American Caravans and Trailers — UK Braking Regulations
More and more American caravans are being imported into the UK each year, which is great but speaking with owners, I start to notice that one of the main points of confusion is the braking system.
Here follows a simplified regulations version of the full document I link to in the end.
American caravans vs European regulations
American caravans usually rely on an electrical device operated manually by the driver from the cab of the towing vehicle. This is illegal in Europe where the braking system must work without input from the driver.
For this type of braking system to work as per EU regulations, it must be activated by a device which senses that the towing vehicle is slowing down to then apply the brakes accordingly in the caravan.
European requirements demand that this type of device MUST be mounted on the caravan (it amazes me how some dealers still insist in fitting these in the towing vehicle, knowing it is against the law).
The caravan’s braking system must be powered by the towing vehicle. If the caravan has a battery fed by the towing vehicle, its power must be disconnected during the braking system application.
The caravan must have a parking brake installed and that must be purely mechanical.
The STT Group converts american caravans and fits all the necessary parts and systems to have your imported caravan certified with an Individual Vehicle Approval, soyou can egallytour aroundthe UK and Europe.
