Does my caravan need an MOT?
CARAVAN holidays are extremely popular with families who want to go to new locations without breaking the bank every time.
However, what sort of regulations are there when it comes to running a caravan on the road? This is what we know.
Does my caravan need an MOT?
Caravans do not need an MOT - but you do need to check that it is roadworthy.
When a car is over three years old, it will need to go through an MOT test every year in order to confirm it is road legal.
Motorists also have their cars serviced, which is a more in-depth, mechanical assessment of the vehicle.
The same is not required on a caravan but servicing is recommended.
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The government website says it's important you make the following safety checks before towing your van:
- make sure caravan is correctly coupled to tow bar or pin
- raise and lower to ensure it's locked
- attach the breakaway cable and make sure it's secure and not worn or damaged
- check electrical cable is not damaged and plug it in, making sure it's secure
- raise the jockey wheel and lock in place so it doesn't drop down
- release the trailer handbrake and check brake lights and indicators are on
- check tyres are safe and legal
Do you have to register a caravan with the DVLA?
Engine-powered vehicles such as cars and vans are required by law to be registered with the DVLA.
However, there's no such legal requirement for caravans.
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While this means you don't have to worry about DVLA paperwork it does introduce other issues that can affect the future security of your caravan.
Do I have to service my caravan?
Servicing a caravan is essential to ensure its safety on the road.
It is recommended that this is done once every 12 months, or 10,000 miles.
A service will generally include using specialist equipment to check for damp, as well as looking at ventilation.
Gas, electrical and water systems will also be checked over, plus a thorough going over of the chassis, running gear and brake components.
Do I need insurance to tow a caravan?
According to the , caravans don't need to be insured, however, it is recommended in the event or an accident.
There are three types of caravan insurance, these are:
- Touring or tourer caravan insurance This covers caravans which are towed behind a vehicle.
- Static caravan insurance This is for caravans in fixed locations, such as holiday parks or seaside resorts. If you move your static caravan to a new site, check that the movers have "goods in transit" insurance to protect it in case of damage, accident or theft.
- Trailer tent and folding caravan insurance Contents stored in trailer tents and folding caravans are less secure than traditional caravans, and so they can be trickier to insure.