Towing a Caravan or Trailer Safely — The Complete UK Guide

Millions of caravans and trailers take to UK roads every year, but towing incorrectly is dangerous and illegal. Here's everything you need to know before you hitch up.

Towing is a skill that many UK drivers take on with limited preparation. Done correctly, it is perfectly safe. Done incorrectly, it can cause serious accidents. Here is the complete guide.

Know Your Towing Limit

Every vehicle has a maximum towing capacity specified by the manufacturer — found in the owner's manual or the V5C. You must never exceed this. The general rule is that the loaded trailer or caravan should not exceed 85% of the towing vehicle's kerbweight for novice towers.

Check Your Licence

If you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, you are entitled to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 3,500kg MAM. For larger combinations, you will need a Category B+E licence. Check your licence categories before towing.

Load the Caravan or Trailer Correctly

Incorrect loading is a leading cause of caravan sway, which can be fatal at motorway speeds:

Place heavy items low and over the axle

Distribute weight evenly side to side

Aim for a small noseweight — typically 50–100kg — but check your towbar's noseweight limit

Speed Limits for Towing

When towing in the UK:

Motorways and dual carriageways: 60 mph (not 70 mph)

Single carriageway roads: 50 mph (not 60 mph)

Built-up areas: 30 mph as normal

Many drivers are unaware of these reduced limits — they apply to any vehicle towing a trailer or caravan.

Pre-Journey Safety Checks

Before every trip, check:

Tyre condition and pressure on both tow vehicle and trailer

Trailer lights and indicators are working (use a tester plug)

Breakaway cable is correctly attached

Jockey wheel, handbrake and hitch are correctly engaged

Mirrors provide adequate rear visibility — extended towing mirrors may be required by law if the caravan is wider than your vehicle

What to Do If the Caravan Snakes

If your caravan begins to sway (snake), do not brake sharply and do not steer into the sway. Ease off the accelerator gently and allow the combination to slow naturally. Keep your steering straight and firm.

If your towing vehicle breaks down in Newport, Cardiff, Bristol or Bath, Fred's Towing Services can recover both the tow vehicle and the caravan or trailer safely. Call 01633 982028 — available 24/7.