NCC Motorcaravan Guide - Flipbook - Page 6
GENERAL INFORMATION
Know your limits, ensure you are aware of the maximum width,
height and weight of your motorcaravan to avoid problems
when driving towards low bridges, height barriers and weight
restricted bridges.
If you are new to the world of
motorcaravans, it is advisable to stay
local on your first trips to enable you
to get used to the motorcaravan’s
equipment.
Make sure you know your vehicles
speed limits, as some heavier
motorcaravans and van conversions
may have lower speed limits than the
national speed limit.
Be careful not to exceed maximum
loads or overload any of the axles
Whilst a larger motorcaravan may
enable you to carry more load, it is
where this load is placed that is critical
to ensuring that the motorcaravan
remains stable on the road and safe
to drive. All motorcaravans will have
a maximum loading capacity which
must not be exceeded – it is also
important you do not overload any of
the axles.
These maximum masses will
be stated on the motorcaravan
manufacturer’s type approval
plate usually found in the engine
compartment or the cab door pillar.
Where there are differences
between the motorcaravan
manufacturer’s approval plate and
the base vehicle and/or chassis
manufacturer’s approval plate, the
motorcaravan manufacturer’s approval
plate takes precedence.
The maximum load for each axle
will be stated on the motorcaravan
manufacturer’s type approval plate.
This will normally have four masses
stamped on it.
Note: Where only three masses are
stated, the vehicle cannot tow a trailer.
• Where four masses are quoted, the
highest figure will be the train weight
• Where only three masses are quoted,
the highest figure will be the vehicle’s
MTPLM (which would be the second
highest figure on a plate containing
four masses). This is the legal
maximum weight your motorcaravan
can be when it is fully loaded.
These weights must not be exceeded.
To do so is illegal and will invalidate
your insurance.
The next two loads will be the front
and rear maximum axle loads normally
shown with a 1 before the front axle and
a 2 before the rear axle. (Motorcaravans
with three axles will have the maximum
third axle load shown with a 3 before the
load)
Gross vehicle weight
(MTPLM)
Maximum front axle load
Gross train weight
(Max. weight
including trailer)
Maximum rear axle load
Sample of a vehicle type approval plate
6 NCC Motorcaravan Guide February 2023
