Towing a Caravan: What You Need to Know About Weight Limits & Licenses

Towing a caravan requires more than just hitching it to your vehicle and setting off. Understanding weight limits and licensing requirements is crucial for safety and legal compliance. Here’s what you need to know before hitting the road.

Caravan being towed on a motorway, demonstrating safe towing practices and road conditions.

Understanding Caravan Weight Limits

Weight is one of the most important factors when towing a caravan. You must ensure your vehicle can legally and safely tow the weight of your caravan. The Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM) is the maximum weight your caravan can legally be when fully loaded, while the Mass in Running Order (MRO) is the weight of the caravan as supplied by the manufacturer, before adding personal belongings, water, and gas. Your vehicle’s manual will state the maximum towing capacity, and exceeding this limit can lead to safety risks and legal consequences. Many experts recommend following the 85% rule, meaning your caravan’s MTPLM should not exceed 85% of your car’s kerb weight for safer towing, especially for beginners.

Illustration of a car towing a caravan, representing weight limits and licensing requirements for safe towing

Driving License Requirements for Towing

Your driving license determines what you can legally tow, with different rules depending on when you passed your test. If you passed your test before 1 January 1997, you are generally allowed to tow a caravan and trailer with a combined weight of up to 8,250kg. If you passed your test on or after 1 January 1997, you can tow a combined weight of up to 3,500kg. If your caravan and vehicle exceed this, you may need to take an additional B+E driving test. However, post-2021 changes removed the need for this test, meaning most people can tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM without additional requirements.

Close-up of a caravan tow hitch being securely attached to a vehicle, showing the tow ball and safety cables.

Other Key Considerations for Safe Towing

Braked caravans, which weigh more than 750kg, must have their own braking system. Nose weight, the downward force the caravan exerts on the tow ball, should be within your vehicle’s limit to maintain stability. Observing legal speed limits is essential: 30mph in built-up areas where applicable, 50mph on single carriageways, and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways unless otherwise stated. Towing mirrors are required if your caravan is wider than your vehicle to ensure adequate visibility. Tyre condition should always be checked for correct pressure, wear, and age before every trip to prevent issues on the road.

Caravan being towed on a motorway, demonstrating safe towing practices and road conditions.

Towing a caravan safely involves understanding weight limits, staying within the legal requirements of your driving license, and following best practices for safe towing. Always check your vehicle’s capabilities, keep your caravan properly maintained, and follow the latest UK regulations to ensure a smooth and legal journey. By staying informed and prepared, you can enjoy your caravan adventures with peace of mind!

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