Start your towing journey with safety and confidence
Sammy Faircloth shares some great tips that will give you confidence towing your caravan.
Towing a caravan for the first time can be both exciting and slightly daunting. Whether you're a younger caravanner starting out, or even if it’s the first time this season, understanding your legal obligations and investing in the right training will put you firmly on the road to safe and enjoyable adventures.
Know your licence and weight limits
For drivers who passed their test after 1 January 1997, towing rules in the UK changed on 16 December 2021. Previously, you were restricted to towing a trailer or caravan up to 750kg Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), or a combined car and trailer MAM of 3,500kg, unless you passed an additional B+E test. However, the law now allows you to tow a trailer or caravan up to 3,500kg MAM without the need for extra testing.
Kerbweight (also known as Mass in Running Order or unladen weight) refers to the weight of a vehicle as it leaves the factory, with all standard equipment, necessary operating fluids (like oil and coolant), and a full tank of fuel - but without passengers, luggage, or optional extras. It is a crucial figure when towing because it helps you work out the maximum weight of caravan your tow vehicle can safely tow.
The widely recommended 85% guideline suggests that the laden weight of your caravan should not exceed 85% of your tow car’s kerbweight, a figure that can be found in your car manufacturers handbook. This helps maintain good stability, especially for novice or occasional tow drivers. It’s wise to visit a public weighbridge to get an accurate reading of your caravan’s laden weight - both empty and fully packed.
Noseweight is the downward force on the tow ball. Correct noseweight improves towing stability and reduces the risk of snaking. Always check before leaving home/pitch.
Essential towing equipment
When towing, visibility is key. You must be able to see clearly 4 metres to either side and 20 metres behind the caravan. This typically means fitting towing mirrors, which are a legal requirement and not just a nice-to-have.
In the unlikely event that your caravan detaches from the tow car, a correctly fitted breakaway cable is designed to activate the caravan’s brakes, bringing it to a controlled stop rather than letting it roll freely and dangerously. It must be securely attached to a dedicated anchor point on the towbar or looped once around the tow ball if no attachment point is available - but never attach it to the electrics.
Training for confidence
To build confidence behind the wheel and develop the skills to tow safely, consider enrolling in a dedicated towing course. The Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Practical Caravanning Course is an excellent place to start. Typically lasting one and a half days, this hands-on course is ideal for beginners.
It covers essential topics such as:
- Checking noseweight and adjusting it appropriately
- Safe use of the jockey wheel and coupling procedure
- Proper attachment and use of breakaway cables
- Matching your tow car to the right caravan
- Loading for optimal balance and stability
- Legal requirements and safety checks
Practical sessions also cover key manoeuvres like reversing, using mirrors effectively, and practicing pre-arranged hand signals with a partner. What’s more, the Caravan and Motorhome Club provides the caravans, so you can focus on learning without worrying about your own kit.
Towing a caravan isn’t just about hitching up and heading off. It’s about understanding your responsibilities, investing in training, and being equipped to handle the road ahead. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can embrace the freedom of caravanning - safely, confidently, and legally.
And a final word regarding insurance or cover - even though legally you do not need your caravan to have separate insurance or cover, it is strongly and highly recommended. By completing either of the Club’s caravan manoeuvring courses you can get a 5% discount on your next renewal with the Club’s Caravan Cover or if you switch to them then you will be able to receive this 5% straight away.*
Visit our Caravan Towing Courses page to discover the course locations. Or call 01342 488 363 and speak to one of the Club’s Training Team, who can answer any questions you may have.
Published April 2025
*Available on the Club’s Caravan Cover, Motorhome, Campervan and Car Insurance. Valid for new policies/cover or at the next renewal of an existing policy/cover, where we may ask for proof of course completion.
Caravan Cover is provided directly by the Caravan and Motorhome Club.
Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Motorhome/Campervan Insurance is arranged for the Club by Devitt Insurance Services Limited. Caravan and Motorhome Club is a trading name of The Caravan Club Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for general insurance and credit activities.