Whether you’re off on an adventure or using a trailer to transport some stuff from place to place, there are certain things you’ll need to consider before you tow.
The law
Firstly, it’s important to remember that the type of caravan or trailer you're legally allowed to tow will depend on the type of driving licence you hold. You mustn’t tow more than your licence permits, so find out how the rules apply to you at GOV.UK.
If you haven’t towed before, one option is to sign-up to a training course. Courses can be found through the government approved Safe Towing Scheme.
Preparing your load
Before you set off, you’ll need to do some basic checks.
- Don’t overload your vehicle or trailer. Read your trailer and car handbooks to find out what the recommended maximum weight is.
- Make sure any load you're carrying is securely fastened and that nothing is sticking out dangerously.
- Take care to distribute the weight in your caravan or trailer properly and evenly.
- Remember that the nose weight mustn’t be too heavy (or too light).
- Check the condition and pressure of the tyres, and the brakes if it has them.
- Test all the lights to make sure they’re working. You may need to adjust your headlights when towing another vehicle.
- Make sure the cables aren’t dragging on the road, and the trailer handbrake is off.
There are serious penalties for using a vehicle that’s in a dangerous condition. You can be fined up to £2,500, banned from driving, and get three penalty points on your licence, so take care and make sure you always prepare safely.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has a handy video of checks to do before you tow.
Getting connected
You’re all loaded up and ready to go, now it’s time to make sure your trailer or caravan is securely connected.
- If possible, ask someone to help. It’s much easier if you have someone else to guide you and make sure your vehicle is in the right position.
- Attach the safety chain or breakaway cable to the rear of the vehicle, this will apply the handbrake if the vehicle becomes detached while towing.
- Use the jockey wheel to securely lower the coupling head onto the tow ball. Make sure you check (and double check) that it’s locked on correctly and that the jockey wheel assembly is then lifted and secured out of the way, so it doesn’t cause any obstructions.
- If the trailer has an eye coupling, make sure that the safety locking catch on the towing pin is properly applied and that the safety pin or clip is fitted.
- Check that any electric cables are connected correctly and that the trailer indicators and brake lights are working and align with those of the vehicle that’s towing.
- Adjust your external mirrors so that you can see down both sides of the trailer or caravan. You may want to fit extension mirrors to help with this.
- Make sure the trailer or caravan is displaying a registration plate that matches the vehicle it’s being towed by.
The National Trailer and Towing Association (NTTA) has lots of advice and guidance on how to prepare your trailer and how to tow safely. They even have a handy app to guide you through it. Find all the info you need on the NTTA website.
Driving safely
It’s important to remember that the rules of the road change when you get hooked up to a caravan or trailer. When travelling on single carriageway roads, you mustn’t exceed 50mph, and the maximum for dual carriageways and motorways is 60 mph (assuming no lower limit is in force).
Be careful to always stick to a speed that is well within your capabilities, and that suits the road and weather conditions at the time.
Remember, when you’re towing you mustn’t use the outside lane of a three, or more, lane motorway (unless there are lane closures or the police instruct you to do so).
You wouldn’t drive off in an unroadworthy car, and it’s just as important to make sure your trailer is in tip-top condition by keeping it regularly serviced and well-maintained. The National Trailer and Towing Association (NTTA) has a list of trusted workshops. Fill out their online form to find the closest one to you.
Getting around
Loading up and attaching your trailer or caravan is just the start of your journey. Once you’re on the road, you’ll need to take extra care when driving too.
Bear in mind that you have extra length and width to consider when taking corners or manoeuvring in your vehicle and trailer. Make sure you leave enough room and keep an eye on both door mirrors.
When approaching a bend, try to avoid braking sharply as this could cause your vehicle and the caravan or trailer to jack-knife. Instead, gently start to reduce your speed before you reach the bend and take the appropriate gear for the speed you’re doing.
Reversing can be challenging too. If possible, get someone to help guide you and always check that the area is clear behind you before you reverse. Be aware that a small trailer will be harder to reverse than a large one, as it is more sensitive to steering.
If you do feel your trailer starting to snake or swerve, try to keep calm. Slowly ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently. Once you’ve regained control, it’s advisable to find somewhere safe to pull over to check that the load hasn’t shifted position causing instability.
It’s also worth checking with your insurance provider to see what your policy does, and doesn’t, cover you for.
Some car insurers, like Churchill, will cover damage caused by your trailer or caravan to a third-party, but not and damage to the trailer or caravan itself as this will need to be insured separately. Always remember to check your policy booklet for full details.
