HeroCamper_Magalog opslag - Flipbook - Page 39
Towing capacity, electric cars and
driving licences in a new reality
Choosing a camper also means choosing the
car that will tow it. It is not necessarily about
buying a new vehicle, but about understanding
the relationship between weight, approvals
and driving licence rules.
In the end, it is not the engine’s power that
determines what you are legally allowed to
tow. It is the numbers on the registration
certificate.
Two Weight Classes.
Two Di昀昀erent Needs
HeroCamper and Mink Campers belong to
two different weight classes, which makes
a noticeable difference when it comes to
both vehicle choice and driving licence
requirements.
HeroCamper weighs from around 900 kg
and up. With batteries, heating, kitchen
equipment and luggage, the total weight will
typically end up in the range of 1100–1300
kg. This requires a car with a corresponding
towing capacity, which most modern SUVs
and larger passenger cars can handle without issue.
Mink Campers sit in the lighter category with
an unladen weight below 600 kg. They can
be towed by a much wider range of vehicles,
including smaller cars and most electric
vehicles, without approaching the car’s
technical towing limits.
EU Driving Licence Rules:
What You Need to Know
Although driving licence rules are harmonised across the EU (Directive 2006/126/EC),
confusion often arises around weight limits.
The key point to understand is that authorities always look at the maximum authorised
mass (the theoretical maximum on paper) for
both car and trailer when assessing licence
requirements.
Electric Cars and Range
With a standard Category B licence, the
combined maximum authorised mass of car
and trailer may not exceed 3500 kg. Because
modern cars, and especially electric vehicles,
have become significantly heavier due to
battery packs, this limit can be reached
quickly.
In such cases, the B96 code becomes an
important solution. This EU extension raises
the combined weight limit to 4250 kg, which
is often necessary if you drive a large electric
SUV with a HeroCamper behind it.
Many modern electric vehicles are now
approved to tow between 1500 and 2250 kg,
meaning they can easily handle both a Hero
and a Mink. However, electric towing
introduces another factor: range.
When towing a camper through the wind,
energy consumption increases significantly,
and range typically drops by 30–50%.
In Northern and Central Europe this is rarely
a problem thanks to the dense charging
network, but it does require planning for more
frequent charging stops. In this context, the
light and aerodynamic Mink Camper is often a
particularly efficient choice for EV drivers, as it
affects range far less than heavier alternatives.
Local Variations and the Driver’s
Responsibility
Even though driving licences are harmonised
across the EU, local regulations for towing can
vary. This particularly applies to speed limits
and braking requirements, where rules for
overrun brakes may differ depending on the
camper’s weight.
Some countries allow 100 km/h on motorways with a trailer (for example the Tempo
100 scheme in Germany and Denmark), while
others have lower limits.
Regulations for overrun braking systems may
also vary depending on the trailer’s weight.
Before travelling across borders, it is always
the driver’s responsibility to ensure that the
car, camper and driving licence comply with
the regulations in the countries being visited.
Choosing the right combination does not just
ensure a legal holiday. It also makes for a more
relaxed and confident driving experience.
The Explorer
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