There are some important rules to keep in mind when towing, regardless of when you passed your test and what category of licence you have. We run through the key details.
Gross Train Weight
Most vehicles have a maximum towing weight – this can be found in the owner’s manual. Each vehicle has a Gross Train Weight (GTW), which is the maximum recommended weight of the vehicle when fully loaded, including the weight of towed vehicles. Your gross train weight can be found on the VIN plate (vehicle identification number plate), which can be found inside the driver’s door or under the bonnet. If you can’t find a train weight, don’t use your car to tow.
Maximum Dimensions
If you are towing a vehicle, the maximum length of a trailer towed by a vehicle up to 3.500kg is 7 metres, the width is 2.55 metres.
Towing Bars and Mirrors
It is important that your tow bar is appropriate for use, so, unless your vehicle was made before 1st August 1998, your tow bar must be “type approved”. This means that your tow bar must be designed for your car and meet EU regulations. If your tow bar is type approved, it will have a label showing its approval number and a list of approved vehicle makes and models.
When towing your trailer or caravan, it is important that you can still see properly. If your trailer or caravan is wider than the rear of your car, you need to fit towing mirrors – failure to have towing mirrors could incur a fine of up to £1,000 as well as three points on your licence.
Number Plates
If you are planning on towing anything, you need a spare number plate. It is the law to have the towing vehicle’s number plate displayed on the back of your caravan or trailer. If you are towing more than one trailer at a time, or the number plate is obscured (e.g. by bikes on a bike rack), fix your number plate at the very back, where it is clearly visible.
Brakes
If your trailer or caravan weighs more than 750kg, they must have a working brake system. Small trailers weighing less than 750kg when loaded don’t need brakes. You must also use secondary coupling or a breakaway cable, in the event your trailer comes loose from your vehicle.
As long as you are aware of the rules and regulations regarding towing, your towing trip should go without a hitch. If you are in doubt about the safety of your vehicle, trailer or caravan, ask at your local garage for advice.