How to Tow a Caravan – New and Used Caravans

Here at Spinney, we stock a vast array of new caravans and used caravans – and we are always available to customers to answer any queries they might have. One of the most common we are asked by ‘first timers’ who are browsing the caravans for sale is whether they are difficult to tow.

Setting off in your caravan for a well-earned weekend break or lengthier holiday is always exciting – but the very first time might be a little bit daunting. After all, even though the principle is simple – connect up to your car and go – there are various things you need to know to make sure you’re always in control and always safe.

Weight of Your Caravan

The most important point to consider, initially, is the weight. The combined weight of the car and caravan must be within the category you are licensed to drive, and the weight of the fully loaded caravan must within your car’s towing capability.

The caravan has what is known as a Mass in Running Order (MRO), which is the basic weight as if it was straight off the production line in the factory. This is sometimes also known as the Kerb Weight. The caravan will also have a Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM). This is the maximum that it can legally weigh when it is out on the road. The difference between the MRO and the MTPLM is known as the User Payload (in other words the combined weight of all the stuff added to the caravan, inside and out).

It’s possible to find out the weight of your loaded caravan by weighing everything you put in it and adding this total to the MiRO. By doing so you can ensure that you remain within the MTPLM. An alternative method is to load up and visit your local weighbridge.

The car you use to tow the caravan will also have its own Kerb Weight (the weight of the vehicle, with a 90% full fuel tank and a driver), and it is recommended that the caravan being towed weighs no more than 85% of it. The combined weight of the car and caravan, including items put inside plus driver weight and fuel, must not exceed the Gross Train Weight (GTW), meaning the maximum permitted weight of car and caravan together. This should always be specified by the car manufacturer.

Loading up your caravan appropriately is also an important factor when considering weight. Heavier items should be low down and in a smaller square footage as possible, lighter items should be higher up, and middleweight items should be placed between.

Driving Licence and Towing a Caravan

As we stated earlier, UK driving licences are broken down into categories (i.e. groups of vehicles), and each individual licence clearly displays the categories its holder is licensed to drive. This breakdown in categories includes the size of caravan or trailer that you’re allowed to tow. Interestingly, if you passed your UK driving test before January 1st, 1997, then it is probable that you are entitled to drive a vehicle / towed vehicle up to a combined Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of 8.25 tonnes. If you passed your test after January 1st, 1997, then you cannot unless you have taken an additional test.

When the B+E car and trailer test (as it is known) is passed, you can drive a category B vehicle coupled with a caravan up to 750kg MAM, or a caravan more than 750kg MAM but with the MAM of the car and caravan totalling less than 3500kg and the MAM of the caravan less than the un-laden weight of the car. You can book this test in the same way as you would book your original driving test, though it will be conducted from an LGV centre. You can find out more about driving licences and towing limits on the GOV.UK website.

A Few Top Tips for Towing

• Check tyre pressures are correct.
• Don’t forget to attach the breakaway cable when hitching up!
• Make sure you have towing mirrors fitted.
• Secure caravan contents before towing (i.e. lock the fridge etc).
• Don’t speed! On motorways the speed limit for a car that is towing a caravan drops from 70mph to 60mph. You must not use the outside lane when there are three or more lanes. On single carriageways with a 60mph speed limit, cars towing a caravan must adhere to a 50mph limit.
• Drive appropriately and always be aware of your size (length and width). Remember that you will need more time to pull out of junctions, to brake, to get round corners etc.

Towing a caravan will certainly become easier the more you do it – but the ultimate rule is to avoid complacency. Always remain ‘present’ and aware of what you are doing so that you minimise the risks and maximise your chances of reaching each destination safely. If you have any further queries about the day-to-day, trip-by-trip logistics and requirements of towing, whether you have new caravans or preowned caravans, feel free to contact us here at your favourite caravan dealership, and one of our friendly team will be more than happy to help.