The law may seem confusing to those who are new to caravans, but simply there are two groups of drivers – those who passed their test before 1 January 1997 and those who passed it on or after 1 January 1997.

Those who passed before January 1, 1997

You must already have the category B + E on your license. This means that you do not need an additional test to tow a caravan to take the car and camper trailer combination does not exceed 8,250 kg – that should give ample scope to choose a car and camper trailer!

Those who went from January 1, 1997

If you passed your driving test, more recently, you are only entitled to drive a vehicle up to 3,500 kg and towing a caravan or tent trailer not exceeding 750 kg in category B + B1.

Tow a smaller car means you can tow a heavy caravan provide the total weight of the combination does not exceed 3,500 kg. It is also a legal requirement for the maximum permissible mass (MAM) of the caravan or tent trailer does not exceed the unladen weight of the tractor. The manufacturer's manual should be able to tell the unladen weight the towing vehicle.

If you want to tow anything bigger than this, you are required by law to perform an additional test to add the category B + E, for license. With the above information in mind, it's time to match your tow vehicle with trailer. For those new to caravans and trailers in general, the best is going for the lighter option and not try to go for the caravan to your car heavier.

It is recommended that the maximum technically permissible laden Mass (MTPLM) of the caravan should not exceed 85% of curb weight of your trailer. Use your owner's manual for your car to find the empty weight can be MTPLM calculated by multiplying the curb weight by 85 and dividing by 100.

This rule can apply only if the maximum towing weight for the car is less than 85% of the weight (the manual should be able to provide the maximum weight of trailer). If less than 85%, then MTPLM the caravan must not exceed this limit towing weight.

To make sure trailer, it is important to properly load the trailer, not to unbalance him. Resist the temptation to pack especially in the front closet with their gas bottles, spare wheel as they could easily exceed the nose weight of your trailer and towing vehicle (weight Maximum drawbar can take). That exceed the nose weight of your car and camper trailer facilitate dangerous.

Only items that are light can be packaged in the height of the head in the cupboards of the caravan. Medium-weight items (such as vacuum aquarolls) should be placed at ground level in front and rear of the caravan to balance the heavy elements is placed on the shaft. Put heavy items, such as awnings, ground level and so close to the axles of the caravan as possible. Place heavy objects on the back of the caravan imbalance and cause a pendulum effect when the trailer.

Some new caravans are trailer equipped with stability systems such as AL-KO ATC. These can prove invaluable in preventing your caravan snaking and cause an accident. You can also mean that you qualify for a discount from your insurance caravan! It is always beneficial to assist new caravan towing courses where they can be taught by experts in the driving and maneuver and seek advice from the experts. One could make the first exit just under stress and prevent possible insurance claims caravan!

Heather Robinson of Caravan Guard Limited. Caravan Guard provide specialist insurance for caravans in the UK including Northern Ireland. For more information about caravanning, visit our website at http://www.caravanguard.co.uk

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