A complete guide to towing a caravan

Caravanning is not only a Great British pastime, but the perfect way to enjoy a mini-break that doesn't break the bank.

Before you buy a caravan or plan a holiday, however, there are certain things you must know about actually towing a caravan.

Read our latest driving advice guide.

Can my car tow a caravan?

Trailer licence

If you passed your driving test before 1st January 1997, you are permitted to drive a car towing a caravan with a combined weight of up to 8,250 kg without needing additional tests or endorsements.

However, if you passed your test after this date, you're allowed to tow a caravan only if the combined weight of the car and caravan does not exceed 3,500 kg. If the weight limit is exceeded, you will need to take an additional Category B+E test to legally tow the caravan.

In both cases, it's important to check the towing capacity of your car and ensure that it meets the requirements for safely towing your caravan.

If you're a learner driver, where you may be driving trailers legitimately with L plates, you are not allowed to take the trailer test until you first pass a test and hold a licence for a rigid vehicle.

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Towing capacity

The maximum weight your car can tow (fully loaded car + fully loaded caravan/trailer) is usually listed in the handbook.

However, it is not always clear. For a definitve guide, read our guide to working out towing capacity.

Width and length rules

In the UK, the maximum width allowed for a caravan is 2.55 metres, which includes any awnings, mirrors, or attachments. If the caravan exceeds this width, it is considered overwidth, and you may need special permission or a permit to tow it, depending on the circumstances.

The maximum overall length for a car and caravan combination is 18.75 metres . This includes both the towing vehicle and the caravan. If the total length exceeds this limit, it would be illegal to tow the combination on public roads.

Essential caravan and motorhome pre-journey checklists
The complete caravan buyers’ guide
Towing capacity: how to work it out

Tips for towing a caravan

Tow bars must be ‘type approved’. This means it meets EU regulations and is designed for your car. This doesn’t apply to cars first used before 1 August 1998.
Give yourself more time and space for everything, especially taking corners.
Check your car and caravan's tyres before setting out on a trip.
Never exceed 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways.
Never carry passengers in the caravan when you’re towing it.
Your number plate must show your car’s registration number and be illuminated at night.
Your rear light panel must always be working and visible so check before driving off and keep an eye out for any changes during your journey.
Any trailer weighing over 750 kilograms, including its load, must have a working brake system.
If your trailer is unbraked, the maximum you may tow is 750 kg or half the kerbside weight of the towing vehicle – whichever is the lower.
Try to keep the caravan as light as possible with the heavier items low down and close to the axle. Read our caravan packing tips.
To prevent snaking and pitching make sure you have a well-matched car and caravan and try using stabilisers.

What should I pack for my trip?

Forgetting to pack something for your holiday could range from a small annoyance to becoming majorly detrimental to your trip. Using our caravan trip checklist you can tick off all of the items you may need as you pack.

The list includes many essentials like stabilisers and towing mirrors, and also has a few more luxury items like well-equipped picnic hampers that you might not have thought of taking on your tripto take on day trips out, you might want to check out our online shop.

Need insurance for your road trip? Our temporary car insurance product is perfect if you're looking for flexible and comprehensive cover for between 1 hour and 30 days.

If you're planning on driving your caravan in Europe, then the RAC offers European breakdown cover, which can provide you with complete peace of mind during your trip. This is perfect if you travel to Europe on an annual basis or are just travelling there as part of a one-off trip.If you're looking for piece of mind when travelling in your vehicle this summer, the RAC offer dedicated breakdown cover for caravans and motorhomes, seperate from our standard car breakdown cover.

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Towing a caravan FAQ

What is the speed limit for towing a caravan on a dual carriageway?

The speed limit for towing a caravan on a dual carriageway in the UK is 60mph. This limit applies to all vehicles, regardless of the size or weight of the caravan. It is important to remember that it is illegal to tow a caravan faster than the speed limit, and doing so can result in a fine or points on your license.

It is also important to note that some dual carriageways may have lower speed limits, such as 40 mph, so it is important to check the road signs before driving.

How fast can you go on the motorway towing a trailer?

When towing a trailer on the motorway, the speed limit is usually 60mph, however this can vary depending on the size and weight of the trailer, as well as the road and weather conditions. Drivers should also take into account the weather conditions, as strong winds can cause trailers to sway and make them harder to control. If the wind is strong, it is recommended that drivers reduce their speed.

What restrictions apply to a car towing a trailer on a motorway?

The most important restriction for towing a trailer on a motorway is the speed limit. The speed limit for a car towing a trailer is usually lower than the speed limit for other vehicles. This is to ensure the safety of all road users, as the additional weight and size of the trailer can make it harder to control the vehicle.

In the UK, the maximum speed limit for cars towing trailers on a motorway is 60mph. You should also adhere to the speed limit for the vehicle you are driving, if it is lower than the speed limit for towing a trailer. Other restrictions to consider when towing a trailer on a motorway include the maximum width and length of the trailer. The maximum width of a trailer is usually 2.55 metres, while the maximum length is usually 7 metres. It is also illegal to tow a trailer with a gross weight of more than 3,500kg.

Finally, it is illegal to tow a trailer on a motorway if it is carrying hazardous materials. It is also important to ensure that the trailer is securely attached to the car, with all safety checks in place.

Is there a speed limit when towing a caravan?

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.

Can you tow a caravan without insurance?

Yes, you need insurance to legally tow a caravan. Speak to your insurer before you head out on your next journey to ensure you are allowed to take your caravan.