NCC Motorcaravan Guide - Flipbook - Page 8
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN LOADING AND DRIVING
When a carrier is fitted to the rear
of a vehicle, it is important to consider
that this weight, being so far behind
the rear axle, could induce a rear axle
overload. (See Item 8 garage areas).
6. Towing
If you wish to tow with any
motorcaravan you should:
• First check that you have a licence
that allows you to tow with it (see
Driving Licences).
• Confirm with the manufacturer
that the motorcaravan has been
approved for towing and, if so, any
towing limit for the vehicle. Some
vehicles have a reduced towing
limit when they are converted to
a motorcaravan. It is essential that
you check the manufacturer’s type
approval plate for their published
towing limit.
• Only fit an approved tow bar to
your motorcaravan. By law it must
be marked with the UNECE R55
approval number (this will carry
an approval marking that includes
the type approval and the loading
limits).
7. Towing with an A-Frame
Although use is permitted by the
Department of Transport whilst in
the UK, such use is considered as
unlawful in many countries across
8 NCC Motorcaravan Guide February 2023
Europe. Please ensure that you
confirm it is legal to use in those
countries you intend to visit as failing
to meet their rules may lead to your
equipment being confiscated.
8. Garage areas
For motorcaravans with a large
‘garage’ area at the rear, it is
important to consider how this area
is used. As this storage (‘garage’) is
to the rear of the vehicle, it could be
very easy to induce an overload of the
rear axle.
Note: Loads placed behind the rear
axle, e.g. 4, 5 & 6 above, will transfer
weight from the front axle to the
rear axle, and therefore the load
imposed on the rear axle will be
greater than the extra weight of the
load itself. Great care must be taken
not to overload the rear axle.
9. Food
It is recommended that you buy food
once you have arrived on the site to
which you are travelling rather than
travel with food on board to ensure
you keep your vehicles loaded mass
within the vehicles MTPLM.
