how do you find the total MAM of a caravan? I have a sprite musketeer TD 2011 model.
as my MAM of my car is 1944kg but trying to find the MAM of my caravan. still having paronoia issues with law about me towing my car which is 1395kg kerb weight.
am planning to book a manovuring course nxt week for 1st may.
MAM is Maximum Authorised Mass and generally not often refered to; equivilent would be the MTPLM of your van - 1291kgs for your Sprite?.
I've been following your posts both on here and Bert's site at Whatowcar and you're within your limits.
Get your course booked, get out there and enjoy.
MAM means maximum authorised mass, which also means the permissible maximum weight, also known as the gross vehicle weight and also known as MPTLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass) - in other words, the total weight of your van with its maximum payload. There should be a plate somewhere on your van stating the MTPLM, the MRO (Mass in Running Order) -
Ex works weight inclusive of the manufacturer’s tolerances, Unladen Weight, and the User Payload
(Caravan Allowable Payload).
One spec for your van quotes -
* Mass in Running Order: 1029 Kg (20.27 CWT)
* Total User Payload: 180 Kg (3.55 CWT)
* MTPLM **: 1209 Kg (23.82 CWT)
The recommended MAM/MTPLM of a van is 85% of the towcar's weight, which in your case would be 1185 KG, while the above quote for your van (1209) puts it slightly over. Experienced drivers are often happy (and legal) towing up to 100% weight - it depends how you feel....
If you're going on a course, ask there - they should be able to advise you.
Gram
------------- What's the difference between a chicken?
Probably in your handbook, those weights will be listed. There will also be a plate somewhere on the car, showing everything you need. Axle 1 is the front axle of your car. That is likely to be OK.
Axle 2 is the back axle, and can get a bit marginal if you have a full load of passengers, plus luggage and equipment and the nose weight of the caravan. You know you have a problem when teh car and caravan form a "V" when looked at fron the side. Everything should be level.
Gross train weight is what the whole thing weighs, car, caravan, everything. This is usually only a problem if you are asking too much of a little car.
You can check your weights at a local weighbridge, but of course you need to pack everything in first and get your passengers on board.
It's not a silly question. You are obviously trying to get everything right.
dont over load it look at what you are taking sit back and rethink and you will find there is so much not needed. have known sad folk who take an ironing board iron microwave TV half a dozen wind breaks/boundry markers etc etc.
as its previous been said just hook up and get out there and enjoy ! just ensure you dont go over 55mph as A; there is no need B; you are new to towing and C; your chance of anything happening is reduced by 60%. now we will sit back and watch the "i am right in everthing" chaps and chapesses write and advise other wise.
wish I had a pound for every time I have had caravans roar past me at well over 55 and fifteen miles further on there they are just two vehicles infront. we was always taught that to travel at 50mph we can plan the journey save fuel arrive fresh and be on time.
100mile "north Essex to sussex coast" two hours rushing and going over 70-80 getting a ticket and costing 30% more fuel and the best recorded time is 1hr40min. Great what a result!!!!
i have a speed limiter on my car and i use it loads, especially on 30mph speed camera zones and on the m6 were its 70mph speed limits. so will set it at 50mph on roads with a caravan. I like to keep it simple with what I take. ironing board now thats extreme. will prob have the tv. as my son has autism and tom and jerry is great for when i preparing dinner etc and when he has anxiety attacks.
Quote: Originally posted by aella851 on 03/3/2011
i have a speed limiter on my car and i use it loads, especially on 30mph speed camera zones and on the m6 were its 70mph speed limits. so will set it at 50mph on roads with a caravan. I like to keep it simple with what I take. ironing board now thats extreme. will prob have the tv. as my son has autism and tom and jerry is great for when i preparing dinner etc and when he has anxiety attacks.
just enjoy !
had a lady on a site last year with daughter with same. my daughter and her made pals and alas as I have old games and paper/pens in mine I became the site creche. as they enjoyed the change in things to do.
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: MAM
