Towing Caravans, Trailers and Motorhomes are you legal?
There are a few things required for towing caravans, trailers and motorhomes. Firstly it depends on when you passed your driving test and the weight of your car.
For example, if you passed your test prior to 1st January 1997, you are allowed to drive a vehicle with a MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass) of up to 3,500kg. In addition to this, you can tow a caravan or trailer as long as it is within the actual towing limit of the tow vehicle. The reason for this is driving licenses which were issued prior to this date included the B & E category.
However, if you passed your driving test after the 1st January 1997 things get a little more complicated. Licenses which were given after this date only included the category B, therefore this means you can drive a vehicle with a MAM of up to 3,500kg. Tow a trailer which weighs more than 750kg only if the combined MAM of the trailer and the car are less than 3,500kg. In addition to these, you can tow a trailer of up to 750kg. Once you reach the age of 70 please ensure that you can retain your entitlements. You can find full details of the requirements for towing caravans, trailers and motorhomes on the RAC Website
Tips for towing caravans
- Towbars must meet EU regulations and be designed for your car.
- Ensure you give yourself time and space and take it easy around corners.
- TyreSafe encourages owners of caravans to check their tyres prior to each journey to ensure safety on the road.
- Never exceed 50mph whilst driving on a single carriageway or 60mph on a dual carriageway.
- Passengers should never be in a caravan whilst towing
- Number plates must show the registration of your car and conform to British Standards. In addition, they should be illuminated at night.
- Rear light panels should be working and visible, ensure these are checked prior to starting your journey.
- Trailers which weigh over 750 kg, including their load, must include a working brake system.
- For trailers without brakes, the maximum tow allowance is 750kg or half the kerbside weight of the vehicle which is towing it. Therefore whichever is the lowest.
- Try to ensure you keep your caravan as light as possible, heavier items should be kept lower down and close to the axle.
A wide choice of towbars from leading brands.
Finally, we stock a wide range of towbars from many leading brands at our store in Newcastle. Each towbar has its own advantages and disadvantages it’s about getting the right tow bar to suit your individual requirements. Another important factor that needs to be considered is the type of electrics you require.
You can find out further information on our towbars page. Alternatively, you can contact us at our Newcastle shop for more information and help in choosing the right towbar for your towing requirements.
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