If you need to tow a caravan, boat or horse trailer, the first step is choosing the right car. Your choice will be determined by the towing weight that you plan to pull.
Maximum towing weights for BRAKED trailers (horse trailers, caravans, bigger boats) and UNBRAKED (small boat/jet-ski trailers, tent trailers etc) are listed in the CAR PRICES & SPECS section. Don't go for the max - it causes heavy wear and tear on the tow car (especially the suspension) and increases the chance of losing control of the rig. Towing lore suggests that 75 per cent of a car's maximum towing weight is a safe figure for a braked trailer.
Towing increases weight, rolling resistance and drag (air resistance), so fuel consumption rises sharply. Diesel cars offer useful fuel savings and generally make better tow cars. Their power output comes at lower revs, reducing gear-changing and improving acceleration.
INSIDER INSIGHT
Stay safe, legal and unstressed while hauling that load:
- Never exceed the maximum towing weight
- Don't exceed 50mph, or 60mph on dual carriageways/motorways
- Stay out of the outside 'passing' lane on motorways
- Allow extra time and pull-in room when overtaking
- Allow plenty of extra braking distance
- Avoid braking harshly from speed
- Distribute weight over the trailer's axle(s)
- Check trailer brakes and lights work when you hitch up
- Practice reversing and turning into tight spaces
- Show consideration; let faster traffic pass if safe to do so
- Fit extended door mirrors if your trailer/caravan is wide or high
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