KNOW YOUR VEHICLE

A glance at the side profile of a car gives a clue to its potential as a towcar. If it has a relatively long wheelbase and the all important rear overhang is short (the distance between the centre of the rear wheels to the towball) then it looks promising. Below are listed some important but easy to understand calculations that should enable you to set up both vehicles for better towing.

Actual Laden Weight
The total weight of the caravan/trailer and its contents when being towed.

Kerb Weight
The weight of the towing vehicle as defined by the vehicle manufacturer (we suggest that you consult your vehicle's manual for this).

Caravan or Trailer /Towing Vehicle Weight Ratio
The actual laden weight of the caravan expressed as a percentage of the kerb weight of the towing vehicle, ie: actual laden weight of caravan, divided by kerb weight of towing vehicle, multiplied by 100.

Regular servicing

Most importantly, make sure that your towing vehicle and trailer or caravan are serviced regularly. Remember, you put not only yourself at risk but your family and other road users at risk if you do not heed these warnings.

EC 94/20 REGULATIONS

This European Directive relates to mechanical coupling devices of motor vehicles, their trailers, and attachments to those vehicles. Type Approved towbars ensure peace of mind for all concerned.

The European Directive was published on 29th July 1994 and in conjunction with EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval 53/20, the aim is to allow free trading of vehicles throughout the EC once Type Approval is granted in one member State. Therefore, after 1st August 1998 new models of vehicles which the manufacturer indicates as suitable for towing, should only be fitted with towbars which have undergone Type Approval to the requirements of Directive 94/20/EC. Similarly, existing designs of all vehicles, both old and new which are registered after 1st August 1998 will require Type Approved towbars from that date.

The main points

1. A towbar must fit to all the vehicle manufacturer's recommended fitting points.

2. The towbar must successfully pass the new higher Euronorm Standard (20% higher than previous UK/European levels).

3. The towbar must not obscure the number plate when not in use (a detachable system such as the Brinkmatic overcomes any problems).

How it affects you
The new Regulations, once implemented, mean that towbars must be manufactured to a higher European Standard. Ultimately this has to improve the towing enthusiast's peace of mind that he has a 'coupling' that is designed and made to the highest of quality levels. Alternatively, it will be illegal to fit a non 94/20 EC towbar to a vehicle that has Type Approval as it would jeopardise human safety and insurance cover and may invalidate vehicle warranty.

NOSE WEIGHTS

The nose weight can be defined as the downforce which a trailer exerts on the towball. While the loaded trailer should be a little nose heavy, and point down slightly at the front, it is essential from a safety aspect that this is not too great

Where to start
The nose weight referred to in the vehicle handbook should be followed, but as a general guideline the recommended nose weight is around 7% of the laden weight of the trailer. Too light or too heavy a nose weight will result in poor towing stability and, in the case of a heavy nose weight, may mean that headlights project a potentially dangerous, high beam of light, dazzling other drivers. Checking tyre pressures on a regular basis is very important. Underinflated tyres are unstable at the best of times, but can cause untold problems when towing.

How to check
The easiest way of establishing nose weight is to place a set of bathroom scales directly under the caravan/trailer coupling (first, place a piece of wood or suitable packer between scales and coupling for protection), gradually wind up the jockey wheel until it is just clear of the ground. The alternative is to purchase a proprietary nose weight indicator - a wise investment for the regular towing enthusiast. Overloading the towing vehicle may also result in damaged suspension. Remember, you should aim for perfect harmony between both vehicles.