What Weight Can My Car Tow
- Posted by:
- Admin
- Tags:
- towbars, my car towing, towing, towing capacity
- Posted date:
- 09-08-2021
Do you want to find out what weight can my car tow? We look at how to work out my car's towing capacity and the kerb weight of a car.
How do I work out my car's towing capacity?
While a large majority of modern cars can tow caravans, that doesn't mean they can tow any caravan. You need to know the weight limit of your vehicle and how heavy of a load they can tow; this includes the additional weight added when loading the trailer or caravan.
In terms of legality, towing capacity is the maximum weight your vehicle can legally low. While this may be the legal maximum, this doesn't mean it's advised in terms of safety or comfortability; this is especially true for caravans with a box-shape profile.
Maximum towing capacity can typically be found within the vehicle's handbook or published digitally by the manufacturer. Other possibilities are using the VIN plate to calculate the maximum mass by deducting the first line by the second, where line one is the largest mass allowed and line two being the largest gross train weight.
Most experts advise the 85% rule, which states that the fully laden weight of the caravan shouldn't exceed 85% of the kerb weight of the towing vehicle. If you calculate for this rule utilising your car's kerb weight and the mass of the caravan (MTPLM or maximum technically permissible laden mass) and the mass of the caravan is below the 85% mark, your car will easily and safely tow.
Anything above the 85% mark while not legally enforceable should be left to those with experience.
Other rules include 'outfit matching', which states that if the caravan's weight exceeds the weight of the car towing, then it is highly advised you avoid towing the caravan.
What is the kerb weight of my car?
The kerb weight of your vehicle can be found on a plate on one of your door sills or occasionally on your V5 registration document. Other advice includes looking within the car manual or by contacting the manufacturer.
What is the weight of my caravan?
The weight of a caravan can typically be found within the vehicle's manual, or you can contact the manufacturer to find out. Other solutions include finding the weight near the doorframe on a plate.
The 85% Rule
Most experts advise the 85% rule, which states that the fully laden weight of the caravan shouldn't exceed 85% of the kerb weight of the towing vehicle.
If you calculate for this rule utilising your car's kerb weight and the mass of the caravan (MTPLM or maximum technically permissible laden mass) and the mass of the caravan is below the 85% mark, your car will easily tow.
Anything above the 85% mark while not legally enforceable should be left to those with experience.
Outfit matching
'Outfit matching' states that if the caravan's weight exceeds the weight of the car that is towing, then it is highly advised you avoid towing the caravan.
Can I tow a caravan?
Understanding the legality of towing and caravans can be overwhelming and complex. Depending on when you acquired your driver's license, the rules will differ.
Driver's license acquired before January 1st 1997, registered in England.
MAM is an acronym for 'maximum authorised mass', which entails the entire weight of the car, trailer or caravan and the weight of the load.
- Operate a van or car with a weight of up to 8,250kg MAM
- Operate a minibus with a trailer weighing more than 750lg MAM
Unfortunately, anything higher than the 8,250kg limit will require you to take the 'car and trailer driving test' before operating with a higher load.
Driver's license acquired after January 1st 1997, registered in England.
MAM is an acronym for 'maximum authorised mass', which entails the entire weight of the car, trailer or caravan and the weight of the load.
- As long as the total combined weight (MAM) of the towing vehicle and trailer doesn't exceed 3,500kg, you can tow a trailer of over 750kg MAM
- Operate a van or car with a weight of up to 3,500kg MAM (maximum authorised weight)
Unfortunately, it is doubtful that the total MAM is within the 3,500kg limit; this will require you to take the 'car and trailer driving test' before operating with a higher load.
Do I need a towing license?
If you acquired your driver's license before the 1st of January 1997, then in most cases, you won't require any special kind of license; the only exception to this being if you wish to exceed 8,250kg MAM of weight. Any driver's licenses acquired after the aforementioned date will require you to pass the 'car and trailer driving test' before operating with a load upwards of 3,500kg.
What is the legality of towing a caravan?
Besides the aforementioned legality in terms of weight when towing a caravan, there is also a multitude of other laws that must be followed, such as:
- Speed cannot exceed 60mph on a dual carriageway
- Speed cannot exceed 50mph on a single carriageway
- Any towbar used must adhere to type approved EU regulations
- Your license plate and registration number must maintain visibility, and as such, be clearly visible at the rear of the caravan
- No passengers must be onboard the caravan while in motion
- If the weight of the caravan exceeds 750kg, you are required to have a functioning brake system
- Rear lights must be functional and clearly visible; ensure they operate before travel
- Maximum width of the trailer cannot exceed 2.55m
- Maximum length of the trailer cannot exceed 7m
If you need to tow a caravan or other trailer, you'll need a towbar. We can help with any and all enquires regarding towbars, so don't hesitate to contact MotorHome Towbars today.
