket and the
other end to the caravan. (See Stability)
MEASUREMENT OF NOSEWEIGHT
Noseweight may be measured using a
propriety brand of noseweight indicator.
Such equipment is obtainable at your
Caravan Dealer.
Note: These indicators have a varying
tolerance level.
Another simple method is to use bathroom
scales under the coupling head with a piece
of wood, fitted between the coupling head
and the scales, of such length that the
caravan floor is horizontal with the jockey
wheel raised clear of the ground. (Fig. A)
Noseweight can be adjusted simply by
distribution of weights in the caravan. Always
4
430mm
35mm
Fig. A Measuring Noseweight
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