The RAC answer all your caravan towing questions, from whether you have the right driving license for towing to making sure you are not overloaded. <\/p>
Planning to buy your first caravan for quick summer getaways but feeling daunted by the idea of towing one? Here is some advice from the RAC<\/a>, covering everything from the type of driving license you need to the maximum towing weight.<\/p> From late 2021, all drivers with a valid UK driving licence can drive a car or motorhome with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 3,500kg, coupled with a trailer with a MAM of 1,900kg. The total combined weight must be below 7,000kg.\u00a0<\/p> Those with B-only driving licences<\/a> issued in Northern Ireland and who passed their tests after 1 January 1997 should check with the Driver and Vehicle Agency<\/a> as different rules apply.<\/p> Drivers who passed their test before 1 January 1997 are allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM.<\/p> If drivers wish to operate a larger vehicle over 3,500kg or tow an outfit beyond their current entitlement limitations, they must take a category C test<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p> A vehicle\u2019s maximum towing capacity may be listed on the V5C logbook<\/a> or on a plate\/sticker on the car itself, usually inside the driver\u2019s doorframe.\u00a0<\/p> If the towing capacity is not visibly labelled, it can be calculated from the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) \u2013 a 17-digit number stamped into the chassis of a car. Subtract the vehicle\u2019s maximum allowable mass (displayed on the first row of the VIN) from its maximum train mass (on the VIN\u2019s second row) to work out the vehicle\u2019s towing limit.\u00a0<\/p> For safe towing, novices should follow the 85% rule and keep the fully laden weight of the caravan no heavier than 85% of the tow car\u2019s kerbweight. <\/p> The maximum trailer width for any towing vehicle is 2.55 metres. The maximum length is 7\u00a0metres for a trailer towed by a vehicle weighing up to 3,500 kilograms.<\/p> Your caravan\u2019s number plate must show your car\u2019s registration number\u00a0and be illuminated at night.<\/p> Yes, there is a speed limit when towing a caravan. Depending on your location, the speed limit may vary, but the most common speed limit when towing a caravan is 60 mph on the motorway and dual carriageway. However, please check the road signs as this can vary.<\/p> It is against the law to carry passengers in a caravan when it\u2019s being towed. When a caravan is in tow, it\u2019s vitally important that weight is equally distributed and any sort of imbalance could lead to a crash.\u00a0<\/p> Car insurance is a legal requirement, but insurance for towing a trailer or caravan isn\u2019t. The best advice is to talk to your insurer. Specialist policies are also available – check out our expert guide to the best<\/a> carava<\/a>n insurance.<\/p> Providing it meets the legal weight requirements, a caravan can be towed up a hill. The best advice\u00a0is\u00a0to\u00a0try not to stop\u00a0and to\u00a0use the\u00a0vehicle\u2019s gears wisely. Hill starts require more throttle than usual to get going and clutch control should be delicate to avoid stalling.\u00a0<\/p> Tow bars must be \u2018type approved\u2019. This means it meets EU regulations and is designed for your car. This doesn\u2019t apply to cars first used before 1 August 1998<\/p>Do I need a special license to tow a caravan?<\/h2>
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Does my caravan need a number plate?<\/h2>
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Can I tow a caravan up a hill?<\/h2>
What sort of tow bar do I need to tow a caravan?<\/h2>
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