TECHNICAL TERMS EXPLAINED

› Kerbweight

As defined by EU Directive 95/48/ EC, the car or other vehicle’s weight with a 90% full fuel tank, all necessary fluids, 68kg for the driver and

7kg of luggage. This is the figure that is used to calculate a tow car match

› GTW

(Gross train weight)

The maximum allowable combined weight of the towing vehicle and the caravan, as specified by the maker of the towing vehicle

› Hook-up

Cable connection to the mains electrical supply at a campsite. Provides power to mains sockets and appliances

› Maximum towing limit The greatest weight that a car can legally tow, as specified by the manufacturer of the towing vehicle

› MIRO

(Mass in running order) The caravan’s weight, with all factory-fitted equipment, when it leaves the factory. MIRO replaces the old terms ‘ex-works weight’ and ‘unladen weight’

› MTPLM

(Maximum technically permissible laden mass)

The maximum weight that the caravan chassis can take, as stated by the chassis manufacturer. On pre-1998 caravans, it is referred to as ‘maximum gross weight’ (MGW)

› Noseweight

The weight applied to the car’s towball by the caravan. A car also has a towball limit, which is the maximum weight that can be applied to the towball. The lower of the two figures is the maximum you are permitted. Legally it needs to be 4% or more of the weight of the trailer or at least 25kg; whichever is higher

› Payload

The weight of items you may load into your caravan. It’s found by subtracting the MIRO from the MTPLM

› Snake

The term used to describe a caravan swaying behind the towing vehicle. It is most likely to occur when caravans are loaded badly, going downhill or going too fast

› Stabiliser

A device that suppresses unwanted movement of a caravan. Modern units mount to the towball and use friction to dampen the caravan’s inertia