Entry level

(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

| JUNE 2021