Hitch A Trailer To Your Motorhome

Many motorhomes choose to attach a trailer to their vehicle. They find many uses there: transporting a vehicle related to their hobby, whether nautical (boat, jet ski, kayak) or terrestrial (bikes, quads, motorcycles), to move more easily during their stages, or all simply increase the payload of the motorhome. Here is a reminder of the different points to take into account before coupling a trailer to your motorhome.

Hitch A Trailer To Your Motorhome

Hitch a trailer to your motorhome

Most of the time, trailers are used to transport equipment. The traditional models are identical to those used on cars. This ranges from simple baggage trailers to vehicle trailers of all kinds, including horse-drawn wagons and timber trailers. However, these are not the only options available. The transverse trailer, sometimes called a "following trailer", is ideal for transporting 2 wheels in a motorhome. 

It has the advantage of being space-saving and of being handy during maneuvers. It is sometimes attached to two towing hooks, which also makes it more stable. Depending on the use you have of your trailer, you will choose a fixed, removable or swiveling hitch. The specialist Rameder presents the different variants of trailer couplings and explains that the must is a swivel system, which hides entirely under the vehicle while allowing immediate use. Hitching a trailer to your motorhome means respecting the regulations. The Highway Code provides for certain regulations specific to motorhomes. Here are some important points!

Protect Your trailer with Best Quality Covers

The PolyPro3 cover is suitable for trailers / mini-caravans measuring 10 'to 12' long and 6 'wide

With access panels at four elastic corners at the hem for a personalized fit, integrated quick-drying ventilation system Polypro 1 reducing wind range and interior humidity and ventilation on each side

The Teardrop PolyPro3 towable recreational vehicle cover keeps rain and snow out. The thick three-layer top and one-layer sides protect against rain, snow, dirt, snags and scratches, for all-season protection. Buckle straps on the sides with two connection points help secure the cover in place, while a bag helps prevent the cover from dragging under the vehicle. For more details visit our website carcover.com.

The elastic corners of the hem of the recreational vehicle accessories offer a custom built-in ventilation system, combined with quick drying of the PolyPro 1 sides to reduce wind stress and evacuate interior moisture, including an area of ventilation on each side.

Access to the Teardrop cover zipper on doors and storage may be limited due to different styles and configurations. To allow access to the cup openings, the fixing straps passing under the trailer may have to be detached

Weight and license

When the total authorized laden weight (GVWR) of the motorhome is less than or equal to 3500 kg and that of the trailer is less than or equal to 750 kg, the permit B is sufficient. This is also the case when the gross vehicle weight of the towed trailer is less than or equal to the curb weight of the motorhome and the total is less than 3500 kg. All this information is indicated on the vehicle registration cards. Beyond these restrictions, the BE permit is required. It consists of three tests: the code, driving outside traffic and in traffic. Since June 1, 2016 and the publication of Decree No. 2016-723 , it is no longer necessary to undergo a medical examination to obtain or renew it.

Equipment

As on a car, the trailer must be equipped with a license plate. If the gross vehicle weight of the trailer is less than 500 kg, the plate is identical to that of the vehicle towing it. Beyond that, it must have its own registration and registration card.

Braking

If the GVW of your trailer is more than 750 kg or more than 50% of the curb weight (PV) of the motorhome, then it must have its own braking system.

Trailer for motorhome  

Which engine?

Motorization is not the first criteria for buying a motorhome but it will become one if you decide to couple a trailer to your motorhome. its layout is often much more decisive. The motorization is however important to obtain correct performances, all the more when one wishes to tow a trailer. The FFCC explains in its motorhome guide (p.8) that new technologies (HDI, JTD, Multijet…) offer high performance and allow you to leave without worries.

Driving Tips

Finally, it is also necessary to use common sense when driving a motorhome, especially when it is equipped with a trailer: they often approach their PTAC without having the same power of braking than a car… It is, therefore, necessary to anticipate as much as possible while respecting the safety distances and making good use of the engine brake.

THIS MOTORHOME DOUBLES A TRUCK WITH ITS FRAME TO BE TOWED, AND PROVOKES A HEATED DEBATE

Among the subjects that inevitably cause controversy, the frame to be drawn occupies a special place. Few motorhomes use it, but many have things to say on the subject. This is what we found when we published on Facebook images showing a motorhome towing a car on the highway. 

The frame to be towed is equipment allowing to tow a car without raising it on a platform. Its four wheels continue to roll on the ground. In France, the frame to be towed must be reserved for breakdown assistance (read an article from the Official Journal on this subject published on the senat.fr site ). We have already published some articles on the subject. The risk for users is that they will not be covered by their insurer in the event of an accident.

He overtakes a truck on the highway

recently, one of our journalists took photos on the highway, showing a motorhome, pulling a car using a tow frame. At the time these images were taken, the team was overtaking a truck on the highway. Images sufficiently eloquent that we have therefore disseminated on social networks. This publication gave rise to many reactions from Internet users, proof that the frame to be towed is still controversial. Noting that this subject was still of interest to motorhomes, we decided to reproduce here some of these comments, among the most interesting.

Free parking and bivouac

Motorhomes can park everywhere where cars can park, unless otherwise prohibited. So be sure to respect the signs. Once you are parked, it is possible to sleep in your motorhome, provided that you are not camping on the public highway. This means that if you are in a parking space, you must not remove any accessories from outside the motorhome. No wedges, garden furniture, blinds, etc.

Reception areas

On a reception area for motorhomes, you can of course spend the night, arrange your holds and take out one or two chairs and a folding table. But beware, each area can have its own rules. Some prohibit the slightest unpacking, others limit the duration of the stay, etc. Areas located in car parks shared with cars, in particular, can be considered as parking spaces on public roads. Finally, it is not only the law: politeness requires that when the area is very busy, you do not occupy three places with your camping accessories.

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