NCC Motorcaravan Guide - Flipbook - Page 7
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN LOADING AND DRIVING
1. Storage of heavy items
Always consider where in your
motorcaravan heavy items are
stored - the heavier the item is, the
lower it should be stored within the
motorcaravan. The high-level lockers
should be kept for light items and,
when travelling, it is essential to
ensure the doors on these lockers are
correctly closed and secured.
Wherever possible, heavy items
should be placed on the floor near to
an axle as this will aid the handling of
your motorcaravan.
Heavy items should be secured
for travelling so that they cannot
move while in transit.
3. Passengers
Passengers should only travel in
designated passenger seats and
should always wear a seat belt.
Note: The manufacturer has only
taken account of 75kgs per passenger
when advising you of your payload, so
you will need to take account of any
passengers over this weight as it will
reduce your payload for other items.
Line 8.1 of your V5 registration
document ‘Number of seats
including driver’ will state the
number of persons that may be
carried in the vehicle. To exceed this
is illegal and may invalidate your
insurance.
2. Water
Motorcaravan manufacturers will
specify the amount of water that
can be carried while travelling.
Whenever possible, travel with your
vehicle’s water tanks empty and
fill them when you arrive at your
destination. This will save 1kg for each
litre of water that you do not put in
your tank whilst on the road. Large
amounts of water moving around in
the tanks whilst travelling may affect
the handling, and even the braking,
of your motorcaravan.
4. Pets
If you travel with pets on board your
motorcaravan ensure they are always
safely restrained or contained. Their
weight must be considered as part of
your user payload.
5. Bike racks and roof boxes
If racks or boxes were not fitted by
the manufacturer, then the weight of
these and any items inside needs to
be considered as part of your payload.
If the manufacturer has fitted these
items, then they should have made
an allowance for the weight of items
placed on the rack, or in the box. You
should check the manufacturer’s
allowance before loading these items.
NCC Motorcaravan Guide February 2023 7
