Safe towing
...is our resident technical guru. He enjoys nothing more than getting his hands dirty modifying and tweaking his Renault Trafic-based campervan
Last September, the Government proposed changes to licensing requirements with regards to towing trailers, meaning car drivers will have âBEâ codes added to their driving licence. This law came into effect on 16 December, meaning that, if you passed your test from 1 January 1997, you can now tow a trailer weighing up to 3,500kg.
WHY FIT A TOWBAR?
A towbar is one of the most flexible additions you can bolt to your motorhome and it allows you to increase storage space, add a cycle rack, reduce your motorhomeâs weight with a trailer, or tow a vehicle.
The majority of motorhomes can have a towbar fitted, but the type you need depends on when your âvan was registered. If it was registered before April 2012 (it has a registration plate of â61â or older), then it doesnât need to be fitted with a type-approved towbar. If it was registered after April 2012 (a â12â registration plate or newer) then it must be fitted with a type-approved towbar for all towing applications, but a non-approved towbar can be used to support a rack for a bicycle, motorcycle or scooter. If you have the option, itâs wisest to fit a type-approved towbar as it future-proofs your âvan.
While most motorhomes are suitable for towbars, motorhomes with a large rear overhang and no rear chassis support framework may not be suitable for adding a towbar.
In some cases, additional chassis bracing can be welded or bolted in, but this isnât always the case as it depends on the available payload.
Firms such as SvTech can increase the plated chassis weights, but this can have a knock-on effect to licensing if it exceeds the 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) and may limit who can drive the vehicle.
So, with any vehicle that youâre considering having a towbar fitted to, your first port of call needs to be to a local towbar specialist or motorhome dealer to see what can actually be fitted to your âvan.
