Page 5 - Understanding Weights

There has been some confusion about the size and
weight of a caravan that a vehicle can legally tow.
The regulations have changed many times over many
years. At one stage it was simply that the tow vehicle
had to be heavier than the caravaln.
Today, the regulations are much more stringent and
complex taking in many factors.
Understanding these regulations and the associated
weight calculations is often not understood, and the
acronyms used can be confusing.
In the interest of safety of all motorists, the CCQ
encourages all caravanners to familiarise themselves
with these regulations and take adequate steps to ensure
their tow vehicle and caravan combination weights do
not exceed the maximum legal weights.
Vehicle and caravan manufacturers will speci$ Tare,
Payload, GVM, GTM, ATM and GCM. These weight
figures may be in the owner's handbook or etched on a
plate attached to the vehicle or caravan.
Using the form provided; enter the maximum weights as
specified by the'ManufacturerS for your combination
These weights must not be exceeded under any
circumstances
Knowing the maximum legal weights for your
combination; take your tow vehicle and caravan - all
loaded up, including full fuel and water tanks, and ready
to tour to a registered public weighbridge and have it
-
weighed.
Hopefully you are under the legal weight limits, if not
make all necessary weight reductions and reweigh your
combination.
Again, using the form provided; enter the final measured
weights of your combination for future reference.

Then you can be confident that your tow vehicle and
caravafi combination measure up when it comes to legal
safe towing.
For a further detailed explanation please visit

www. caravanlifestyle. com/caravan-weight-breakdown/

May 2018