If you get pulled for a weight check when towing(very unlikely)all they will worry about is gross train weight. They will axle weigh car/caravan together so ensure gtw is not exceeded. Provided you don't load car excessively you can tow a 1200kg caravan & stay within gtw.
Quote: Originally posted by Jack+Jon on 26/1/2014
If you get pulled for a weight check when towing(very unlikely)all they will worry about is gross train weight. They will axle weigh car/caravan together so ensure gtw is not exceeded. Provided you don't load car excessively you can tow a 1200kg caravan & stay within gtw.
If the towing capacity is exceeded and it looks unsafe then the driver can be prosecuted under C&U reg 100
------------- EX Advanced driving observer (IAM)
EX LGV & B+E instructor
I hardly think a correctly loaded car of that size towing a caravan of 1200kg is going to 'look unsafe'. As pointed out all that is of concern in a weight check is the whole outfit put over a portable axle weigher, to check it is within gtw of car & individual axle weights are not exceeded. Nobody is going to unhitch caravan & weigh separately.
C&U reg 100. No mention of towing capacity specifically.
Quote: Originally posted by Jack+Jon on 26/1/2014
I hardly think a correctly loaded car of that size towing a caravan of 1200kg is going to 'look unsafe'. As pointed out all that is of concern in a weight check is the whole outfit put over a portable axle weigher, to check it is within gtw of car & individual axle weights are not exceeded. Nobody is going to unhitch caravan & weigh separately.
C&U reg 100. No mention of towing capacity specifically.
That reg is a catch all not a specific = it would need a judge to impose a penalty
There is no specific law which states that exceeding the manufacturers towing capacity is illegal
------------- EX Advanced driving observer (IAM)
EX LGV & B+E instructor
ROG-I dont think my car is in that list you pointed me to.
We are talking maximum train weight, so if everything was weighed and I kept my load below that weight, I should be ok-should'nt I?
I know that vosa do carry out weight/safety checks on cars/caravans particularly in the summer and no doubt the route to Cornwall is probably the favourite. I also know that vosa are now self funding, so if they can get an extra few quid out someone-they will. I suppose thats 1 of the nuggets of information you obtain for being a lorry driver (7.5ton). These guys/girls are experts. They can spot something dodgy from miles away. Its got to be right, or I risk a lot.
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Quote: Originally posted by martin2410 on 26/1/2014ROG-I dont think my car is in that list you pointed me to.
We are talking maximum train weight, so if everything was weighed and I kept my load below that weight, I should be ok-should'nt I?
I know that vosa do carry out weight/safety checks on cars/caravans particularly in the summer and no doubt the route to Cornwall is probably the favourite. I also know that vosa are now self funding, so if they can get an extra few quid out someone-they will. I suppose thats 1 of the nuggets of information you obtain for being a lorry driver (7.5ton). These guys/girls are experts. They can spot something dodgy from miles away. Its got to be right, or I risk a lot.
There are automatic penalties for exceeding any plated weight
Penalties for exceeding recommended weights are subject to the initial assessment of the officer and the final decision of a judge
With those two bits of info its up to you how you proceed
------------- EX Advanced driving observer (IAM)
EX LGV & B+E instructor
Our caravan is 21 years old this year so sorry cant really point you in the direction re internet other than look on the bay etc, all depends what you want from a van
Quote: Originally posted by martin2410 on 26/1/2014
so, to kind of finalise, Would I get away with a 1200kg MTPLM or should I stick with the absolute maximum of 1180kg as advised by the caravan club?
We all know that a caravan salesman will sell anything regardless of it being legal or not.
As both will exceed your max towing capacity then it makes no difference
I would ask your insurer if you are covered if towing capacity is exceeded
If you do end up exceeding towing capacity then make sure you do not load vehicle too much as that could exceed your GTW
------------- EX Advanced driving observer (IAM)
EX LGV & B+E instructor
Have you considered one of the larger folding campers that would be 6 berth?
The largest of them all is the Pennine Pathfinder and is 1000kg max fully loaded, about 820kg MIRO I think
Another option is folding caravan although these are usually smaller inside and max of 4 berth I would guess
Thought I had just posted this already - I'm evidently either technologically challenged or forgetful (both of which are true!). I assume it's not been modded as I'm sure one of the mods would do me the courtesy of letting me know?
If you google "caravan specs", the first result should be to one of the pages in another popular caravanning resource that I can't link to here. Scroll down and select advanced search. You can then select the mtplm that you are allowed to tow and you should find that you still have a fair few options of older models.
Having said that, we also had a 7 seater grand picasso - I loved that car as it was so practical, but we had to sell it as it really wasn't cut out to be a tow car. I couldn't see any point in risking my licence and also risking damaging the car. After all, is there much point in all the assorted pundits on here (some of whom are indeed very knowledgeable) reassuring you that hairs may definitely be split in favour of towing more, if the officer who pulls you over decides to err on the other side of the fine line you were trying to tread?
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