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Towing behind a motorhome.
What you should know.
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If you are thinking of fitting
a towbar to your motorhome, just check a couple of things before
you start.
Firstly, do you actually have the spare capacity to do it? If your vehicle
handbook does not list a towing limit, have a look at the VIN plate. This
should give the Gross Train Weight (the largest figure) followed by the
Maximum Gross Weight. Two other figures you would expect to see are Axle
Weights. Deduct the MGW from the GTW and the difference would normally
be your maximum towing limit.
Secondly, check the wheelbase of the vehicle (centre of front axle to centre
of rear axle) and then measure the overhang (the distance from the centre
of the rear axle to the extreme back). The overhang can go up to 60% of
the wheelbase and the towbar needs to fit within this limit.
If your vehicle has an Al-Ko chassis, do not allow the fitter to drill
extra holes for the towbar mounting. Your chassis warranty would be invalidated. |
| Braked
versus unbraked |
| To tow without brakes on the trailer,
the Maximum Gross Weight of that trailer must not exceed 750
kg or half the Kerbside Weight of the towing vehicle, whichever
is the least. Unbraked trailers must be clearly marked with
the year of manufacture and their Maximum Gross Weight. If
built after 1/1.97, they must have a secondary coupling fitted. |
| Braked trailers manufactured after
1968 must have brakes on all wheels. If built after October
1982, an hydraulically damped over-run coupling is required
and, if built after April 1989, the trailer must have an auto-reverse
brake mechanism which meets the efficiency laid down in EC
directive 71/320. Additionally, braked trailers need to have
a breakaway cable fitted which is capable of operating the
handbrake mechanism if the trailer becomes detached from the
towing vehicle, it is an offence not to use it and, it must
be "securely attached" to the towing vehicle. It
is unlikely that merely looping round the towball would be
considered a secure attachment! |
'A' frames
and Dollies
Q. What is a trailer? |
A road vehicle, usually (but not
necessarily) two wheeled, towed by a motor vehicle. Given the
above dictionary definition, it is fairly clear that anything
attached to the towball and having wheels in contact with the
ground is a trailer. This includes cars on "A" frames
and dollies. Bearing in mind that the unbraked towing limit
of 750 kg refers to Maximum Gross Weight (i.e. the figure on
the towed cars VIN plate) and not to actual weight, it severely
restricts the options. The only cars I know of with a MGW of
less than 750 kg is the Aixam range. These are around 450 to
550 kg.
There are strict regulations on braked trailers and, whilst a braked "A" frame
attached to a towed car constitutes a braked trailer, it is not legal for
transportation as it cannot comply with EC71/320. With car dollies, the
situation is somewhat different. Under regulation 83 of the Road Vehicles
(construction & Use) Regulations 1986 (SI.1986/1078) Amending Regulations,
a car dolly, with a car in place, will be considered as two trailers. This
is legal for recovery but, under the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984
(Schedule 6) the combination is limited to 40 mph on motorways and dual
carriageways and 20 mph elsewhere.
Note that there is a very specific difference between recovery and transportation.
Recovery is the removal of a broken down vehicle to a place of safety.
It does not include removing a rotor arm (for instance) and traveling the
length and breadth of the country. The police are well aware of the difference
due to the regulations covering Tachographs and Operators Licences. Recovery
vehicles are exempt.
It is well known that some countries in the EEC tend to overlook the regulations
(the UK included) but some countries do not. The situation regarding enforcement
could change at any time and, as a result, the only safe way to transport
another vehicle behind a motorhome is on a car transporter trailer. Play
safe! Do not take the risk! |
| The regulations
which cover this aspect of towing are: |
91/438/EEC covers driving licences.
71/320/EEC covers auto reverse braking systems and couplings.
S.I. 1971 No 450 Part III covers the obstruction of number plates.
94/20/EEC covers type approval of towing equipment and "S" and "D" values.
95/48/EEC covers Masses and Dimensions of M1 class vehicles.
E.T.R.T.O. 1991 section 13 covers wheels and tyres.
BSAU 113c covers 50mm ball and coupling dimensions.
BSAU 24a (1989) covers eye couplings and pin/jaw arrangements.
98/12/EEC covers brake linings and will be implemented in the UK from 1/4/01.And
not strictly towing but applicable to motorhome's is EN1648-1 covers extra
low voltage installations in Leisure Vehicles and Caravans. |
| Download
as PDF File |
The information in this guide is as accurate as the writer is able to make
it, however, no responsibility can be accepted for any inaccuracies which
may be in the text. It is the responsibility of any person wishing to
depend on the facts to check for themselves with original documentation
or any updating regulations, instruments or changes in the law. Interpretation
of the law is a matter for the courts. |
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Many thanks to Tony Maris, proprietor
of Towbars & Trailers
(Chesterfield)
for the kind permission to reproduce this article.
You will find a host of very helpful articles on all aspects of towing
on his website. If you need a towbar or trailer be sure to check out Towbars
and Trailers first. |
| Download
in PDF Format |
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| Introducing
the Car- A-Tow |
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