Safe weight ratios
For stable and safe towing we would always recommend that you choose the
smallest and lightest possible caravan suitable for your intended use. The less
the laden weight of the caravan is in relation to the weight of the towing
vehicle, the safer and more stable the outfit will be. The Caravan Club, for
example, advises that you should aim for a towed load that is no more than 85%
of the car's kerb weight for stability and safety. The CC advice is NEVER to tow
above 100% of the car's kerbside weight.
N.B. The car manufacturer's specified maximum permissible towload is always the
absolute towing limit regardless of any 85% or 100% weight ratio guideline. This
is especially important in those cases where the manufacturer's figure is
particularly low - in a few cases even below 85%.
A 20 foot rule between units applies at ALL RALLIES. 20 foot means canvas to canvas, and, in the interest of fire hazard, no concessions will be allowed to this rule.
YOUR TYRES
8 April 2008
Last year, around two million people took to the road with a caravan in tow,
accounting for nearly 20% of holidays taken in the UK. With the arrival of
greater daylight hours and with temperatures set to increase, thousands of
motorists will hit the country’s roads once again towing a caravan or trailer.
In conjunction with this traditional migration of holidaymakers, the Highways
Agency has recently released a DVD entitled “Fit to Tow,” with TV presenter
Carol Smillie providing crucial advice to those motorists who use a caravan or
trailer for their vacation.
TyreSafe, the UK’s leading tyre safety organisation, says it extends its full
support to the latest Highways Agency initiative, as many drivers are not aware
of the dangers related to the inadequate maintenance and preparation of their
vehicles, with incorrect or damaged tyres in particular, presenting a major risk
to their safety.
To emphasise the importance of ensuring that all tyres are fit for purpose when
towing a caravan or trailer, TyreSafe has the following tips for motorists:
¤ Check the manufacturing dates of your caravan tyres. The Leisure Vehicle
Organisation recommends that if they are over five years old, you should
consider replacing them. Tyres more than seven years old should not be used;
¤ Inspect your caravan tyres for cuts, sidewall cracking or imbedded objects.
This includes the inner sidewalls;
¤ Check the pressures of all your caravan tyres from cold, including the spare.
Inflation should be in proportion to the load;
¤ Check the pressure of the tyres of the towing vehicle. Some vehicle
manufacturers specify slightly high rear tyre pressures when towing;
¤ Check that the tyre construction on all wheels is the same;
¤ Check the tread depths. UK law requires a minimum of 1.6mm throughout the
central 75% of the tread width, and around the tyre’s circumference. A minimum
tread depth of 1.6mm across the full tread width is strongly recommended to
ensure compliance with regulations throughout Europe; and
¤ Check that the jack is in working order. Most jacks benefit from a drop of oil
on the screw mechanism, as caravans are frequently parked off road, have a
suitable piece of board available to prevent the jack from sinking into soft
ground.
For further information on looking after caravan tyres, visitors may download
the latest version of “Caravan Tyres and Your Safety” leaflet for free at
http://www.tyresafe.org/tyre-safety/.
To request a copy of the Highways Agency “Fit to Tow” DVD or a hard copy of the
accompanying leaflet, call the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 50 40
30.
Gas bottles advice.........Here