Frequently asked questions
INTRODUCTION TO TOWSAFE
Welcome to Towsafe! Below you will find out how to make the best of the Towsafe outfit matching programme.
If at any time you
require help whilst using the website, please refer to the FAQ
section at the top of the page. The menu bar indicates the steps you
will need to take in sequence to access the Towsafe outfit matching
programme.
FAQ
What do I need to carry out a Towsafe match?
I’ve bought a multi match how do I get my next match?
What towing weights
do you check?
What do I need to carry out a Towsafe match?
You will need the make, model, registration year, body type(e.g. Hatchback, Estate) and fuel type of the car and the make, model and year of the caravan you would like to check, plus a credit/debit card or PayPal account. A match is for one car against one caravan. You may start your match with either the car or caravan,.
Select Car
Enter the registration number of your car. This will supply you with a list of possible specifications. Select your vehicle and continue to the next section. If the registration number does not bring back the correct vehicle you can select the car using drop down lists.
Select Caravan
Enter the details of your caravan from the drop down lists supplied. You will be asked extra details here to help us give you the best advice.
The results of your match will be displayed after the car and caravan have been selected and you have registered (or signed in if you are a previous customer).
How do I buy a Towsafe match
To get your Towsafe outfit matching results you will need to either
Register by selecting
Purchase credits from the home page. There are currently three options to buy: multi matches of 10, 25 or 50.If you have previously registered on Towsafe and have credits remaining you will need to enter your logon details in the
Trade Sign in section in order to redeem your remaining matches.
I’ve bought a multi match how do I get my next match?
If you have previously registered with Towsafe you will have your log in details. Enter you HPI account number and password then click on the Sign in button. You will be shown the number of checks you have left available. Then carry out your Towsafe match.
I cannot find my car/caravan
If you cannot find your car using the registration look up, please use the drop down lists supplied in the select a car manually section. If you still cannot find your car or caravan please e-mail us at towsafe@hpi.co.uk
What towing weights do you check?
We will give you all the weights you need to check to make sure you are towing safely; below we have given you some definitions that may help. The Towsafe match includes all of these weights.
The Tow Car
Gross Vehicle Weight
The gross weight of the vehicle is the maximum permitted weight of the car when fully laden (e.g. driver, passengers, and luggage).
Kerb Weight
The kerb weight of a vehicle is the unladen weight with only the necessary equipment loaded to operate it (e.g. motor oil, fuel, coolant, driver)
Maximum Tow Weight (Max Tow)
The maximum weight a car can tow as specified by the manufacturer.
Gross Train Weight
The maximum permitted combined weight of the car and the caravan as specified by the car manufacturer. The train weight may be the combined gross vehicle weight plus the max tow, but beware some manufacturers specify a lower train weight.
The Caravan
MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass)
This is the absolute maximum weight of the caravan which must never be exceeded. The MTPLM includes any loads such as water, gas bottles or personal belongings and is stated by the manufacturer on the VIN plate of the caravan
MRO (Mass in Running Order)
This is the unladen weight of the caravan and is stated on the VIN plate of the caravan.
User Payload
The user payload describes all items which can be loaded into the caravan, including gas bottles, awnings, food etc.
Noseweight
The noseweight of the caravan is the weight forced onto the towball when loaded. The car has a maximum nose weight it can take.