Specifications

22
vehicle classifications & advice on towing
VEHICLE CLASSIFICATIONS
Motorhomesupto3500kgMTPLMareP/LGV
(PrivateLightGoodsVehicles),motorhomeswith
an MTPLM over 3500kg and up to 7500kg are
P/HGV(PrivateHeavyGoodsVehicles).Theseare
used in defining MOT classifications and vehicle
excise duty (road tax) classifications.
ADVICE ON TOWING
The towing capability of each motorhome
differs depending on the specific chassis and
engine types, (see ‘Towing Capabilities Table’ in
your specification handbook).
This table takes account of the maximum front
and rear axle loadings as well as the minimum
front axle loading in two conditions, MRO and
MTPLM condition.
Towing in these, and any other condition
requires sensible loading and distribution of
payloads to ensure the requirements of the
towing capability table are met.
When towing, the demands on both the
vehicle and driver increase. A trailer reduces
manoeuvrability, the ability to climb hills,
acceleration and braking capacity and makes
the vehicle handle and corner differently. It will
also increase the fuel consumption of
the vehicle.
Always brake in good time. Special care must
be taken when descending gradients. Change
down before going down a steep hill so the
engine can act as a brake. Ensure that the
towing vehicle tyre pressures are correct and
adjusted for full load conditions and that the
trailer tyre pressures are as recommended by
the trailer manufacturer. Regularly check the
operation of trailer brakes and lights.
For maximum stability, when loading the trailer
ensure that the loads are properly secured
during transit. Position loads so that most of
theweightisplacedclosetotheoorand,
where possible, immediately above or close
to the axle(s). Where the load can be divided
between trailer and tow vehicle, loading
more weight into the vehicle will generally
improve the stability of the combination.
After loading the trailer, check that the nose
weight and axle loads are in accordance
with the manufacturer’s recommendations,
also check the rear and front axle loads on
the motorhome. When calculating the laden
weight of the trailer, remember to include the
weight of the trailer PLUS THE LOAD.
NOTE: Towing regulations vary from
country to country. It is very important
to ensure that national regulations
governing towing weights and speed
limits are observed (refer to the relevant
national motoring organisation for
information). The stated maximum
permissible towing weights refer to the
vehicle’s design limitations and NOT to
any specific territorial restrictions.
Notes:
i) Do not exceed the motorhome gross
vehicle train weight.
ii) Do not exceed the maximum front & rear
axle loads on the motorhome.
iii) Ensure the motorhome front axle load is
never less than 40% or more than 70% of
the total weight.
iv) Motorhomes with an MTPLM up to
3500kg which have European Type
approval can only be fitted with a type
approved towbar complying to 94/20/EC.
v) The limit for towing an un-braked trailer
is750kg(basedonVINplatenotactual
weight), this applies to a towed car.
vi) AcardollywithacarwithaGVWover
750kg in place is considered as two
trailers, these are legal for use for recovery
but under the Road Traffic Regulations
Act 1984 the combination is limited to 40
mph on motorways and dual carriageways
and 20 mph elsewhere. A car dolly is not
legal for transportation (there is a very
specific difference between recovery and
transportation. Recovery is defined as the
removal of a broken down vehicle to a
place of safety).
vii) The maximum permitted vehicle
combination length is 18.75m, however
any combination must ensure compliance
with the turning circle requirements of
Construction and Use regulations 1986 &
97/27/EC.
preparing for the road