Understanding your car’s towing capacity is essential before hitching up a caravan, trailer, or horse box. Get it wrong and you risk instability, mechanical damage, a failed MOT, or even a roadside fine. This guide demystifies the key terms and helps you work out exactly how much your car can tow.
Braked vs Unbraked Towing Capacity
Every car that can tow has two capacity ratings:
- Braked towing capacity: The maximum weight you can tow when the trailer has its own braking system. This is the higher figure and the one relevant for most caravans and larger trailers
- Unbraked towing capacity: The maximum weight for a trailer without brakes. UK law caps this at 750 kg regardless of what the car could technically handle
Where to Find Your Car’s Towing Limits
- Owner’s handbook: Lists both braked and unbraked limits, plus maximum noseweight
- Vehicle identification plate: Usually found on the driver’s door pillar, under the bonnet, or in the engine bay. Shows Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and Gross Train Weight (GTW)
- V5C registration document: Shows the Revenue Weight, which corresponds to the Gross Vehicle Weight
To calculate your maximum trailer weight from the VIN plate: Gross Train Weight minus Gross Vehicle Weight = maximum trailer weight.
The 85% Rule
The Caravan and Motorhome Club recommends that the loaded weight of your caravan should not exceed 85% of your towing vehicle’s kerbweight. This isn’t law, but it’s widely regarded as the threshold for safe, stable towing.
| Car Kerbweight | 85% Limit | 100% Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1,400 kg | 1,190 kg | 1,400 kg |
| 1,600 kg | 1,360 kg | 1,600 kg |
| 1,800 kg | 1,530 kg | 1,800 kg |
| 2,000 kg | 1,700 kg | 2,000 kg |
| 2,200 kg | 1,870 kg | 2,200 kg |
Common Car Towing Capacities
| Vehicle | Kerbweight (approx.) | Braked Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Focus | 1,350 kg | 1,300 kg |
| VW Golf | 1,395 kg | 1,400 kg |
| Skoda Kodiaq | 1,680 kg | 2,000 kg |
| Kia Sorento | 1,880 kg | 2,500 kg |
| Land Rover Discovery | 2,294 kg | 3,500 kg |
| Ford Ranger | 2,150 kg | 3,500 kg |
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Noseweight
Noseweight is the downward force the trailer coupling exerts on the towbar. Getting it right is crucial for stability. Too little and the rear of the trailer can lift, causing snaking. Too much and the car’s rear axle is overloaded, affecting steering and braking.
The recommended noseweight is typically 5–7% of the trailer’s total loaded weight, subject to the maximum stated in your car’s handbook (usually 50–100 kg). You can measure it with an inexpensive noseweight gauge available from caravan accessory shops.
Final Thoughts
Towing capacity isn’t just about what your car can physically pull — it’s about what it can pull safely and legally. Always check your vehicle’s specific limits, follow the 85% rule for caravans, and make sure your noseweight is within the recommended range. If in doubt, consult your vehicle’s handbook or a qualified towbar fitter.
Towing limits are set by the vehicle manufacturer and cannot be exceeded. Always check your specific vehicle’s documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
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