What are the requirements for towing a caravan with a car?
2 Answers
Requirements for towing a caravan with a car are as follows: Power: Firstly, automatic transmissions can provide a stable and continuous pulling force for the caravan, making them superior to manual transmission cars. Secondly, for a caravan train, high torque is more important than high power. Therefore, in terms of power, pure electric vehicles > diesel vehicles > gasoline vehicles. Weight: The total mass of the caravan must not exceed the unladen mass of the towing vehicle (except for off-road vehicles, which typically have powerful engines and four-wheel drive, allowing them to tow caravans up to 1.5 times their own weight). A heavier towing vehicle can enhance the stability of the caravan and towing vehicle combination, while also reducing braking distance and improving stability.
Well, I've personally experienced several long journeys with a towed RV, and I believe the key lies in doing it legally and safely. First, check your vehicle's towing capacity—don't exceed the limit. The law typically restricts the towing weight to no more than 75% of the vehicle's gross weight; otherwise, the suspension could fail. A driver's license is a hard requirement—you must upgrade to a C6 class, or you'll face fines and demerit points if caught. Equipment-wise, an electric brake system is essential; manual brakes simply can't handle steep slopes, posing too much risk. Don't skip the lighting connection test, including brake lights and turn signals—they saved me from rear-end collisions on night drives. Don't forget special insurance coverage, and routinely check tire wear and spare tire pressure. In mountainous areas, keep your speed under 80 km/h and slow down early before turns to prevent rollovers. In short, consulting the DMV beforehand is always a good idea.
