Before you load even the first item of cutlery into your towing caravan, it is essential to know the user payload of your touring caravan, which is the total combined weight of everything loaded into it. To calculate the user payload, you need information from your caravan plate. The user payload is calculated by subtracting the MRO figure (mass in running order) from the MTPLM figure (maximum technically permissible laden mass). Other weights that need to be deducted from the user payload are motormovers, caravan jacks, hitch locks and wheel clamps. Once you have arrived at a final figure, you can consider packing your caravan.
Why is weight distribution important?
Correct distribution of the weight inside your caravan will contribute to its stability when being towed and reduce the risk of snaking, a common cause of road accidents involving touring caravans. Loading heavy items correctly will go a long way to minimising the risks from poor weight distribution and should be a consideration for everyone towing a touring caravan.
Store heavy items over the axle
Fixed features such as fridges and cookers cannot be moved, although it should be said that touring caravan designers have worked hard to improve internal layouts of modern models to improve stability, including storing gas bottles and caravan leisure batteries in central lockers rather than the front locker. With older models, you have to go with the layout you have but, generally, heavy items should be carried low down over the axle.
How to pack the caravan
Begin with the heaviest items on the floor of the caravan, but consider storing equipment like awnings and electricity cables in the towing vehicle. To secure heavy items over the axle and to prevent them from sliding when braking or accelerating, use cargo nets to hold them in place. Moving on to medium weight items, these can be spread out further but should still be focused close to the axle – obviously with twin-axle caravans that have a wider pivot point, this is much easier to do. Finally, only the lightest weight items, such as summer clothing, should be stored in roof lockers to reduce the risk of affecting the touring caravan’s centre of gravity.
Handy tips
- Weighing everything before you load your touring caravan is tedious and time-consuming but is the most effective way to ensure you remain within weight guidelines. Once done, it will only need to be repeated if you purchase new equipment.
- Don’t pack anything unnecessary! This may seem obvious, but unless you are going completely off-grid, most areas you travel to will have shops to stock up on teabags and basic provisions that will all add to your final weight.
- Transport water and toilet containers empty – one litre of water weighs 1kg.
- Invest in lightweight versions of equipment such as crockery and reduce the amount of cook sets you pack if your party is small in number.
Visit our website for all your towing supplies and touring caravan equipment or get in touch via email or phone and our friendly staff will be happy to help with your needs.
