Yes in fact we used them to get one of our vans home when my husband had a stroke. I have nothing but praise for the way they helped us. They weren't too expensive either.
------------- "You know, somebody actually complimented me on my driving today. They left a little note on the windscreen, it said 'Parking Fine.'" [Tommy Cooper]
Hi all, Personally I think it is an excellent idea for those who dream of having a week or so away from it all but for various reasons can't manage to tow or even drive a car. Floyd.
Caravans must NOT exceed 2.3 metres wide and 7 metres in length.
Did you know that a caravan with a body in excess of 2.3 metres wide or 7 metres long can only be towed by a heavy motor vehicle (over 3500 kg Gross Vehicle Weight)? Not even a Transit van, nor the biggest 4x4, can lawfully tow a caravan that exceeds these dimensions.
This is taken from a written answer to a question in the house of commons 21 March 2005:
"Mr. Robathan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the maximum (a) length and (b) width is of a caravan that can be legally towed. [223001]
Mr. Jamieson [holding answer 18 March 2005]: The maximum dimensions regarding the length and width of a caravan that can legally be towed on the roads of the UK is dependent on the maximum gross weight of the towing vehicle.
Towing vehicles with a maximum gross weight of 3500kg or below are permitted to tow a caravan with a maximum length of 7 metres and a width of 2.3 metres.
Towing vehicles with a maximum gross weight exceeding 3500kg are permitted to tow a caravan with a maximum length of 12 metres provided it is fitted with at least four wheels. In all other cases the maximum length is 7 metres. The maximum width is 2.55 metres.
In either case the overall length of the towing vehicle and caravan combination must not exceed 18 metres or 18.75 metres if the towing vehicle was manufactured after 1 June 1998."
So yes, it seems that they are absolutely correct in that!
------------- Planet Designer. Commissions undertaken. Fjords a speciality. No job too large.
Quote: Originally posted by carterma on 03/10/2006
Hi All
From the T&Cs, is this true??
Caravans must NOT exceed 2.3 metres wide and 7 metres in length.
Did you know that a caravan with a body in excess of 2.3 metres wide or 7 metres long can only be towed by a heavy motor vehicle (over 3500 kg Gross Vehicle Weight)? Not even a Transit van, nor the biggest 4x4, can lawfully tow a caravan that exceeds these dimensions.
My Bailey Indiana is 7.3 metres long so I have been told! so I couldn't use the service anyway. But Barrons did a one-to-one match on our Freelander V6 2.5 eng. and said it was ok. I have never read this in any of the caravan magazines which I subscribe to, and I am sure that we would have if that was the case. My husband also did a towing course via the Camping and Caravan Club, and they told you the laws etc, and that was never mentioned. Nor would caravan manufacturers make caravans of a certain width or length, if there was a problem with towing. I am going to speak to Baileys of this and also the technical help desk of the Caravan magazine and see what they say and let you all know.
There's also the driving licence part of it all that says if you passed your driving test after January 1st 1997 then you can't drive a combined car and trailer weight of over 7.5 tonnes Directgov
Quote: Originally posted by greenplum on 04/10/2006
The small thing omitted is the "7.0m maximum" does not include the drawbar (A-frame) so it's referring to body length.
Well spotted! I rang the company advertising the towing, and they told me the
body would need to be 7ft 10" and as you said the length excludes the A-Frame
so that puts at least another foot on the length, so I don't think we need to worry.
Handy company to know about. My first thought was that they could be thiefs.
but having heard that someone has used them, now know that they are genuine, and could come in handy.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: dump all those heavy cars
