Towing With A Van: Licence Laws & Vehicle Capacities Explained

Vans stand out in the realm of cargo transportation due to their versatility and convenience. However, one area in which they are often underutilised is towing. Towing with a van opens up a world of possibilities with these vehicles. From trailers and caravans to heavy work equipment, the range of items you can tow with vans is limitless.

If you’re new to the world of vehicle towing and don’t know where to start, this comprehensive guide is for you. We’ll explore everything you need to know about van towing, ranging from weight limits to safety tips and speed limits.

Table Of Contents

1 Van Towing Licence Laws
2 Towing Capacity And Vehicle Weights
3 Speed Limits When Towing Vehicle
4 How To Determine Van Towing Capacity
5 How To Tow A Trailer
6 Safety Tips When Towing A Trailer With A Van
7 Use Of Tachographs
8 Frequently Asked Questions
9 Conclusion

Van Towing Licence Laws

Before getting behind the wheels of a vehicle and attaching a trailer, it’s important to understand the driving licence requirement. Generally, most vans fall under the 3.5-tonne category, so you only need a standard category B licence to drive them. This licence allows you to tow items that weigh up to 750 kg (0.75 tonnes).

For those who passed their driving test before January 1, 1997, you will be able to drive a vehicle and tow items with a combined weight of up to 8,250 kg (8.25 tonnes). This limit should be sufficient for other larger vans and trailers. Although no licence is required for towing, the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has set up a voluntary trailer driving test for those who want to improve their towing skills.

Trailers with a gross vehicle weight of 751 kg or more are legally required to have their own brakes; these are commonly referred to as braked trailers.

Towing Capacity And Vehicle Weights

With licences sorted out, it’s time to consider vehicle weight and towing capacity. The capabilities of vans differ and it’s up to you to determine how much your vehicle can tow. There are usually a bunch of weight limits detailed on your van and trailer’s chassis plate, but when it comes to towing, we’re concerned with the individual and combined weights of the vehicle and trailer. These are indicated as gross vehicle weight (GVW) and gross train weight (GTW), also known as gross combination weight (GCW).

The gross vehicle weight, also called the maximum authorised mass (MAM), refers to the maximum weight your van can reach when fully loaded. It includes the weight of the driver, passengers and cargo. Gross combination weight is the maximum that a vehicle and trailer combination is allowed to weigh. It includes the GVW and the weight of the trailer or additional item being towed.

Now, towing capacity essentially refers to how much the van can legally tow. This is the difference between the GTW and GVW of your vehicle and is the most important detail when it comes to towing.

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Speed Limits When Towing Vehicle

Away from weight, the speed limit in a van is another factor to pay attention to when towing. The speed limit when towing is usually the same as if you aren’t towing a trailer. i.e., 30 mph (48 km/h) in built-up areas and 50 (80 km/h) mph in single-carriageways. However, you’re limited to 60 mph (97 km/h) on motorways and dual-carriageways, as opposed to 70 mph (113 km/h) if you weren’t towing. As a rule of thumb, knock off 10 mph of the regular speed limit when towing if you’re unsure.

How To Determine Van Towing Capacity

As we stated earlier, the towing capacity is the maximum mass your van can tow safely and legally. Working out the vehicle’s towing capacity is quite easy. Just subtract the gross vehicle weight from the gross combination weight. For example, if your van has a GCW of 4,500 kg and a GVW of 2,500 kg, the towing capacity would be 2,000 kg.

In most cases, you don’t even have to calculate the towing capacity, as manufacturers tend to indicate it on the chassis plate of the vehicle. If you’re hiring a vehicle and it’s not clearly indicated, however, it’s best to calculate it yourself to be sure.

Check out our van towing capacity chart, which details how much various types of vans can tow.

How To Tow A Trailer

To tow a trailer with your van, you must first attach it to the towing vehicle. Here are the appropriate steps to follow when towing trailers:

Connect the trailer to the van’s hitch and lock it in place. Double-check that the chains are attached properly.
Load the trailer with the items you plan to transport and remember to spread heavy loads evenly for balance.
Plan your route, choosing favourable roads without steep inclines.
Drive at a safe speed and keep in mind that towing a trailer changes your vehicle’s handling and braking.

Safety Tips When Towing A Trailer With A Van

Towing a trailer with a van requires extra care due to the additional weight you’re carrying. The following tips will help ensure your journey goes smoothly:

Know your van’s limit: You have to be aware of your van’s towing capacity to ensure that you don’t exceed it. Going beyond the towing limit can make the vehicle unstable, putting you at risk of accidents.
Use the correct hitch: Install the appropriate hitch for your van and trailer combination. Also, make sure the trailer is properly coupled to the tow bar and the breakaway cable is attached in the right way.
Inspect the vehicle and trailer: Check the tyre pressure on both the towing vehicle and trailer and see that they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendations. You must also inspect the brakes and lights to ensure they’re functioning as they should.
Balance the load: It’s not just about getting cargo into the trailer or caravan. You have to make sure that everything is distributed evenly to prevent the trailer from swaying.
Follow traffic laws: Obey towing laws and speed limits for safe driving. Remember to use turn signals and give yourself extra time when changing lanes.
Practice: Before hitting the road, remember to practice driving with a trailer if it’s your first time towing. See how comfortable you are turning, backing up and parking with the trailer or caravan attached.

See our van sizes guide for a deep insight into the capacity of most vans.

Use Of Tachographs

A tachograph is a device that can be fitted to a vehicle to record the driver’s hours on the road and rest periods. This device is often used in larger vehicles, such as minibuses and lorries. You’re only legally required to install a tachograph in your van if it’s used for commercial purposes and has a GTW of over 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes).

You don’t need a tachograph if it’s a 3.5-tonne van and this is the case with most vans. Similarly, if you’re making a personal journey and the GTW is below 7,500 kg (7.5 tonnes), a tachograph is not needed to monitor the van driving hours. Just make sure you have the appropriate driving licence.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s The Maximum Weight A Van Can Tow?

The maximum weight a van can tow depends on the size of the van. Towing capacities vary across vans and it all comes down to the vehicle’s gross combination weight and maximum authorised mass. Generally, full-size vans like the Ford Transit Custom and Mercedes Sprinter can tow between 2000 kg (2 tonnes) and 3500 kg (3.5 tonnes).

What Is Gross Train Weight?

Gross train weight is the combined weight of a vehicle, trailer and cargo in the trailer. Also known as gross combination weight, this measurement is typically specified by manufacturers to indicate the maximum mass that a towing vehicle, including all cargo and trailers, must not exceed. GTW is one important factor to consider when towing, as it helps ensure that the vehicle is within safe operating limits.

Can You Tow Trailers With A Normal Licence?

Yes, you can tow trailers with a normal licence. Those who obtained their licence before January 1, 1997, can drive vehicle and trailer combinations up to 8,250 kg (8.25 tonnes). If you passed your driving test after this date, however, you can only drive vehicles up to 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes) MAM and trailers weighing a maximum of 750 kg (0.75 tonnes).

What’s The Best Van For Towing?

There is no specific type or model of a van that is best for towing. Panel vans, such as the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, offer high towing capacities and versatility. Also, pickups are often a choice. A pickup (or a pick-up truck) like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux can tow up to 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes). This is why they are popular choices among farmers and other businesses that tend to tow large trailers and equipment. Large vans like the Volkswagen Crafter and Iveco Daily also boast similar towing capacities.

Can You Tow Uphill With A Van?

Yes, you can tow uphill with a van but you must be very careful when doing so. Be aware of your van’s towing limit and ensure that you don’t exceed it to avoid putting strain on the vehicle. Also, make sure you build speed before starting the ascent, so your van has enough momentum to climb the hill.

Conclusion

Towing with a van can be a very practical way to transport goods, equipment and even other vehicles. The most important thing is just to ensure that you do it in the right way. When hiring a van for towing, pay attention to its capacity and ensure the vehicle is in good condition before getting on the road.