RoamWorthy FAQs

Prioritise damp and structural condition, verify the CRiS identity, inspect tyres and chassis, test gas, water and electrical systems, and ask for service and habitation history.

Match the caravan MTPLM to your tow car before paying a deposit.

MTPLM is the Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass: the maximum permitted loaded weight of the caravan.

Use MTPLM, not the empty weight, when checking towing compatibility.

MiRO is the caravan mass in running order before your touring payload is added.

MTPLM is the maximum permitted loaded mass. The difference between the two is the available payload allowance.

A standard Category B car licence normally covers a motorhome with a Maximum Authorised Mass up to 3,500kg.

Above 3,500kg you generally need C1 entitlement; many drivers who passed before 1 January 1997 have C1 through acquired rights, but you should check your individual licence record.

Campervans are usually compact van-based conversions, while motorhomes typically have a larger purpose-built habitation body or larger panel-van conversion.

The useful distinction for buyers is size, travel seats, payload, layout and how easy the vehicle is to use day to day.

Overnight-parking and wild-camping rules depend on the land, local restrictions and which UK nation you are in.

Do not assume a motorhome can stay overnight wherever normal parking is allowed; check landowner and local authority rules for the specific place.

The 85% rule is a stability guideline suggesting a caravan MTPLM around 85% or less of the tow car kerbweight, particularly for less experienced towers.

It is not a legal limit and does not replace the vehicle towing-capacity or Gross Train Weight checks.

If you got your car licence from 1 January 1997, GOV.

UK says you can tow a trailer up to 3,500kg MAM. This is category BE entitlement. You must also stay within the tow vehicle manufacturer’s towing limit and Gross Train Weight (GTW). If you got your car licence before 1 January 1997, you can usually drive a vehicle-and-trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM. Check your individual driving licence record because entitlements can vary.

For most current UK car licences, the trailer itself can be up to 3,500kg MAM; 3,500kg is not a blanket combined car-plus-trailer limit.

The vehicle’s own MAM, braked towing limit and Gross Train Weight still apply.

If you got your car licence from 1 January 1997, GOV.

UK says you can tow a trailer up to 3,500kg MAM. This is category BE entitlement. You must also stay within the tow vehicle manufacturer’s towing limit and Gross Train Weight (GTW). If you got your car licence before 1 January 1997, you can usually drive a vehicle-and-trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM. Check your individual driving licence record because entitlements can vary.

Gross Train Weight is the maximum permitted actual weight of the tow vehicle and trailer together.

It is set by the vehicle manufacturer and shown on the vehicle plate, and it must not be exceeded even if the trailer is within the headline braked towing limit.

Noseweight is the downward load the caravan applies to the towball.

It must stay within both the tow car and towbar limits and should be set correctly for stable towing.

Use a suitable public weighbridge with the caravan loaded as you actually tour.

Compare the measured result with the caravan MTPLM and check axle and noseweight limits separately.

Many dealers offer finance on used leisure vehicles, subject to lender criteria.

Compare the APR, deposit, term, total amount payable and any final payment rather than comparing monthly payments alone.

Caravan insurance is separate from the towing cover provided by your car policy.

Check theft, accidental damage, contents, storage, touring and European cover, and make sure any required security devices are fitted and used.

Check your car policy and tell the insurer if required.

Do not assume every policy provides the same level of trailer or caravan cover, especially for damage to the caravan itself.

Use layered security such as an approved hitch lock, wheel lock or clamp, alarm and tracker where appropriate.

Secure storage and correct use of insurer-required devices are as important as the devices themselves.

A damp check measures moisture levels in the caravan or motorhome body and looks for signs of water ingress.

It is normally part of a professional habitation inspection and is especially important on used vehicles.

Use the enquiry options on the vehicle listing.

RoamWorthy passes the enquiry to the dealer responsible for that vehicle so you can ask about availability, specifications or arranging a viewing.

Yes.

Use RoamWorthy alerts and saved-search features where available to be notified when relevant stock appears or changes.