ANWB: “Caravan drivers should bring fewer sprinkles and potatoes”

Almost a hundred holidaymakers stopped at the Hazeldonk border crossing on the A16 for a final check on Friday morning. Roadside assistance, caravan experts and ANWB volunteers were ready to help them. And they saw something very disturbing…

You take too many sprinkles and potatoes on vacation! In short, that was the conclusion of the ANWB. The vast majority of the 35 caravans checked were too heavy. One even 400 kilos too heavy.

Heavy objects from caravans to cars

In most cases, the problem could be solved simply by removing heavy objects from the caravan and loading them into the car. But making up the 400 kilos was undoubtedly quite a job.

Excess weight impairs road holding

Many caravan owners are unaware of the weight and carrying capacity of their caravan, the ANWB has found. Excess weight can lead to damage to the suspension and chassis, for example. It also has a negative impact on the handling of the combination.

The whole thing is more stable if the car is heavier than the caravan. The general rule is therefore to load the caravan with a maximum of 75 percent of the car weight (including occupants and luggage).

What can you tow with a driving license B?

Also note what you are allowed to tow with a B driver’s license: a trailer weighing up to 750 kilos or a trailer over 750 kilos if the car and trailer together do not weigh more than 3500 kilos.