Caravan Towing Guides and Regulations

Each of our caravan listings shows two of the essential weights, ideal for your quick reference. The weights are the caravan’s MTPLM and the ideal kerbside weight of the towing car. Further information about these two weights can be found by clicking on the information icon, which can be found next to each displayed weight.

View all caravans available at Leisure World.

When towing a caravan speed limits can vary compared to normal non-tow driving. Unless signs show otherwise, a 30mph limit applies to all roads with street lighting, a 50mph limit applies on all single carriageways and a 60mph applies on dual carriageways and motorways. When towing, you must also remember that you cannot travel in the right-hand lane of a motorway with three lanes or more.

Each vehicle has a maximum towing capacity. Correct guidance for this can be found in the owner’s handbook or on the manufacturer’s website – however, this information should only be taken as a guide. Exact towing capacity can be figured out by using the Vehicle Identification Number Plate, which is stamped on the vehicle.

Caravans should either be level or slightly nose down during towing. Speed should gradually be built up - and dependent on road and weather conditions.

Hills can cause problems when towing a caravan. When going uphill you should change into a lower gear in good time and keep to the nearside, especially if your car is running out of power or you are following a slow car. When going downhill you should take care not to gain speed - select a low gear early, which will also take the strain off the brakes.

For more information visit the NCC website.

When towing, the law requires the driver to have a clear view down both sides of the trailer and 4m either side at a distance of 20m behind. So even though towing extension mirrors are not law they are almost certainly necessary, as most caravans are wider than the towing car. We certainly recommend them. If you decide to use towing mirrors, cars registered on or after 26th January 2010 can only use ones which carry an E marking.

The Camping and Caravanning Club also offer lots of advice on towing and mirrors, find it here.

If you have any questions about towing and you can’t find the answers to here, or you just want some friendly advice, feel free to ring or call us. One of our friendly staff team will be happy to help. Many of us are caravanners ourselves and we’re always happy to advise where we can.

In addition you can download a copy of the NCC’s very useful Caravan Towing Guide, here in PDF form.