Due to my question regarding the acceptance of twin axle caravans, I have received this comment from a professional source and wonder if it is correct.
"Please note that UK Law states a caravan length must not exceed 7m (23ft) or width of 2.3m (7ft 6ins)".
Is this correct and if so, how come UK manufacturers produce caravans in excess of this length?
Bordercaz, So even though I drive a Mitusubishi Panjero LWB 2.5 TD, I can't go out and buy a 7.2 metre long van. But I see so many of them around and about which are clearly over the 7 m mark being towed by non 4wd vehicles
Further information from: National Trailer and Towing Association (NTTA) www.ntta.co.uk/law/
Maximum trailer sizes Type 01: unbraked trailers - max. 750kg gross trailer weight or half the towing vehicle's kerb weight - whichever is less. Type 02: trailers on overrun brakes - max. 3500kg gross trailer weight. 1982 regulations require that all trailers, including unbraked ones, must be clearly marked with their maximum gross weight in kg. This may be checked at any time by the police at a weighbridge. Since 1 January 1997, all unbraked trailer plates must show the year of manufacture.
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%.
Load distribution Proper load distribution, in general, must be ensured too, with all heavy items in the caravan low down and directly over the axle wherever possible. Correct tyre pressures for car and caravan are absolutely vital.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
Being quite involved witht he constabulary (on a professional basis, not criminal!) few plod have a clue what the legalities are. The only time 4X4 peeps need to worry is if they turn the van over - then the tape measure comes out as the accident investigators know their stuff! And if they don't the insurance loss adjusters will!
My van is 7.3m including the frame - frightened me to death when I read the legal specs - I didn't understand what coupling and drawbar meant at first - why don't they just put A frame.... Again this great board put my mind at ease. Mine is 5.9m body length.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: legal length for caravan
