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Jan 1, 2013 · The law about towing trailers with a car is changing later in 2021. Find out about the new rules for towing a trailer or caravan with a car from autumn 2021.
- Driver And Vehicle Licensing Agency
- The Base Vehicle
- Payload and Loading
- Overloading
- Public Weighbridge and Plated Weights
- Adding Bike Racks and Back Boxes
- Dangers of Rear Loading
- Suspension Aids
- Secure All Loads
- Some Tips to Keep You Safe on The Road
- Checks Before Setting Out
At the heart of road safety is a safe vehicle and for this it is essential for an annual service to be carried out. The manufacturer’s recommendations for checks and replacements should always be observed. Recommendations always include the normal owner checks on things such as oil, water and tyre pressure levels. While all checks are important, mo...
Payload is a general term to indicate the weight that may be carried in a motorhome or a component part fitted to it before it reaches its maximum permitted weight on the road. National Caravan Council (NCC) approved motorhomes generally indicate a Mass in Running Order (MiRO) and a Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM) – also known as...
Police roadside weight checks reveal many motorhomes on the road are overloaded. Apart from the risk of being taken to court and fined, overloading has the potential to cause failure of tyres and suspension systems and affect braking and handling performance so it is important you are aware of the total weight of your vehicle. An overloaded vehicle...
At the earliest opportunity, take your motorhome to a public weighbridge, loaded as you would expect for a major trip and take along the normal load of passengers. Have the motorhome weighed twice on the weighbridge, one with both axles on the weighing platform and another with one axle just off the platform. From these readings you can check your ...
Bike racks, boxes and loading of rear garages are particular critical loading situations. Ensure the motorhome is designed to take the load you are intending and any bike rack is also rated for the bikes you want to carry. Electric bikes are generally considerably heavier than standard cycles and motor scooters and motor weight are even heavier.
Heavy loading at the extreme rear provides the real possibility of overloading the rear axle. Not only is this unlawful, the effect of reducing the front axle load due to a tipping rearwards means general handling and in particular steering and traction may be severely affected.
Suspension aids and modifications are available but these are generally aimed at improving the quality of ride. They will not enable you to exceed the plated weights of your vehicle. See our Expert Guide on Suspension modificationsfor more information.
Always check external and internal loads are secured in place. Remember in law it is the driver who is responsible at all times to ensure the vehicle is not overloaded or allowed on the road in an unsafe condition.
Think motorhome
A motorhome has to be driven more sedately than your usual car especially when cornering and manoeuvring.
Instability at high speeds
High sided units are particularly susceptible to the draught from passing HGVs and high winds.
Instability from loading
Most vehicles are not designed to travel with full water tanks so this may cause instability. Partially full tanks and unbalanced loading can cause instability.
Tyre condition and pressure, including the spareWheel bolt torque settingFunctioning of lightsSecurity of any loads not stored in lockersFeb 28, 2022 · Under the recent rule changes, no matter when you passed your driving test, you’re automatically given categories BE on your driving licence. This allows you to drive a vehicle with a MAM of up to 3500kg with a trailer. If you passed before 19 January 2013, you can tow any size of trailer.
- Practical Motorhome
Jul 2, 2024 · Do trailers need an MOT? Trailers that weight more than 1,020kg when unladen must be MOT’d on an annual basis. Lighter trailers and all caravans are MOT exempt, however drivers are obliged to make sure that their trailer/caravan is in a condition that’s safe for the road.
Aug 28, 2024 · Towing limitations: Automatic cars or permanent 4×4 vehicles cannot be towed behind a motorhome unless all four wheels are off the ground on a trailer. How Does Towing a Car Behind a Motorhome Affect the Motorhome’s Braking System? Having brakes that work efficiently is critical when you’re driving your motorhome on the highway.
Jan 4, 2022 · You should also have C1+E towing entitlement, which means you can tow a 750kg trailer behind a 7.5-tonne vehicle. In real-world terms, the C1 entitlement means you can drive pretty much...
People also ask
Can a motorhome tow a trailer?
How long can a trailer be towed behind a motorhome?
Are there any restrictions on reversing while towing a trailer?
Can You tow a trailer with a car?
Can a car be towed behind a motorhome?
How do I know if a car is towed by a motorhome?
Nov 26, 2016 · You can get a free safety check for a trailer up to 3,500kg through the National Trailer and Towing Association’s (NTTA) free safety checks scheme. The check will highlight issues that you...
