Understand all the Terminology used when talking about caravans.

Having a caravan or trailer and understanding all the terminology used can be confusing. To help, we have added some of the most common terms and phrases used.

NoseWeight
The maximum downward force your towball can bear, or your caravanexerts.

Maximum Towing Limit (MTL)
The most weight a car may tow (specified by the manufacturer).

(MTPLM)
The maximum weight the caravan can carry, as stated by the manufacturer (pre-1998 caravans: MGW, or Maximum Gross Weight).

Mass In Running Order(MIRO)
The weight of the caravan equipped to the manufacturer's standard specification.

User Payload
The user payload comprises all extra items not included in the manufacturer's standard spec. The user payload is the MiRO subtracted from the MTPLM..

Actual Laden Weight (ALW)
This is the actual weight of the caravan or trailer including content when it is being towed. Not to be confused with Fully Laden Weight (see below).

Fully Laden Weight (FLW)
This is the maximum weight the caravan or trailer is allowed to weigh, including contents.

Kerb Weight (KW)
The weight of the towing vehicle as defined by the vehicle manufacturer, (see vehicle manual for details).

Towing Vehicle Weight Ratio (TWWR)
The actual laden weight of the caravan shown as a percentage of the kerb weight, i.e.
ALW/KW x 100 = TWWR