FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OFF-ROAD CARAVANS
It’s an off-road trailer; thanks to its sturdy, powerful, and versatile design, it can hold its own against any off-road vehicle.
Here are the three categories of licenses required to tow a trailer or a motorhome with a Class B vehicle, as described in Article R 221-4 of the Highway Code:
Class B License:
This is the traditional driver’s license obtained through a driving school, allowing you to drive a Class B vehicle. This license is sufficient if the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) (or “F2” designation on the registration certificate) of the towed trailer (or caravan) does not exceed 750 kg.
The Class B license is also valid when the combined GVW (or F2) of the trailer (or caravan) and the car does not exceed 3,500 kg. Example: towing vehicle with a GVWR of 2,000 kg + trailer with a GVWR of 1,500 kg = 3,500 kg, the limit for a Class B license.
Note that if the trailer’s GVWR does not exceed 750 kg, the total GVWR allowed under a Class B license can go up to 4,250 kg. Example: towing vehicle with a GVWR of 3,500 kg + trailer with a GVWR of 750 kg = 4,250 kg.
Class B License + B96 Training: a simple training course
This training course, which must be completed at a driving school, is obtained after a 7-hour paid course, with no exam. The B96 training allows you to drive a vehicle combination where the combined gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the car and trailer (or caravan) is between 3,501 and 4,250 kg, provided the trailer’s GVWR exceeds 750 kg.
BE License: A Full Written and Driving Test
This license is required for a vehicle combination where the combined gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the car (Category B) and the trailer (or caravan) exceeds 4,250 kg. This license involves a full examination with both written and practical tests. The BE license is valid indefinitely.
The BE license is often required to tow a double-axle trailer (which is the case for Tiny Houses but not for off-road trailers). This is because the towing vehicle must be powerful and heavy. Therefore, the combined GVWR most often requires a BE license.
As you can see, you don’t need a BE license to tow our off-road caravans.
It is also mandatory to have a vehicle registration certificate for any caravan with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeding 500 kg. The requirements are the same as for a car, except that a caravan is not subject to a technical inspection.
If the GVW is 500 kg or less, the caravan or trailer does not need its own registration certificate. However, it must have a license plate identical to that of the towing vehicle.
The towing vehicle must have an approved towing capacity, as evidenced by its registration certificate, which must include the designation PTRA/MTRA or F3 followed by a numerical value.
Insurance is required if you travel in a trailer. A trailer is considered a vehicle in its own right, and the insurance coverage will depend on its weight and intended use. The Insurance Code requires at least “liability” insurance, even if your trailer remains in the garage all year round.
Depending on its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), your trailer will require different insurance coverage.
If the trailer weighs no more than 500 kg, it does not need its own registration and simply needs to be added to your auto insurance policy.
If the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is between 500 and 750 kg, the trailer will have its own license plate and registration, but it will be covered by your auto insurance.
If your caravan’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeds 750 kg, your caravan insurance will be separate from your car insurance. The caravan will, of course, require its own registration and vehicle registration certificate.
Of course! You can customize your trailer with optional features to suit your specific needs and tastes. Feel free to contact us so we can help bring your plans to life!
We invite you to visit our showroom by appointment to explore our models and get a feel for your future off-road camper!
Before hitting the road, be sure to always check the tire pressure on both vehicles.
It’s also important to make sure your turn signals are working properly.
Let’s work together to design YOUR DREAM CAR
TINY HOUSE, OFF-ROAD TRAILER—we're here to help you
Does one of our designs catch your eye? Would you like a quote tailored to your needs? A sketch of your project? Let’s make your dreams a reality! We’re here to listen to all your ideas.
