Can I Tow a Trailer?

Thinking about hitching a trailer or caravan to your car? Before you set off, it's crucial to understand the legal requirements and safety measures involved. Whether you’re new to towing or a seasoned caravanner, recent changes to UK towing rules as of 16 December 2021 might affect you. This guide covers everything from driving license requirements and maximum towing weights to essential safety tips. Let's dive into what you need to know to ensure a safe and legal towing experience.

Legal Requirements for Towing a Trailer

Knowing what your driving license allows is crucial before hitching a trailer or caravan to your car. Here's what you need to know:

You’re allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer with a combined maximum weight of 8,250kg. No additional tests needed.

Previously, you had to pass an extra car and trailer test to tow heavier loads. However, the rules changed on 16 December 2021. Now, you can tow trailers with a MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass) of up to 3,500kg without taking an additional test.

Maximum Allowable Towing Weights

Understanding the weight limits is vital to ensure you’re towing legally and safely:

This is the combined weight of the trailer and its maximum load when fully loaded. Make sure the MAM doesn’t exceed 3,500kg.

Your driving license allows you to tow a vehicle and trailer with a combined MAM of up to 8,250kg if you passed before 1 January 1997. For those who passed after this date, the combined weight must not exceed 3,500kg without additional tests.

Size Limits for Trailers and Caravans

Adhering to size regulations ensures your journey is safe and compliant:

Trailers can be up to 7 metres in length and 2.55 metres wide. If your trailer is wider than your towing vehicle, you’ll need mirror extenders.

While there isn’t a strict height limit, it’s recommended not to exceed 1.7 times the track of the trailer. The track is the distance between the middle of the wheel treads, typically around 3 metres. For safety, avoid heights that might risk hitting bridges, which generally have a minimum clearance of 5 metres.

By understanding these legal requirements, you’ll be better prepared to tow safely and avoid penalties. Always check your vehicle’s handbook or the manufacturer’s website for specific towing capacities and adhere to the guidelines to ensure a smooth and legal towing experience.

Preparing to Tow a Trailer

Before hitching up a trailer, ensure your car is up to the task. Check your vehicle’s towing capacity in the owner’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website. Look for the maximum allowable trailer weight – this is crucial to avoid overloading your vehicle. If the information isn’t readily available, calculate it by subtracting the car’s kerb weight from its Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), often listed as GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight).

Safety Checks Before Towing

• Coupling: Ensure the trailer is securely coupled to the tow ball or pin. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to get it right.
• Coupling Height: Verify the height to ensure it matches the recommended level.
• Cable and Plug: Inspect the 7 or 13 core cable and plug for any damage.

• Condition: Check the breakaway cable isn’t worn or damaged.
• Slack: Make sure there’s enough slack so it doesn’t accidentally engage the brakes.
• Ground Clearance: Ensure it doesn’t drag on the ground while driving.

• Tyre Condition: Check both car and trailer tyres for cuts or bulges.
• Tyre Pressure: Inflate tyres to the manufacturer’s specification for the load.
• Tread Depth: Ensure a tread depth of at least 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread and around the entire circumference.
• Wheel Nuts: Tighten the wheel nuts and bolts to the correct torque.
• Mudguards: Confirm that the trailer’s mudguards are securely fitted.

Functionality: Check that all lights and indicators are working correctly and that there’s no damage.

• Weight: Ensure the trailer isn’t overloaded.
• Distribution: Load should be evenly distributed to maintain balance.
• Security: Secure the load properly to prevent it from shifting during transit.

Insurance Considerations

If you have a comprehensive car insurance policy, it generally covers towing. However, some insurers only cover third-party liability, meaning you’re protected for injuries or damages to others but not for your trailer or caravan. Even though insuring the trailer isn’t legally required, it’s a good idea to get it covered for potential damage or loss. Contact your insurer to get a quote and ensure you have adequate coverage.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared for a safe and legal towing experience.

Safe Towing Practices

Know Your Speed Limits When towing a trailer, you need to be aware of the speed limits. You can drive up to 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways, and 50mph on other roads, unless lower speed limits are in place. Staying within these limits helps ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Handle Trailer Sway or Snaking If your trailer starts to sway or snake, it’s a sign that something isn’t right. Ease off the accelerator and gently reduce your speed. Don’t make sudden movements or brake harshly as this can make the situation worse. Common causes of swaying include driving too fast or incorrect loading of the trailer.

Avoid Harsh Braking on Bends Braking hard on a bend can make your trailer unstable and difficult to control. Always reduce your speed well before reaching a bend. Smooth and gentle braking helps maintain stability and control.

Practice Reversing Reversing with a trailer can be tricky, especially if you’re not used to it. It’s worth practising in a safe, open space before setting off on your journey. Take it slow and use small steering adjustments to guide the trailer in the right direction.

Recommended Vehicles for Towing

Nissan Qashqai The Nissan Qashqai is a versatile SUV, offering between 1,040kg and 1,800kg of towing capacity, depending on the engine and drivetrain. It’s a solid choice for those who need to tow medium to heavy loads, including larger caravans.

BMW X3 A mid-sized luxury SUV like the BMW X3 can tow up to 2,000kg. The high-performance X3M Competition model can handle even more, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,400kg. This makes it suitable for towing a large horsebox or a big caravan.

Land Rover Discovery If you need to tow really heavy loads, the Land Rover Discovery is one of the best options. It can tow up to 3,500kg, covering everything from a horsebox to a large caravan or even a mid-sized boat. It’s one of the most capable tow cars available.

Tips for Long-Distance Towing

Plan Your Route If you’re towing over a long distance, planning your route is essential, especially if you’re driving an electric vehicle. Larger electric SUVs like the Tesla Model X and BMW iX have substantial towing capacities (up to 2,250kg and 2,500kg, respectively), but towing can reduce their range. Make sure you have access to charging points along your route.

Practice Makes Perfect Reversing with a trailer can be challenging, but practice can make it easier. Find a quiet, open space to practice reversing and manoeuvring your trailer. Getting comfortable with these skills will make your journey safer and less stressful.

Weight Distribution Properly distributing the weight in your trailer is crucial for safe towing. Make sure the load is evenly distributed and secured to prevent it from shifting during transit. This helps maintain stability and control while driving.

Use Appropriate Equipment Ensure that your towbar complies with EU regulations and is suitable for your vehicle. Additionally, any trailer weighing over 750kg needs its own braking system. All trailers must display the same number plate as the towing vehicle.

By following these tips, you can ensure a safer and more efficient towing experience, keeping yourself and other road users safe on the roads.

Additional Resources

Even though it's no longer a legal requirement, taking a towing course can be incredibly beneficial. These courses teach you how to handle your vehicle and trailer safely and confidently. You'll learn important skills like reversing, understanding weight distribution, and managing trailer sway.

To find a training provider, look for local driving schools or specialised towing training centres. Many offer tailored courses for different types of trailers, whether it's a caravan, horsebox, or boat trailer.

To ensure your trailer is in top condition, take advantage of free safety checks offered by the National Trailer and Towing Association (NTTA). These checks can identify any potential issues with your trailer, such as tyre wear, brake function, and electrical connections.

Finding a provider is easy. Simply visit the NTTA website and use their directory to locate a free safety check provider near you. This is a great way to catch any problems early and avoid fines or accidents on the road.

Towing a trailer or caravan can be a straightforward task if you’re well-prepared and understand the regulations. With the recent changes in UK towing laws, it’s essential to stay informed about what your driving license allows and how to ensure your vehicle is ready for the job.

Always check your vehicle’s towing capacity and ensure all safety measures are in place before setting off. This includes proper connections, functioning lights, and secure loads. Remember to adhere to speed limits and practice safe driving techniques to avoid any mishaps on the road.

Choosing the right vehicle for towing can make a significant difference. Larger, more powerful cars like SUVs or specific electric vehicles are typically better suited for the task. If you’re unsure, consult your vehicle’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for guidance.

Consider taking a towing course to improve your skills and confidence. Also, make use of free safety checks offered by organisations like the National Trailer and Towing Association.

By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure a safe and legal towing experience. Happy towing!

• Government Towing Regulations: UK Government Towing Guide
• Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency: DVSA Towing Safety Checks
• National Trailer and Towing Association: NTTA Free Safety Checks

If you're planning to tow a trailer or caravan, make sure you're fully prepared and compliant with the latest regulations. Check your vehicle’s towing capacity, perform all necessary safety checks, and consider taking a towing course to boost your confidence on the road.

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