Towing with a motorhome is a fantastic way to make your trips more flexible—whether you’re bringing along a small car, trailer, or extra gear. But before you hitch up and hit the road, it’s essential to understand UK towing laws to stay safe and avoid fines.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about towing with a motorhome in the UK.
Can You Tow with a Motorhome in the UK?
Yes—towing with a motorhome is perfectly legal in the UK. However, you must comply with strict rules around weight limits, driving licences, braking systems, and speed restrictions.
Your motorhome must also be approved for towing by the manufacturer, and you should always check its maximum towing capacity before attaching anything.
Driving Licence Requirements
The licence you need depends on the weight of your motorhome and what you’re towing.
- Category B (standard car licence)
- Can drive vehicles up to 3,500kg
- Can tow a trailer up to 750kg
- Heavier trailers or motorhomes
- May require C1 or C1+E entitlement
Since 2021, most drivers with a standard licence can tow heavier trailers without taking an additional test—but you must still stay within the vehicle’s legal limits.
Weight Limits and Towing Capacity
Understanding weight limits is crucial for legal towing.
Key terms:
- MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass) – total allowed weight of vehicle + load
- Gross Train Weight (GTW) – total combined weight of motorhome + trailer
👉 You must never exceed your motorhome’s GTW, which is usually listed on the VIN plate.
Trailer weight rules:
- Unbraked trailer:
- Max 750kg or half the motorhome’s kerb weight (whichever is lower)
- Braked trailer:
- Must not exceed the manufacturer’s towing limit
- Brakes must work properly
Towing a Car (A-Frame or Trailer)
Many motorhome owners tow a car for convenience—but there are legal requirements:
- A car on an A-frame is treated as a trailer under UK law
- The car must have a fully functioning braking system linked to the motorhome
- Even lightweight cars must comply with braking rules
Failing to meet these requirements could make your setup illegal.
Speed Limits When Towing
When towing with a motorhome, speed limits are lower than usual:
- 50 mph – single carriageways
- 60 mph – dual carriageways and motorways
- No use of the outside lane on motorways with 3+ lanes
Always follow lower posted speed limits where applicable.
Size and Dimension Limits
UK law also restricts the size of what you can tow:
- Maximum trailer width: 2.55 metres
- Maximum combined length: up to 18 metres (for larger vehicles)
Exceeding these limits can result in penalties and safety risks.
Safety and Legal Essentials
To stay compliant and safe on the road, make sure you:
- Check your towing capacity and weight plate
- Use proper towing mirrors for visibility
- Ensure correct nose weight (typically 5–7% of trailer weight)
- Confirm your insurance covers towing
- Secure loads properly
Ignoring these basics can invalidate insurance and lead to fines or points on your licence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many drivers unknowingly break towing laws. Watch out for:
- Exceeding your Gross Train Weight
- Using an unbraked trailer over 750kg
- Incorrect or non-functioning trailer brakes
- Driving in the outside motorway lane while towing
- Assuming all motorhomes can tow (they can’t)
Final Thoughts
Towing with a motorhome in the UK is straightforward once you understand the rules. The key is staying within legal weight limits, using the correct licence, and ensuring your setup is safe and compliant.
If in doubt, always check your vehicle handbook or consult a professional before towing.
Need a Towbar for Your Motorhome?
If you’re planning to tow, having the right towbar setup is essential. A professional installation ensures your vehicle stays safe, legal, and ready for the road. For expert supply and fitting, contact Ultimate Towbar Systems Limited at www.ultimatetowbars.co.uk
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