Written by Jim, JSF Driving School
As a driving instructor, I am frequently asked questions about how to manoeuvre a caravan, or trailer. Here’s a bit of advice to make sure you are towing legally, whilst next week I will take you through some useful tips on safety checks, driving techniques and speed limits.
Rules & Regulations for Towing
Let’s start with the laws on towing! There are all sorts of regulations, the key factor being MAM, the maximum authorised mass of vehicles and trailers. This should always be taken to mean the permissible maximum weight, also known as the gross vehicle weight.
If you passed your test before 1st January, 1997, you can usually drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8.25 tonnes.
If you passed on or after 1st January, 1997, you can tow a trailer behind a category B vehicle without taking a further test if the trailer doesn’t exceed 750 kg. A Category B vehicle is a four-wheeled vehicle with a MAM not exceeding 3.5 tonnes which has not more than eight passenger seats in addition to that of the driver.
If you want to use a Category B vehicle to tow a trailer exceeding the limit above, then you will have to pass a practical Category B+E test.
If you want to drive a vehicle with a MAM exceeding 3.5 tonnes, such as a motor home, you will need to pass a Category C or C1 test.
Further and more detailed information on towing can be found on the DVLA website www.dvla.gov.uk.
Your drivers’ handbook will usually provide information on the maximum permissible trailer mass which can be towed by your vehicle, along with the maximum nose weight which should be applied to the tow ball. There are also some legal limits on laden weight of unbraked trailers, which you will need to know for your particular vehicle.
Usually, even if the vehicle limits are stated as higher, you are safer if the weight of the loaded trailer does not exceed 85% of the empty (kerbside) weight of the towing vehicle, especially if you inexperienced at towing!
When towing, the length of your family car can be considered doubled. Exterior towing mirrors will be needed for a clear view down both sides of the trailer/caravan. The use of a good stabiliser fitted to the tow bar can make the combination easier to handle, especially in crosswinds, or when being overtaken by lorries etc.
Weight Distribution
Weight distribution is the key to stability when towing. Heavy items should be loaded as low down as possible, mainly over the axle/s of the trailer or caravan. Larger, but lighter items, such as bedding and clothing, should be distributed around to provide a suitable noseweight at the towing coupling, as recommended by the manufacturer. This noseweight can be measured using an inexpensive gauge from caravan stockists. People should never be allowed to travel in a caravan when it is being towed!
Experience
If you are new to towing many Driving Schools offer short courses on manoeuvring and safety when towing. The National Caravanning Council provide a detailed booklet on the same, and advice can be gained from one of the large caravanning organisations.
Practice makes perfect, so head to a quiet car park to master manoeuvres and techniques before heading off.
Here’s hoping you have a wonderful holiday, but hang on for next week’s second part if you can.
T: 0800 3777 138/01452 290278 E: sharn@jsfdrivingschool.co.uk
