How Much Can My Car Safely Tow?

Nowadays, many of the best car models on the market can tow a caravan, horsebox or trailer. But the question is, how do you work out how heavy a caravan or trailer they can tow?

We have put together a guide on what exactly towing capacity is, how to work it out and what the different laws are that you need to be aware of.

What does towing capacity mean?

Cars have a maximum weight that they can safely and legally tow. As a responsible car owner, the first thing to do is ensure that what you want to tow, is not going to exceed the trailer’s own maximum authorised mass of the car’s maximum towing capacity. Thankfully, this can be easily found in your car’s manual!

Two maximum towing weights will be specified:

• Braked trailer weight.
• Unbraked trailer weight.

If a trailer, car or horsebox weighs more than 750kg, or over half of the car’s weight without people or luggage etc inside (kerb weight), the trailer needs to be fitted with brakes. The maximum capacity includes the weight of whatever you are towing, so you need to consider this when thinking about how much weight you can transport.

What are the legal requirements for car towing?

Vehicle towing has certain legal requirements that you need to be aware of before you begin towing:

• The maximum width of the trailer does not exceed 2.55 metres
• The maximum length of your car and trailer does not exceed 7 metres.
• If you passed your test after 1 January 1997 (a B category license), you are restricted to towing a mass of 3500kg.
• If you wish to tow a trailer over 750kg, which results in a combined weight of over 3500kg, you require a B+E entitlement on your driving license.

Before car towing, make sure your car consult this guide to ensure a safe journey. Happy towing!