Towing a Caravan

Towing a caravan can feel daunting at first, particularly if you have never driven with a trailer behind your car. The extra length and weight affect how you accelerate, brake, turn and manoeuvre.

The key is preparation. Make sure your car and caravan are a suitable match, understand the rules that apply to your combination and take the time to practise before setting off on a long journey.

1. Before You Tow a Caravan

Before connecting a caravan to your car, check that you have the right vehicle, equipment and legal entitlement. Do not assume that a car can tow a caravan simply because it has a towbar fitted.

2. Do You Have the Right Driving Licence?

Your driving licence entitlement determines which car-and-trailer combinations you can legally drive. The rules depend on the categories on your licence and, in some cases, when you passed your driving test.

In Great Britain, the rules changed on 16 December 2021. Category B licence holders can generally tow a trailer with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 3,500kg, provided the vehicle and combination are otherwise permitted. The GOV.UK guidance explains the applicable rules and licence entitlements.

What does MAM mean?

Maximum authorised mass (MAM) is the maximum permitted loaded weight of a vehicle or trailer, including its load. It is not necessarily the same as the weight of the caravan when it is empty or ready to travel.

Check your driving licence details and the MAM figures for your vehicle and caravan before towing. If you are unsure whether your combination is permitted, confirm the position with DVLA or a qualified driving instructor before travelling.

3. How to Match Your Car to Your Caravan

Choosing a suitable car-and-caravan combination is one of the most important parts of towing safely. The vehicle needs to be capable of towing the caravan within its limits, and the loaded combination must remain stable and manageable.

Start with your car's towing capacity

Look in your car's handbook or consult the manufacturer to find the maximum braked towing weight. This is the manufacturer's stated limit for towing an appropriately braked trailer under the conditions specified for that vehicle.

Then check the caravan's MTPLM — its maximum permitted loaded weight. You must not exceed the car's towing limit, and the caravan itself must stay within its permitted weight.

What is the 85% towing guideline?

A commonly used recommendation for people new to caravanning is to aim for a caravan MTPLM of around 85% or less of the towing car's kerbweight. This is a general guideline intended to help when comparing possible combinations, rather than a universal legal limit.

Being within the 85% guideline does not guarantee that a combination is suitable. You must still check the car's towing capacity, gross train weight, noseweight limits, driving licence entitlement and all other applicable restrictions.

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For additional advice on matching a car and caravan, read the RAC's complete guide to towing a caravan.

4. Understand Caravan Weights and Other Limits

Weight is about more than simply whether the car can pull the caravan. You also need to consider how much equipment you carry, the load placed on the towball and the combined weight of the outfit.

What is noseweight?

Noseweight is the downward force applied by the caravan's coupling to the car's towball. It needs to fall within the limits specified by the car, towbar and caravan manufacturers.

Too little or too much noseweight can affect stability or exceed the permitted load on components. Use the correct measuring equipment and follow the manufacturer's instructions rather than estimating it by eye.

How should you load a caravan?

Pack carefully and distribute the load in accordance with your caravan and vehicle manufacturers' guidance. Keep heavy items low and secure, and avoid concentrating weight at the extreme front or rear of the caravan.

• Keep all belongings secure so they cannot move while travelling.
• Spread the load appropriately and follow the manufacturer's loading advice.
• Keep heavy items low where practical.
• Check that your belongings and accessories do not take the caravan over its MTPLM.
• Check the car's payload and axle limits as well as the trailer limits.
• Do not exceed the car, towbar or caravan's permitted noseweight.

5. How to Hitch Up a Caravan

Hitching up correctly is essential before every journey. If you are new to towing, follow the instructions for your specific coupling and towbar, and ask an experienced person or professional to demonstrate the process before you travel independently.

A step-by-step approach

• Park the car and caravan on firm, level ground where it is safe to work.
• Apply the car's parking brake and secure the caravan using its parking brake and any necessary wheel chocks.
• Position the car carefully and use the jockey wheel to align the caravan coupling with the towball.
• Lower the coupling onto the towball following the coupling manufacturer's instructions.
• Confirm that the coupling has engaged and locked correctly using its indicator or check procedure.
• Attach the breakaway cable or secondary coupling device as specified for the equipment and applicable requirements.
• Connect the electrical plug and check that it is secure and correctly routed.
• Raise and secure the jockey wheel, and remove any wheel chocks before moving off.
• Check the handbrake and any other caravan equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's procedure.
• Test the caravan's lights and indicators before setting off.

Don't forget the towing mirrors

You must have an adequate view of the road behind you when towing. Suitable extension mirrors are required where necessary to provide that view. Fit them securely, adjust them before departure and remove them when they are no longer needed.

6. Your Pre-Journey Safety Checks

Before each trip, carry out a complete walk-around check of your car and caravan. A few minutes spent checking the essentials can help identify problems before you reach the road.

Before you leave, check that:

• All windows, rooflights, doors and external lockers are closed and secured.
• Loose items inside the caravan are put away and secured.
• The caravan handbrake is released only when you are ready to move.
• The jockey wheel is fully raised and secured.
• Any stabiliser is fitted and set according to its manufacturer's instructions.
• The breakaway cable or secondary coupling device is correctly connected.
• The caravan's lights and indicators are working.
• Your towing mirrors are fitted and adjusted.
• The load is secure and the permitted weights have not been exceeded.
• Your route, fuel stops and suitable stopping places have been considered.

7. How to Drive Safely While Towing

Driving with a caravan requires a little more planning and patience. Your outfit is longer and heavier than your car alone, and it may take longer to accelerate, slow down and complete manoeuvres.

What are the speed limits when towing?

In England, Scotland and Wales, cars towing trailers or caravans are generally subject to lower speed limits than cars travelling without a trailer.

• Single carriageways: 50mph maximum.
• Dual carriageways: 60mph maximum.
• Motorways: 60mph maximum.

These are maximum limits, not recommended speeds for every situation. Road signs, temporary restrictions, weather, traffic and the stability of your outfit may require you to travel more slowly.

When using a motorway with three or more lanes in the same direction, cars towing trailers must not use the right-hand lane unless directed to do so by the police or a traffic officer.

Be aware of road conditions

Strong crosswinds and the air turbulence from passing large vehicles can affect a caravan. Narrow country lanes, steep gradients, sharp bends and busy roundabouts also require extra care.

Plan your route before setting off. Consider whether roads are suitable for your outfit, avoid last-minute turns and identify safe places to stop if you need a break.

8. Reversing and Manoeuvring a Caravan

Reversing is one of the skills that new caravanners often find most challenging. The caravan responds differently from the car, and small steering movements can have a bigger effect than you expect.

Tips for reversing

• Choose a safe place to practise, away from traffic and pedestrians.
• Ask a competent person to guide you from a position where they remain visible and safe.
• Move slowly and make small steering adjustments.
• Use your mirrors and check all around the outfit for obstacles.
• Agree clear signals with anyone guiding you before you begin.
• Stop if you lose sight of your guide or are unsure about your position.
• Take your time when manoeuvring into a pitch or storage space.

The Camping and Caravanning Club's confident towing guide includes further advice for beginners, as well as information about training.

9. What Is Caravan Snaking?

Caravan snaking is when the caravan starts swaying from side to side behind the towing car. If the movement becomes severe, it can affect the stability of the entire outfit. Pitching is a related instability in which the caravan and car move vertically against one another.

How can you reduce the risk?

• Make sure the car and caravan are a suitable match.
• Load the caravan carefully and keep within all weight limits.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for noseweight and loading.
• Keep tyres at the recommended pressures and in good condition.
• Drive at a speed appropriate for the road, weather and outfit.
• Ensure any stabilising equipment is maintained and used correctly.

A stabiliser may help reduce certain movements, but it cannot make an unsuitable car-and-caravan combination safe.

Read more in the Camping and Caravanning Club's guide to confident caravan towing.

10. Planning Your First Caravan Journey

Your first trip does not need to be a long-distance adventure. A short journey to a nearby campsite can give you time to become familiar with towing, parking and setting up your caravan.

Before setting off

• Choose a straightforward route with suitable roads.
• Check traffic and weather conditions before leaving.
• Allow extra time for your journey and avoid feeling rushed.
• Plan appropriate breaks and safe stopping places.
• Check campsite arrival times and access information.
• Make sure you know how to hitch and unhitch the caravan.
• Keep your vehicle handbook and caravan instructions available.

When you arrive at the campsite

Take your time when entering the site and follow any instructions from the campsite team. Watch for low branches, tight turns, other vehicles and pedestrians. If you need help reversing onto your pitch, ask for assistance rather than attempting a manoeuvre you are not confident with.

Once parked, secure the caravan according to its instructions and check the area before unhitching. Keep the car and caravan positioned safely while you set up your pitch.

11. Your Caravan Towing Checklist

Use this checklist before setting off. It covers the main points, but it does not replace the instructions supplied by your car, towbar or caravan manufacturer.

• I have checked that my driving licence allows me to tow this combination.
• I have confirmed that the car's towing limit is sufficient for the caravan.
• I have checked the caravan's MTPLM and the outfit's applicable weight limits.
• I have checked the gross train weight and noseweight limits where applicable.
• The caravan is loaded securely and within its permitted weight.
• The tyres on the car and caravan are in suitable condition and correctly inflated.
• The coupling is correctly attached and locked.
• The breakaway cable or secondary coupling device is fitted correctly.
• The electrical connection is secure and all required lights work.
• The registration plate is correct, visible and illuminated when required.
• The towing mirrors are fitted and adjusted for a clear rear view.
• The jockey wheel is raised and secured.
• All doors, windows, rooflights and external lockers are closed.
• Loose items are secured inside the caravan.
• I have checked my route and the weather forecast.
• I feel confident about the journey and know where I can stop safely.

12. Frequently Asked Questions About Towing a Caravan

Can any car tow a caravan?

No. Your car must be approved for towing and capable of towing the particular caravan within its manufacturer's limits. Check the vehicle's towing capacity, gross train weight where applicable, towbar limits and the caravan's loaded weight before choosing a combination.

Is the 85% towing rule a legal requirement?

No. The 85% figure is a commonly used guideline, particularly for people new to caravanning. It is not a universal legal limit and does not replace checks of towing capacity, gross train weight, noseweight, licence entitlement and other restrictions.

Do I need towing mirrors?

You must have an adequate view behind you when towing. Extension mirrors are required where necessary to achieve the legally required view. Choose suitable mirrors, fit them securely and adjust them before driving.

How fast can I drive when towing a caravan?

In England, Scotland and Wales, the general maximum is 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways. Lower limits may apply, and you should travel more slowly whenever conditions require it.

Can someone travel inside the caravan while it is being towed?

No. Passengers must not travel inside a caravan while it is being towed. Everyone should travel in a properly seated and belted position in the towing vehicle.

Should I take a towing course?

Professional tuition can be particularly helpful if you are new to caravanning or lack confidence with reversing and manoeuvring. Training can help you practise hitching up, checking your outfit and handling a caravan safely.

What should I do if my caravan starts swaying?

Avoid sudden steering movements and do not accelerate to try to correct the sway. Ease off the accelerator, keep the steering steady and allow the speed to reduce. Once safe and under control, stop in a suitable place and investigate the cause before continuing.

Further Caravan Towing Advice

For more detailed information about towing rules, car-and-caravan compatibility and building confidence on the road, explore these independent resources.

This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for the current law, official government guidance or the instructions supplied by your vehicle, towbar and caravan manufacturers. Rules and vehicle specifications can vary. Always verify your own licence entitlement, permitted weights and equipment requirements before towing.