The Caravan Page, for all your caravaning needs
   

 

  

Match the towcar + caravan

MATCH THE TOWCAR + CARAVAN: Before you start looking for a new tourer or towcar then you need to have the correct information to make a safe and legal decision. If you don't then you could put yourselves and other road users at risk, and invalidate your warranties and insurance.

  • There are 3 things you need to find out about your towcar:
  1. Kerbweight
  2. Maximum towing weight
  3. Noseweight limit

Be sure to get the correct figures for the exact engine and spec for your model as weights can vary across the range.

  • For your caravan you need to find out:
  1. MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass) or
  2. MGW (Maximum Gross Weight) if the 'van is pre-1998.
  • Your caravans MTPLM or MGW should not exceed 85% of the towcars kerbweight, and should never exceed 100%. Only the very experienced should attempt to tow at 100%.
  • Also your caravans MTPLM should be lower than the cars maximum towing weight, and the same applies for the noseweight, or you may be invalidating the vehicles warranty and your insurance!