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It ’ s a common question : how do I know if my car can tow that caravan ? Let ’ s take a look at some of the non-negotiable rules , from maximum towing capacity to ball weight , Tare and ATM …
MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY
When trying to establish if a new caravan is suitable for your vehicle , you ’ ll need to investigate the vehicle ’ s maximum towing capacity . This figure is stipulated by the manufacturer of the vehicle and it can usually be found in the owner ’ s handbook and sometimes on a placard on the towbar .
MAXIMUM TOWBAR MASS
Once you ’ re confident in the overall towing capacity of your vehicle , it ’ s important to ascertain its maximum towball mass . This is the total permissible weight that can rest on the vehicle ’ s towbar and , again , it ’ s stipulated by the manufacturer of the vehicle . The rule of thumb is that a vehicle manufacturer allows 10 per cent of the total towing capacity to sit on the towbar but pay particular attention
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