What can I tow? Weighing up before you buy your van

This is the key question for caravanners, especially first-timers, so here’s what you need to know for safe (and legal) touring

BEFORE MAKING ANY decisions about buying your caravan, you need to know what you will be able to tow – here’s a round-up of the essential details.

The 85% rule

In line with the views of the major caravanning clubs, Practical Caravan recommends using the ‘85% rule’ when calculating a suitable car-and-caravan match.

This states that a caravan (B) should weigh no more than 85% of the car’s kerbweight (A) (provided this figure is also within the car’s legal maximum towing limit).

To calculate the 85% figure, simply divide your car’s kerbweight by 100 and then multiply it by 85. For more on this, and licence requirements for towing, see p132.

Safe loading

There’s more to safe and stable loading than a few facts and figures and 30 seconds with a calculator, however.

A stable car-and-caravan combination comes about because of many different factors; although very important, the matching ratio is just one. The stability systems fitted to the car and caravan, the condition of the tyres and their correct inflation, whether the caravan is a single- or a twin-axle, download on the towball and the speed at which the outfit is driven are all important.

You may be allowed to tow at 60mph on certain roads, but back off even 5mph and you’re likely to find the unit feels more stable – you’ll arrive at your destination slightly later, but your trip will be more enjoyable, and safer.

What to put where

When mulling over matching ratios, it’s easy to forget that how a van is loaded matters – not just the actual weight. A caravan loaded to 85% with every item of luggage stuffed under a fixed bed at the back could be less stable than the same van loaded to 95% with heavy items stowed close to the axle.

Heavy items should be kept in the car (provided the payload limit isn’t exceeded), close to the rear wheels (push them as far forward as they will go when loading, keeping lighter items near the tailgate). Or keep them well secured in the van, over the wheels and on the floor, keeping a very close eye on your van’s payload to ensure that you don’t exceed it.

‘Mulling over matching ratios, it’s easy to forget that how a van is loaded also matters, not just the actual weight’