TOWING CODE
16
TOWING VEHICLE TERMS
Towing vehicle terms
Kerb weight
(Mass of Vehicle in Running Order):
The weight of the towing vehicle as defined by
the vehicle manufacturer. This is normally with
a full tank of fuel, with an adequate supply of
liquids incidental to the vehicles propulsion,
without driver or passengers, without any load
except loose tools and equipment with which
the vehicle is normally provided and without
any towing bracket.
Caravan to Towing Vehicle Weight Ratio:
The towing vehicle to caravan weight ratio can
be determined by calculation and is equal to:
Actual laden weight of caravan
x 100%
Kerb weight of towing vehicle
The law requires that caravans & their towing
vehicles & the loads they carry must be in
such a condition that no danger or nuisance
is caused.
(Regulation 100 of the Road and Vehicles
[Construction and Use] Regulations 1986).
Note: The towing vehicle manufacturer’s
limit is, in some cases, less than the kerb
weight.
Mass in Running Order:
Caravanners can use a public weigh bridge to
establish the mass in running order.
Note: Weigh bridges have varying weight
tolerance levels.
Maximum Permissible Towing Mass:
The weight defined by the vehicle
manufacturer as being the maximum that the
vehicle is designed to tow at.
Train Weight (Combination Weight):
The maximum combined weight of the towing
vehicle and trailer combination as specified by
the towing vehicle manufacturer.
Measurement of nose weight
Nose weight may be measured using a
propriety brand of nose weight indicator.
Such equipment is obtainable at your
Caravan Dealer.
Note: These indicators have a varying
tolerance level and may not be accurate.
Another simple method is to use bathroom
scales under the coupling head with a piece of
wood, fitted between the coupling head and
the scales, of such length that the caravan
floor is horizontal with the jockey wheel raised
clear of the ground. (Fig. A)
LEVEL
GROUND LINE
430mm
±35mm
Fig. A Measuring nose weight
Nose weight can be adjusted simply by
distribution of weights in the caravan.
Always lower jockey wheel before entering
the caravan and then raise before measuring
again. (See Loading).
Note: The height of the towball on the
towing vehicle, when laden, is also critical.
! WARNING: Do not lift the coupling head
by hand when hitching the caravan to the
car. Always raise and lower the coupling
head by winding the handle on the jockey
wheel up and down.
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