RV FEATURE
As Australians get back out on the road , post-lockdown , the Caravan Council of Australia is issuing vanners with a reminder about the meanings of the various caravan weights and ratings relevant to towing .
“ It is quite obvious that the misunderstanding – and the ignoring – of caravan ratings and masses are a prime contributing factor in the number of serious problems on the road ,” the CCA ’ s Colin Young said .
“ Another prime contributing factor is the poor maintenance and preparation of many caravans and , sometimes , the tow vehicles , before commencing a trip .”
News reports of caravans being involved in accidents , along with numerous caravan road safety and driver awareness projects being conducted by various organisations , showed the pressing need for educating caravanners on these vital issues , he said .
Fig . 1 : Measuring the axle loading . This reading must not exceed the GTM rating .
WEIGH-BRIDGE
Fig . 2 : Measuring the ‘ allup ’ mass of the van . This reading must not exceed the ATM rating .
WEIGH-BRIDGE
Fig . 3 : Measuring the Tare Mass . This is an actual mass , not a rating .
WEIGH-BRIDGE
Fig . 4 : Measuring the loaded mass of both tow vehicle and van , hitched . The combined readings must not exceed the Gross Combined Mass of the tow vehicle .
WEIGH-BRIDGE
WEIGH-BRIDGE
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