Planning to buy your first caravan for quick summer getaways but feeling daunted by the idea of towing one? Here is some advice from RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson, covering everything from the type of driving license you need to the maximum towing weight.
Do I need a special license to tow a caravan?
From late 2021, all drivers with a valid UK driving licence can drive a car or motorhome with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 3,500kg, coupled with a trailer with a MAM of 1,900kg. The total combined weight must be below 7,000kg.
Those with B-only driving licences issued in Northern Ireland and who passed their tests after 1 January 1997 should check with the Driver and Vehicle Agency as different rules apply.
Drivers who passed their test before 1 January 1997 are allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM.
If drivers wish to operate a larger vehicle over 3,500kg or tow an outfit beyond their current entitlement limitations, they must take a category C test.
What is the maximum size of caravan I can tow?
A vehicle’s maximum towing capacity may be listed on the V5C logbook or on a plate/sticker on the car itself, usually inside the driver’s doorframe.
If the towing capacity is not visibly labelled, it can be calculated from the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – a 17-digit number stamped into the chassis of a car. Subtract the vehicle’s maximum allowable mass (displayed on the first row of the VIN) from its maximum train mass (on the VIN’s second row) to work out the vehicle’s towing limit.
For safe towing, novices should follow the 85% rule and keep the fully laden weight of the caravan no heavier than 85% of the tow car’s kerbweight.
The maximum trailer width for any towing vehicle is 2.55 metres. The maximum length is 7 metres for a trailer towed by a vehicle weighing up to 3,500 kilograms.
What do I need to know about car and caravan brakes when it comes to towing?
- Any trailer weighing over 750 kilograms, including its load, must have a working brake system
- If your trailer is unbraked, the maximum you may tow is 750 kg or half the kerbside weight of the towing vehicle – whichever is lowest
Does my caravan need a number plate?
Your caravan’s number plate must show your car’s registration number and be illuminated at night.
Is there a speed limit for towing a caravan?
Yes, there is a speed limit when towing a caravan. Depending on your location, the speed limit may vary, but the most common speed limit when towing a caravan is 60 mph on the motorway and dual carriageway. However, please check the road signs as this can vary.
Can my children ride in the caravan when I’m towing it?
It is against the law to carry passengers in a caravan when it’s being towed. When a caravan is in tow, it’s vitally important that weight is equally distributed and any sort of imbalance could lead to a crash.
Do I need to add my caravan to my car insurance or tell them?
Car insurance is a legal requirement, but insurance for towing a trailer or caravan isn’t. The best advice is to talk to your insurer. Specialist policies are also available - check out our expert guide to the best caravan insurance.
Can I tow a caravan up a hill?
Providing it meets the legal weight requirements, a caravan can be towed up a hill. The best advice is to try not to stop and to use the vehicle’s gears wisely. Hill starts require more throttle than usual to get going and clutch control should be delicate to avoid stalling.
What sort of tow bar do I need to tow a caravan?
Tow bars must be ‘type approved’. This means it meets EU regulations and is designed for your car. This doesn’t apply to cars first used before 1 August 1998
5 top towing tips
- Give yourself more time and space for everything, especially taking corners
- Check your car and caravan's tyres before setting out on a trip
- Your rear light panel must always be working and visible so check before driving off and keep an eye out for any changes during your journey
- Try to keep the caravan as light as possible with the heavier items low down and close to the axle. Read the RAC’s caravan packing tips for the best advice on weight distribution
- To prevent snaking and pitching make sure you have a well-matched car and caravan and try using stabilisers.
To find out more about towing caravans check out RAC's comprehensive guide
Want to find out more?
We've put together guides to the best caravan cleaner and the best caravan awnings. We've also got plenty of inspiration for where you can take your home-from-home, for example Scotland's North Coast 500 guide - though you may be wise to go out of season as it's a popular destination in the summer months.