Towing a trailer requires careful attention to all aspects of your vehicle, including its weight, stability, and the conditions of the road. With the right guidance, you can ensure a safe journey, whether you’re hauling a caravan for a camping holiday or a horsebox for a day at the races. This ultimate guide will walk you through all the essentials for safe, legal, and stress-free towing in the UK.
Understanding the Law
Before you get started with towing, it’s important to understand the laws surrounding this activity.
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In the UK, your licence will dictate what you can tow. For those who passed their car driving test on or after 1 January 1997, you can:
- Drive a car or van up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) towing a trailer of up to 750kg MAM
- Tow a trailer over 750kg MAM as long as the combined MAM of the trailer and towing vehicle is no more than 3,500kg
For anything heavier, you need to take a category B+E driving test.
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If you passed your car test before 1 January 1997, you are generally entitled to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM. However, it’s always best to check your driving licence information to see what vehicles you can tow.
Choosing the Right Trailer
The choice of trailer greatly impacts how smoothly your car can tow.
An overly large or heavy trailer will put undue strain on your car’s engine and suspension, while an undersized trailer might not meet your needs. The best way to ensure a good match is by checking your car’s maximum towing weight, which should be listed in the owner’s manual or a plate on the vehicle itself.
Remember, the weight of the trailer when fully loaded – not just the weight of the trailer itself – must be below the car’s maximum towing weight. Pay attention to the tow ball mass, which is the weight pressing down on the car’s tow bar. Too high a mass can destabilize the car, while too low can make the trailer sway. Typically, a tow ball mass of about 10% of the trailer’s loaded weight is recommended.
Preparing Your Car for Towing
Before you hook up your trailer and head out on the open road, there are a few things you need to do to prepare your car.
Firstly, check your vehicle’s tyres. Tyre pressure will need to be increased to accommodate the extra weight – this information should be in your car’s handbook.
Next, check your tow bar. It should be correctly fitted and suitable for towing your selected trailer. Make sure the trailer hitch is secure and that the safety chain is correctly attached.
Finally, adjust your mirrors. If your trailer is wider than your car, you will need to fit extension mirrors to ensure you have a clear view of both the road ahead and behind.
Driving Safely While Towing
Driving while towing a trailer is a unique experience that requires additional caution.
Always allow extra time and space for everything – acceleration, braking, and especially turning. Avoid sudden manoeuvres as these can cause the trailer to snake or flip. Remember, the added weight behind your car will affect the driving dynamics.
Take it slow, especially when you’re new to towing. Speed limits while towing in the UK are 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
Consider Trailer Training Courses
Lastly, even if you’re not required by law to take a trailer training course, it’s a good idea to consider one anyway.
Such courses can help you learn how to manoeuvre and reverse with a trailer, how to load it properly and distribute weight, and how to hitch and unhitch safely. They typically include both theory and practical elements and are a great way to gain confidence before you embark on your towing journey.
Remember, safe towing is all about preparation and patience. Knowing the rules and your vehicle’s capabilities, choosing the right trailer, and driving responsibly will ensure a smooth and safe journey on the UK roads.
Breakdown Cover and Additional Precautions
While you’re prepared for your journey, it’s crucial to also consider how you’re protected if things don’t go as planned. When towing a trailer, caravan or other load, having breakdown cover is essential.
Breakdown cover companies in the UK offer coverage specifically designed for motorists who tow. This type of cover usually offers roadside assistance, recovery services, and sometimes, even onward travel arrangements. Some policies even cover the trailer or caravan itself.
Before setting off, ensure that your breakdown cover is up to date and that it covers you for towing. It may also be worthwhile to have the contact details of your breakdown cover provider readily accessible during your journey.
Furthermore, your vehicle’s number plate should be clearly visible on your trailer. The law requires you to display your number plate on both your car and your caravan trailer. The number plate on your trailer should match the one on your vehicle and be lit at night. This is necessary so that your trailer can be identified and linked to your vehicle in case of any incidents.
As an additional precaution, always conduct a final safety check before you depart. This should include a review of your vehicle’s tyre pressures, all trailer connections, and the functioning of your lights.
Lastly, it’s recommended that you practise towing in a safe and open space, like an empty car park. This can help you get a feel for how your vehicle handles when it’s towing your trailer, making you more confident and safe on the road.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Towing Experience
Towing a trailer, whether it be a caravan for a relaxing holiday or a horsebox to a day at the races, can initially seem like a challenging task. However, with the correct understanding of the law regarding your driving licence and your vehicle’s capabilities, choosing the right trailer, and the knowledge of safe driving techniques, you can ensure a smooth journey.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority. From preparing your car for towing to being aware of the changes in your car’s dynamics, every step is crucial for a safe and enjoyable ride.
Consider taking a trailer training course. Its practical and theoretical elements can instil confidence, especially if you’re new to towing. Moreover, don’t forget to have an appropriate breakdown cover that suits your needs. It’s also essential that your car’s and trailer’s number plates are correctly displayed and lit.
Keeping these points in mind, you are well prepared to start towing a trailer with your car in the UK. It won’t be long before you’re enjoying the freedom and flexibility that comes with the ability to tow a trailer. Be patient, stay alert, and enjoy your journey!