Towing weight, Which is legally correct?

Posted on 10/07/2022 21:49 by ScreenNameADF2063F76

I have looked up https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2012/1230 as referred to by Lutz.

Reading Article 2, Definitions, paragraph 7 states, “technically permissible maximum laden mass’ (M) means the maximum mass allocated to a vehicle on the basis of its construction features and its design performances; the technically permissible laden mass of a trailer or of a semi-trailer includes the static mass transferred to the towing vehicle when coupled;”

While I would love to gain an extra 90 or so kilograms of payload, the fact is that the weight borne by the tow bar is still to be included in the maximum technically permitted laden mass of the trailer.

Posted on 11/07/2022 07:43 by ChocolateTrees

MTPLM (and total van payload) is independent of node weight. Your van MUST be equal to or less than the MPTLM.

The noseweight aspect is important for the GTW (gross train weight) and weight being towed by the car.

These are separate limits and treated separately.

Posted on 11/07/2022 08:16 by Lutz

The above post can lead to misunderstandings

For a start, MTPLM is not independent of noseweight. It is the total weight of the caravan, including the noseweight. Only the payload is independent of noseweight.

Noseweight is part of the total weight of the car.

The total weight being towed by the car is the axle load of the caravan, so it does not include the noseweight. If it were, one would be counting noseweight twice, once including it in the total weight of the car and again in the towed weight.