Trailer for motorhome: everything you need to know

You are going on a motorhome but would like to use a motorcycle or a car during your stay? The trailer can be a solution... provided you know certain rules.

It is the essential accessory for many motorhomes. The trailer, to your vehicle, or the cargo door, will allow you to carry more luggage, a scooter, a boat or even a car. All hooked to your camper. But before you start, it is important to know certain rules related to this type of use.

1. Why a trailer?

Camping-cars are often forced to park away from city centres or tourist sites. The solution, if the bike is not enough, can be to opt for a booster vehicle (car, scooter or motorcycle) lighter and more handy than your motorhome. Another advantage of the trailer: for long-term travel, or for large families, it will allow you to store more equipment.

2. Regulation

Before choosing a trailer model, be clear on the legislation: first thing to do, see if your camper is registered to pull a coupling. Enter your gray card and locate the F3 field. If it is empty or includes the 0, sorry, but that means that you do not have the right to pull a coupling. Everything is not lost, but you will have to ask for a new certificate of registration to the manufacturer of your camper and then redo the gray card.

Please note, however, you will lose a seating position in box S1 to compensate for the approximate weight of the installation of a coupling device. This rule is important to know when buying a vehicle if you want to pull a trailer for example.

If a mass is mentioned, you can install a towing system without having to change your gray card. Subtract the PTAC from your motorhome, you get that from the trailer (empty weight + payload).

3. Permits

Second thing to do, check if your permit is sufficient to pull your trailer. If the PTAC of your motorhome is less than or equal to 3.5 tons , B is sufficient provided that the trailer's PTAC is less than or equal to 750 kg .

Is your trailer more than 750 kg? No panic. If the PTAC sum of the motorhome + PTAC of the trailer is less than or equal to 3.5 tons , B That's enough. Beyond and up to 4250 kg , you will need to certify a formation (mention B96) that you will receive in seven hours. It includes an off-road sequence and a running sequence. Get in touch with a self-school near you.

Beyond 4250 kg , you'll have to pass B . It consists of three tests: code, driving in circulation, driving out of circulation. The B permit is valid for 15 years. If your trailer PTAC is greater than 3.5 tonnes , you'll need the permit C1E .

If your camper is a heavyweight, you will also need the permit C1E as soon as the PTAC of your trailer exceeding 750 kg .

Remember that your trailer must carry a mineralogic plate. The same as your camper if its PTAC is less than 500 kg. A different plate (without forgetting its gray card and insurance) if its PTAC exceeds 500 kg. Finally note that the heaviest trailers (more than 750 kg or more than 50% of the empty weight of the motorhome) must be equipped with a clean braking system. We're talking about braked or non-brown trailers.

4. Insurance

For a trailer weighing less than 500 kg, the motorhome insurance applies. Attention, beyond that, you will have to subscribe to individual insurance.

5. What a link?

There are different types of towing for motorhomes: removable, fixed or pivoting. You will choose according to the use of your trailer. Know that all chassis do not allow the installation of a coupling. Check this point with your manufacturer. An unregistered coupling could cost you much in the event of an accident.

6. Which trailer?

You will choose according to your need. The classic trailers are intended for the carriage of luggage, equipment... hundreds of euros for the first prizes.

Also think about the size of the trailer, its equipment (suspensions) and the material it is made: aluminum will, for example, be lighter than steel. Always think of where you will store it.

In addition, many motorhomes are equipped with trailers specifically designed to carry a motorcycle: the transverse or suive trailer. Its advantage is its maneuverability and its weak congestion. It is made up of a tray that will position its motorcycle in the direction of the width of the motorhome. Some models have a winch to facilitate loading. The trailer includes pivoting wheels to facilitate manoeuvres. Its price is higher than traditional trailers, count at least 1500 euros for the first models.

There are also dedicated trailers for car, boat, jet-ski, horses, quad, etc.

7. The loading door, alternative solution

To carry a scooter or motorcycle, it is a tray that is fixed at the back of the motorhome. Unlike the trailer, there is still solidarity with your vehicle. This practical solution to its constraint: you will need to respect the total weight allowed in charge (PTAC) of your motorhome. On some models, an ascent system (e.g. winch) will facilitate the loading of your motorcycle or scooter. Others are equipped with a plate to get your bike up.

8. Motorization and road tips

Which says trailer or load holder says extra weight. An element to be taken into account when choosing your motorhome. The motorization required to pull this extra element could be more important than what your vehicle offers. 130 or 140 CV is a minimum.

On the road, anticipate even more your brakes and respect the safety distances: out of agglomeration, at least 50 metres with the above road sets. Beyond 3.5 tons , speed is limited to 110 km/h on the highways and 100 km/h on the two-way roads separated by a central plaza. It is prohibited for motorhomes to ride on the leftmost part on a road with more than two tracks (article R 412-25) if the length of the vehicle is greater than 7 metres or if it is heavy weight. Use the engine brake, it ensures better safety in case of emergency braking. Train at your home to maneuver your trailer, especially in the back. Exercise requires a little practice!

To choose a trailer, install it, know the rules in force, do not hesitate to turn to a professional.