If the towing community is something you’re not used to then it can be hard to be completely clear on what the legal requirements are that need to be followed when towing which can leaving you feeling confused. So we here at PF Jones have put this short guide together to make it much easier to ensure you are staying completely within the law and help you on your way to towing bliss. With the rise in caravan holidays whether you’re going on away with the family or a romantic break, this will help you with towing safety.

Licence Restrictions

If you passed your car driving test on or after 1 January 1997 you are qualified to drive a car or van up to 3500kg maximum authorised mass (MAM) whilst towing a trailer of up to 750kg or tow a trailer over 750kg just as long as the combined mass of the trailer and the towing vehicle does not exceed 3500kg MAM. However, if your licence was issued before January 1997 then you have a much larger vehicle and trailer combination allowance and are usually allowed up to 8250kg MAM(view your driving licence for information). To be able to tow more if you have a recent driving licence you would need to pass an additional driving test.

Towing a Caravan for the first time

• When towing a vehicle you need to allocate extra time onto the journey than if you were just driving there as the speed limit is usually lower when towing meaning that journey’s would take longer and extra time just in case of any stops.
• When towing a caravan you need to ensure that there is always a wide berth of space when making any manoeuvres as the extra length of the caravan means corners will need to be taken wider to ensure the caravan does not clip the cue.
• In your role as a new towing driver you are not allowed to tow in the furthest right hand side lane of a three or more lane motorway.
• Ensuring that you always have a good view to the rear of you is important, this usually means adding a few extension mirrors, but your safety is worth it.
• You may not know this but it is illegal to carry passengers inside the caravan when it is being towed, don’t get caught out.
• Your rear lights must be working completely and the registration number must be visible on the caravan; illuminated at night and conform to British standards.

How to choose a caravan

Caravans come in all different shapes and sizes, this makes it important to match the weight and make sure it is the caravan or trailer is compatible and there are no unavoidable instances of snaking; snaking is when the caravan begins to sway behind the vehicle in and out of line, the key here is to not panic and slow down. If you’ve taken heed of the 85% recommendation then your car will not waiver and the caravan will begin to fall back into line.  The larger and heavier twin axle caravans are more stable and easier to tow than conventional single axle caravan, but more difficult to pitch or return to storage, it is important to remember that you have to match the caravan to the car and it is recommended to only use up to 85% of the towing capacity when matching, for a beginner at towing it is recommended to go as least close to this as possible.

Remember!

• Make sure all rear lights are working, including indicators.
• Check your licence to make sure of your maximum authorised mass
• Remember to use the recommended 85% rule
• Always plan ahead
• Remember that the speed limit is usually lower when you’re towing
• Be confident and keep a positive attitude.

The main aim is just to remember that you are towing as a way to create adventure and memories, so however stressful it is to get there for the first time, the outcome is always worth it!

Find out more about towbars and towing weights here: https://www.pfjones.co.uk/tow-bars.html