Caravan Towing Guide UK
Choosing the right tow car is about more than engine power. You need to understand caravan weights, your vehicle's towing limit, gross train weight, noseweight, payload and the rules that apply when towing on UK roads.
Never Choose a Tow Car From Guesswork
Check the actual caravan weight plate, the car manufacturer's towing limit and the vehicle's gross train weight. A large engine or 4x4 badge does not automatically mean every caravan can legally be towed.
Understanding Caravan & Tow-Car Weights
The letters and terminology can initially look complicated, but a handful of figures matter more than the rest.
Can Your Car Tow the Caravan?
Find the figures rather than relying on an online advert saying “ideal for towing”.
- Find the caravan's actual MTPLM or maximum permitted weight.
- Find the car manufacturer's maximum braked towing capacity.
- Check the gross train weight on the vehicle's plate or specification.
- Check axle and vehicle weight limits.
- Check the permitted towball/noseweight limits.
- Include passengers, luggage and equipment in your calculations.
- Make sure your driving licence covers the combination.
- Do not exceed any manufacturer or legal weight limit.
No Gross Train Weight on the VIN Plate?
GOV.UK advises that if the vehicle's VIN plate does not list a train weight, you should not use that vehicle for towing. Check the specific vehicle documentation rather than assuming a similar model has the same capability.
What Driving Licence Do You Need to Tow a Caravan?
This is one area where Great Britain and Northern Ireland currently differ.
Great Britain
Since 16 December 2021, drivers who have passed a category B car test automatically have entitlement to drive a category B vehicle with a trailer under B+E rules.
For licences obtained from 1 January 1997, the trailer's MAM under B+E is generally limited to 3,500kg.
That entitlement does not override the car's own towing limit, gross train weight or other weight restrictions.
Different Licence Rules Apply
Northern Ireland did not adopt the same automatic B+E entitlement change as Great Britain.
Your permitted combination therefore depends on the categories shown on your licence and when the entitlement was obtained.
Northern Ireland drivers should check current DVA / nidirect guidance for their specific licence before towing.
Caravan Towing Speed Limits
Cars towing caravans have lower national maximum speeds than an untethered car on faster roads.
| Road Type | Car Without Caravan | Car Towing Caravan |
|---|---|---|
| Single carriageway | 60 mph | 50 mph |
| Dual carriageway | 70 mph | 60 mph |
| Motorway | 70 mph | 60 mph |
Remember Posted Limits
These are national maximum limits for the vehicle type. A lower signed road limit still applies. Conditions may also mean that driving considerably below the maximum legal speed is appropriate.
When towing on a motorway with three or more lanes, a vehicle drawing a trailer must not use the right-hand lane except in the limited circumstances permitted by motorway regulations.
What Makes a Good Caravan Tow Car?
Maximum towing capacity is only one part of choosing a comfortable and practical tow vehicle.
Suitable Towing Capacity
The vehicle must have sufficient manufacturer-approved capacity for the caravan you intend to tow.
Vehicle Weight & Stability
The relationship between towing vehicle and caravan affects how stable and composed the combination feels.
Torque
Strong low- and mid-range performance can make hill starts, gradients and joining faster roads easier.
Cooling & Transmission
Towing places additional demands on the engine, transmission and cooling systems, particularly on hills.
Boot & Payload Capacity
Passengers and luggage still count towards the vehicle's permitted weight limits.
Towbar Limits
The fitted towbar needs to be correct for the vehicle and have an appropriate permitted vertical load.
4x4 or Pickup for Towing a Caravan?
4x4 / SUV
Larger SUVs can combine substantial towing limits with comfortable passenger accommodation and useful boot space.
Four-wheel drive can also be useful on wet campsites, steep accesses and poor surfaces.
However, not every SUV has a high towing capacity, particularly some smaller, hybrid and electric models. Check the exact version.
Pickup
Pickups can provide strong towing capability, useful load space and good traction.
They can suit buyers towing larger caravans or carrying bulky equipment separately from the caravan interior.
Again, check the specific model, its gross train weight, payload and towbar limits rather than assuming all pickups can tow the same weight.
Noseweight Matters
It is the downward force placed by the caravan coupling onto the towing vehicle's towball.
The noseweight needs to remain within the limits applying to the caravan, towing vehicle and towbar.
Loading the caravan badly can significantly alter noseweight and stability, which is another reason heavy items should not simply be placed wherever they fit.
Use an appropriate method of measuring noseweight and follow the caravan and vehicle manufacturers' instructions.
Load the Caravan Carefully
A suitable car and caravan can still become an unstable combination if the caravan is badly loaded.
Caravan Checks Before Every Journey
Coupling
Confirm the caravan is correctly connected to the towball and follow the coupling manufacturer's procedure.
Breakaway Cable
Check that it is undamaged and attached correctly, with enough slack to work without dragging on the road.
Electrical Connection
Check the plug, cable and connections for damage and make sure they cannot drag on the road.
Road Lights
Test indicators, brake lights, tail lights and number-plate illumination.
Tyres
Check pressures when appropriate, condition, damage and visible signs of deterioration.
Wheels
Follow manufacturer guidance for wheel fixing checks, particularly after a wheel has been removed.
Windows, Rooflights & Lockers
Make sure they are properly closed and secured for travel.
Jockey Wheel & Corner Steadies
Make sure they are fully raised and correctly secured.
Towing Mirrors
Make sure you have an adequate view behind the caravan and fit suitable extension mirrors where required.
Number Plate
The caravan must display the same registration number as the towing vehicle.
Driving With a Caravan Attached
Towing changes acceleration, braking, cornering, visibility and the space required to manoeuvre.
Brake Earlier
The combination is heavier and may require considerably more distance to slow safely.
Take Wider Turns
The caravan wheels follow a tighter path than the car, particularly around corners and junctions.
Allow More Overtaking Distance
Acceleration is slower and the vehicle combination is much longer.
Watch Crosswinds
Large caravans are affected by strong winds and turbulence from large passing vehicles.
Use Lower Gears on Descents
Maintain control and avoid placing unnecessary continuous demand on the braking system.
Plan the Route
Width, height, narrow lanes, steep gradients and unsuitable turning areas matter much more with a caravan attached.
What If the Caravan Starts Snaking?
GOV.UK towing guidance says that if a trailer starts to snake or swerve, ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently.
Do not respond by making sudden steering movements or braking harshly. Once safely stopped, investigate possible causes such as excessive speed, poor loading, tyre problems or other issues before continuing.
Brakes, Mirrors, Towbar & Breakaway Cable
Before Buying a Caravan — Towing Checklist
Touring Caravans For Sale
Browse touring caravans from private and trade sellers across the UK.
Browse Touring Caravans →4x4s & Pickups For Sale
Looking for a tow vehicle? Browse 4x4s and pickups advertised through the marketplace.
Browse 4x4s & Pickups →Related Caravan Guides
Caravan Towing FAQs
How do I know how heavy a caravan my car can tow?
Check the vehicle manufacturer's towing specification and gross train weight rather than relying on engine size. The fully loaded car and caravan must remain within all applicable vehicle, trailer and combination weight limits.
What is MTPLM on a caravan?
MTPLM means Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass. It is the maximum permitted loaded weight specified for the caravan. Check the individual caravan's plate because similar-looking models can have different weight specifications.
Can I tow a caravan on a normal car licence?
In England, Scotland and Wales, full category B car licence holders now normally have B+E trailer entitlement without taking a separate car-and-trailer test. The permitted trailer MAM and other entitlements depend on your licence, and the towing vehicle's own limits still apply. Northern Ireland has different licence rules.
What is the maximum speed when towing a caravan?
For a car towing a caravan, the national maximum is 50mph on a single carriageway and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways. Lower posted limits still apply.
Can I use the outside lane of a motorway while towing?
A vehicle towing a trailer must not normally use the right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes.
Do I need towing mirrors for a caravan?
You must have an adequate view of the road behind you. If the caravan obstructs that view or is wider than the rear of your towing vehicle, suitable towing mirrors should be fitted.
Does every caravan need brakes?
A trailer weighing more than 750kg when loaded must have a working braking system. Most touring caravans therefore have brakes.
Is a 4x4 automatically better for towing?
Not automatically. Four-wheel drive and additional vehicle weight can be useful, but towing capacity varies considerably between models. The exact manufacturer's figures for the vehicle are what matter.
Is a pickup good for towing a caravan?
Many pickups have useful towing capacity, payload and traction, making them attractive for larger caravans. Check the actual model's towing capacity, gross train weight, towbar limits and suitability for your caravan before buying.
Should I weigh my caravan?
If there is uncertainty about its real travelling weight, using a suitable weighbridge can be far better than estimating. Optional equipment, batteries, movers, awnings and personal belongings can use more payload than owners expect.