fbpx
The UK's Most Trusted Motorhome Dealer
Bitcoin icon

Accepted

Towing with a Motorhome: Capacity, Methods & Law

Towing with a motorhome opens up new opportunities for travel, letting you carry extra gear, a car, or even small trailers. However, it’s important to understand towing capacity, methods, and legal considerations to ensure a smooth and safe journey. This guide will break down everything you need to know about towing with a motorhome, from weight limits to licensing requirements and safety tips. 

What Is the Towing Capacity of a Motorhome? 

Towing capacity refers to how much weight your motorhome can tow, and it depends on the class, engine size, and manufacturer specifications. Generally, motorhomes can tow between 3,500 pounds to 15,000 pounds, depending on whether you own a Class A, B, or C vehicle. Knowing your motorhome’s towing capacity is crucial for safety and compliance with UK tow towing capacity laws. 

Towing Capacity Of Different Class Motorhomes?

Towing Capacity For a Class A Motorhome 

Class A motorhomes have the largest engines and highest towing capacities, making them ideal for towing heavier loads. On average, they can tow between 5,000 and 15,000 pounds, depending on the engine and chassis design. Owners of Class A vehicles often use them for towing a vehicle behind a motorhome, such as a car or small trailer. 

Towing Capacity For a Class B Motorhome 

Class B motorhomes, sometimes referred to as campervans, are smaller and more agile but offer lower tow limits. They typically have a towing capacity ranging between 3,500 and 5,000 pounds, which is ideal for smaller trailers, bikes, or lightweight cars. If you’re planning to tow cars for motorhomes, a Class B is more suitable for lighter vehicles. 

Towing Capacity For a Class C Motorhome 

Class C motorhomes strike a balance between power and practicality, with towing capacities of 5,000 to 10,000 pounds. Super C models, however, can tow up to 40,000 pounds, making them capable of pulling larger trailers or multiple vehicles. If you’re still wondering, “Exactly what weight can I tow?”, check your motorhome’s chassis rating. 

Does Towing Capacity Include Trailer Weight? 

Yes, your motorhome’s towing capacity must account for the weight of the trailer plus any cargo it carries. This total weight is known as the maximum towing weight, and exceeding it can put your safety at risk. Always include fuel, water, and additional gear when calculating your total load. 

What Is The Towing Capacity Of A Motorhome?

How to Work Out Your Motorhome’s Towing Capacity 

To calculate your towing capacity, start with your motorhome’s gross train weight (GTW) and subtract the vehicle’s kerb weight. The kerb weight can be found on your V5 registration document or vehicle information plate. Tools like a weight calculator or professional weigh-in can help ensure accuracy when towing a car behind a motorhome. 

Can You Increase the Towing Capacity of Your Motorhome? 

You can increase your motorhome’s towing capacity by upgrading key components, but it won’t change the legal towing limit. While you must adhere to tow limits vehicles regulations to remain road legal, some improvements you can make to tow heavier loads include: 

  • Installing a reinforced hitch 
  • Upgrading axles 
  • Improving braking systems. 

Using An A-Frame

Towing Methods for Motorhomes 

Choosing the right towing method will help boost safety and ease when towing a vehicle behind a motorhome. But if you’re driving a motorhome as a beginner, you might not know which towing methods work for motorhomes. We’ll cover four popular methods, including their pros and cons. 

Using a Tow Bar 

A tow bar connects the towed vehicle to your motorhome, keeping all four wheels on the ground. It’s a cost-effective solution for short distances and lightweight cars. Here’s what you need to know: 

  • Pros: Affordable, compact, and easy to attach. 
  • Cons: Limited stability, not ideal for heavy vehicles. 
  • Best Towing Method for: Short journeys with small vehicles. 

Using an A-Frame 

An A-frame secures the towed vehicle’s front wheels, making it an efficient alternative to trailers. It works well for lighter cars and is relatively simple to set up. Let’s get you up to speed on the details: 

  • Pros: Cheaper than trailers, saves space, and easy to store. 
  • Cons: Not ideal for reversing, can strain braking systems. 
  • Best Towing Method for: Towing a small car behind a motorhome. 

Using a Trailer 

Trailers provide the most stability and safety when towing heavier vehicles. Twin-axle trailers are recommended for greater road balance. As for the pros and cons: 

  • Pros: Suitable for heavy loads, allows reversing, and protects towed vehicles. 
  • Cons: Requires extra storage, higher costs. 
  • Best Towing Method for: Heavy vehicles or cars requiring complete off-ground towing. 

Using a Tow Dolly 

A tow dolly lifts two wheels of the towed vehicle off the ground while leaving the other two rolling. It’s commonly used for non-drivable cars. Here’s what else you need to know: 

  • Pros: Stable, easy to attach, and compact. 
  • Cons: Requires extra effort to load/unload, limited for heavier vehicles. 
  • Best Towing Method for: Transporting lightweight, non-functional cars. 

What Driving Licence Do You Need To Tow With A Motorhome?

What Licence Do You Need to Tow with a Motorhome in the UK? 

Your driving licence determines the weight you can legally tow. If you passed your test before 1997, you automatically have a C1 entitlement, allowing you to tow up to 7,500kg. With a Category B licence, you can tow a trailer weighing up to 750kg, provided your motorhome does not exceed 3,500kg 

For heavier combinations exceeding 8,250kg, you’ll need a C1E entitlement. There’s quite a bit to learn in terms of licencing. Therefore, you should ensure you’re up to speed with what motorhome you can drive on your licence. 

Towing Rules for Motorhomes in the UK and Abroad 

Understanding local and international towing laws ensures a hassle-free journey. Staying compliant with regulation, including motorhome road taxes, helps you avoid fines or complications. Here’s what you need to know for the UK and beyond. 

What Are the Rules for Towing in the UK? 

When towing in the UK, the combined weight of the motorhome and trailer must not exceed the GTW specified by the manufacturer. As you’ll discover in any motorhome speed limits guide worth its salt, speed limits also differ based on the type of road: 

  • Single Carriageways: 50mph 
  • Dual Carriageways: 60mph 

Towing Outside the UK 

If you plan to tow abroad, you should know that rules vary across countries. For example, some European nations prohibit A-frames, requiring trailers instead. It’s essential to research local regulations before setting off to avoid fines or legal issues. 

What Is The Towing Capacity For A Class B Motorhome?

Safety Tips for Towing with a Motorhome 

Prioritizing safety while towing protects both your motorhome and the vehicles behind it. Regular checks and mindful driving habits can make a big difference. Here are some common safety questions and answers: 

Is It OK to Tow at Maximum Capacity? 

While towing at maximum capacity is legal, it’s safer to stay below the limit. Experts recommend towing no more than 80% of your motorhome’s maximum towing weight to reduce strain on the engine and brakes. Staying under the limit improves stability and reduces wear and tear. 

What Happens if Towing Capacity is Exceeded? 

Exceeding towing capacity can lead to serious mechanical issues and road hazards. Your brakes, suspension, and engine can fail under excess weight, leading to costly damage or accidents. Always verify the maximum towing weight to stay within safe limits. 

Is It Ok To Tow At Max Capacity?

FAQs

Does Towing With A Motorhome Make It Harder To Drive?

Typically, towing anything will make it harder for you to drive. However, towing with a motorhome. But you should note that having your towed vehicle behind a motorhome is better than towing behind a car. For a fact, it would be a bit challenging to reverse and manoeuvre in a busy city or tight spaces.
We’d also recommend studying up on a guide to towing a car behind a motorhome, just to be extra prepared. 

Does Having A Trailer Or Car Cost More On Ferries And Tunnels?

This is probably one of the setbacks of using your motorhome as a towing vehicle. Since your vehicle combination will mean that you have a longer vehicle, everything might just cost more. Ferry companies will charge you for ferries and tunnels based on the length of your vehicle.

Does Towing Shorten The Life Of A Motorhome?

Extra power is required by your motorhome to pull the combined weight of the small trailer/ car and the entire vehicle’s payload. So, this might cause extra strain on the vehicle.

However, it doesn’t have to be too bad as you can take the right steps to prevent damage. Ensure you don’t tow more than the maximum weight your motorhome can pull.

Does Towing Affect Your Insurance?

Towing will not impact your insurance policy. You should be aware of the cover provided by your policies. Your motorhome policy will usually cover your towed vehicle while it is attached to it.

Is It Legal To Tow A Caravan With A Motorhome?

It is legal to tow a caravan with your motorhome. However, you should also know that you are limited to towing an unbraked trailer with a maximum authorised mass of not more than 750kg.

One thought on “Towing with a Motorhome: Capacity, Methods & Law

  1. I have a 6m long motorhome. Can I tow a small caravan with it and are there any length restrictions please?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.