The National Caravan and Recreational Vehicle Towing Guide
Caravan
Modern caravans are usually built using either a timber, aluminium frame, or sandwich panel, can vary in length from 3 to over 10 metres and can be up to 2.5 metres wide (including any fittings). They require very little time to set up on site but can have a higher wind resistance when towing than a pop-top caravan or a camper trailer.Pop-Top Caravan
Pop-tops feature a canvas, vinyl or fabric insert that connects the roof to the sides of the caravan. This insert allows the roof to be lowered for travelling. With the roof lowered, the vehicle’s height, and therefore wind resistance, is reduced and its centre of gravity is lowered.Camper Trailer
The camper trailer is a low profile caravan with a wind-up roof and extendable bed sections at either end of the trailer. Camper trailers are easy to tow and are often suitable for smaller tow vehicles.Tent Trailer
Tent trailers are compact and popular for off-road use with their light mass and low wind resistance. Tent trailers are easy to tow and are often suitable for smaller tow vehicles.5th Wheel Caravan
5th Wheelers have all the features of a standard caravan but are designed to be towed by utilities or trucks. The towing connection is mounted on the tray of the tow vehicle, as close as possible to the rear axle. The 5th Wheeler's suspension carries the majority of its gross weight,
with the balance distributed forward of the rear suspension over the differential rather than the extreme rear of the tow vehicle. Those towing 5th Wheelers should ensure that they do not exceed the axle capacity of the tow vehicle when the rig is connected.
Motorhome
A motorhome is a self-powered, self-contained unit driven from a cabin that allows easy access to the rest of the vehicle.Campervan
Campervans are a motorised van equipped with sleeping, refrigeration, sink, cooking and dining facilities designed for recreational travel.Slide-On Camper
The slide-on camper is a caravan type body which slides on and is secured to the bed or tray of a utility.GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass)
The GVM (gross vehicle mass) is the maximum allowable total mass of a fully loaded motor vehicle, consisting of the tare mass (mass of the vehicle) plus the load (including passengers).GCM (Gross Combination Mass)
GCM is the rating provided by the manufacturer of the tow vehicle. The maximum laden mass of a motor vehicle plus the maximum laden weight of an attached trailer is not permitted to exceed the GCM rating.ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass)
The total laden weight of a trailer, which includes the tow ball mass and whatever you add as payload (eg. water, gas, luggage). The ATM is specified by the trailer manufacturer and must not be exceeded.GTM (Gross Trailer Mass)
The total permissible mass which includes whatever you add as payload (eg. water, gas and luggage) that can be supported by the wheels of a trailer. This does not include the mass supported by the tow ball.