Towing Vehicle Terms

Kerb weight
This is 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 are generally designed for large goods vehicles and therefore usually weigh in increments of 20 kg. They also 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.

Train Weight (Combination Weight):
The maximum combined weight of the towing vehicle and trailer combination as specified by the towing vehicle manufacturer.