Uprating your caravan for Autobahn
I might decide to have our caravan checked over in Germany to uprate the speed limit to 100 kmph. I did read something about 2 weeks ago somewhere on this forum about how one goes about this. I think some kind body said the best place to have it done was Aachen as they are used to it.
Can anyone point me in the right direction and does anyone know how long the inspection takes? Any info gratefully received.
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There is some doubt whether UK caravans can get the Tempo 100 certificate as they are not registered and I think it sometimes depends on the individual TUV station you attend. Also the caravan has to meet certain conditions like having shock absorbers (most do) and the age of the tyres. I would question how useful having the Tempo 100 is as your still can't overtake on restricted autobahns so in effect you can only go as fast as the vehicle in front at least that is my understanding.
I am pretty sure that coaches can be certificated in the UK but unfortunately this service does not extend to caravans?
Hopefully Lutz will see this post and be able to explain things in more detail.
David
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Posted by Lutz on another forum
Just to add a note on the subject. German police normally take a very pragmatic approach to caravan speeds. So long as you don't overdo it and so long as the outfit obviously appears to be safe, in the interest of free traffic flow they will take no action if you exceed 80km/h. There are enough hooligans on the road to keep them busy, without having to bother about the odd caravan being slightly over the limit. Only in the case of an accident can one expect problems if obviously going too fast.
Note that, by international standards, the speed limit in Germany is not particularly low. Most countries, except France and Belgium, have the same limit.
As for the 100km/h sticker, the following requirements must be met:
1. The noseweight must be set at the maximum permissible.
2. The tyre speed and load ratings must be appropriate for the conditions. No concessions normally applicable for trailering are allowed.
3. The caravan tyres must not more than 6 years old.
4. Either the caravan is fitted with a stabiliser that meets the requirements of ISO 11555-1 or the car has electronic stability control capable for speeds up to 120km/h.
5. The caravan must be fitted with hydraulic shock absorbers.
6. The weight ratio must not exceed 100%.
Read more at https://www.practicalcaravan.com/forum/overseas-parks-touring/25720-speed-limit-germany#K4GKQZzSxFUGcuOs.99
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Yes, all the above is correct. To be honest it is questionable whether a 100km/h concession is worth the effort. Upon arrival in Germany one would first have to go to a vehicle testing station to have the caravan and the documentation (Certificate of Conformity) checked and compared. Depending on how busy they are one might even need an appointment. They would issue the necessary paperwork with which one would then have to go to a vehicle licensing office because only there can the official seal to validate the sticker be obtained.
For Germans the procedure is somewhat easier because with every new caravan German manufacturers issue a document which make a visit to a vehicle testing station first unnecessary and because caravans have to be registered, one has to go to a vehicle licensing office anyway.
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Thank you for the replies. I have toured in Germany quite regularly, particularly in the last 6 years or so, so like many others I am quite happy chugging along at 90kmph behind some lorries, sometimes hitting 100 depending on how busy it was, but wanted to know how easy, or not, it was to obtain said certification. It sounds like a faff so we probably won't be bothered but thanks for taking the time to reply.
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