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Few considerations are more important than the towing capacity when hiring or buying a new van. This factor plays a crucial role in determining how much your vehicle can transport in a single trip. If only there was a van towing capacity chart for UK drivers, right? Well, you’re in luck because that’s what this article is all about.
Whether you’re a contractor looking to transport your work equipment or simply in need of a vehicle that can tow your camper during weekend adventures, you’re in the right place. Keep reading as we unveil towing charts for different kinds of small, medium and large vans.
Table Of Contents
Small Van Towing Capacity Chart
Small vans are known for their practicality and manoeuvrability. The van dimensions make these vehicles nimble enough to get around tight corners, yet they provide more than enough towing capacity for most tasks. The towing capacity of most small vans ranges between 750 kg (0.75 tonnes) and 1,500 kg (1.5 tonnes), except for the Nissan E-NV200, which is an electric vehicle.
| Small Van | Maximum Towing Capacity (Kg) |
|---|---|
| Citroen Berlingo | 1,300 |
| Fiat Doblo | 1,000 |
| Ford Connect | 800 |
| Ford Courier | 1,200 |
| Ford Fiesta | 750 |
| Mercedes-Benz Citan | 1,050 |
| Nissan E-NV200 | 430 |
| Nissan NV250 | 1,050 |
| Peugeot Partner | 1,100 |
| Renault Kangoo | 1,050 |
| Vauxhall Combo Cargo | 1,000 |
| Volkswagen Caddy | 1,500 |
When looking at one model of van, different power outputs and front or rear-wheel drive versions can have different towing capacities.
Medium Van Towing Capacity Chart
The medium van serves as the bridge between small and large vans. These vehicles offer a perfect mix of loading space and fuel economy and their towing capacity is also hugely impressive. A medium van typically offers more space than small vans while remaining compact enough to manoeuvre through tight roads. The towing capacity of medium wheelbase vans typically ranges between 1,000 kg (1 tonne) and 2,800 kg (2.8 tonnes).
| Medium Vans | Maximum Towing Capacity (Kg) |
|---|---|
| Citroen Dispatch | 2,500 |
| Ford Transit Custom | 2,800 |
| Fiat Talento | 2,000 |
| Maxus Deliver 3 | 1,300 |
| Mercedes-Benz Vito | 2,500 |
| Peugeot Expert | 1,700 |
| Renault Trafic | 2,000 |
| Toyota Proace | 2,500 |
| Toyota Proace City | 1,500 |
| Vauxhall Combo Bargo | 1,000 |
| Vauxhall Vivaro | 2,000 |
| Volkswagen Transporter | 2,500 |
Large Van Towing Capacity Chart
A large van is your best option if you’re faced with the toughest towing tasks. These vehicles are built to be big, reliable and versatile. There are generally many benefits of large vans over medium and small vans but the most common ones are larger payload and towing capacities.
Drivers of larger vans may also enjoy the high driving position, ensuring a good view of the road. The towing capacity of large vans ranges between 2,800 kg (2.8 tonnes) to 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes), with vehicles from Renault, Maxus and Fiat. You also have pick-up truck options like the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara with towing capacities of 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes).
| Large Van | Maximum Towing Capacity (Kg) |
|---|---|
| Citroen Relay | 2,500 |
| Fiat Ducato | 3,000 |
| Ford Transit | 3,500 |
| Iveco Daily | 3,500 |
| Maxus Deliver 9 | 2,800 |
| Nissan Interstar | 2,500 |
| Peugeot Boxer | 2,500 |
| Renault Master | 3,500 |
| Vauxhall Movano | 3,000 |
| Volkswagen Crafter | 3,500 |
Unbraked Vs Braked Trailer Towing Capacities
One critical factor that you need to pay attention to when towing a trailer or caravan is whether they’re braked or unbraked. Unbraked towing capacity describes the ability of your van to tow an unbraked trailer. Unbraked trailers rely on the towing vehicle’s brakes to stop because they do not have an independent braking system.
Braked towing capacity, on the other hand, refers to how much a vehicle can tow when a trailer is equipped with its own braking system. In this situation, the trailer’s braking system will connect through a cable to your van. It’s worth noting that the unbraked capacity is usually much less than the capacity of a vehicle when the trailer has its own brake.
Consequences Of Exceeding Van Towing Capacities
Knowing your van’s towing limit is important to ensure safety on the road. Exceeding a vehicle’s stated limit also comes with many consequences, which all drivers try to avoid.
- Safety Risks: You risk compromising a van’s stability when you overload it beyond its towing capacity. This increases the possibility of accidents, especially when driving at high speeds.
- Legal Consequences: Towing beyond a van’s capacity is against safety regulations and you risk fines and penalties when you do so. In the case of accidents caused by an overloaded trailer on a towing vehicle, you may even be subject to legal liabilities.
- Vehicle Damage: Pushing your van beyond its gross train weight (GTW) can reduce the vehicle’s longevity. It causes a strain on the van’s gearbox, engine suspension and brakes, accelerating wear and tear.
Check out our guide on legal van driving hours in the UK to learn about driving limits in the country.
Tips For Safe Towing
Whether it’s car trailers, caravans or even other vehicles, you can avoid accidents with these simple tips when towing with a van.
- Stick To Towing Capacity: Know your van’s capacity and do not exceed it. If you’re not sure, consult the vehicle’s manual or chassis for details on weight limits.
- Use Proper Equipment: Towing equipment is not an area from which you want to cut costs. Always invest in the best towing equipment, from the hitch and wiring harness to the tow bar and trailer brakes, if needed.
- Distribute Weight Evenly: It’s not enough to load items into the trailer. Be sure to distribute weight evenly to prevent shifting when driving.
- Drive Carefully: Take care not to exceed the speed limit for UK vans and always leave some distance between your vehicle and the one in front so there’s enough time to brake.
SDVH offers everything from SWB van rental to LWB van hire services. Contact us today to tap into our fleet and access vehicles with high towing capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Van For Towing?
The best vans for towing are Iveco Daily, Ford Transit Custom, Renault Master and Volkswagen Crafter. Each of these vans can tow a maximum weight of 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes), making them great for large trailers. Pickup trucks are also very great for towing, with similar towing capacity. In this regard, you have options like the Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara.
Does Gross Vehicle Weight Matter When Towing?
Yes, gross vehicle weight matters when towing. Gross vehicle weight refers to the maximum allowable weight limit of a vehicle. It includes the weight of the vehicle, passengers and cargo. When towing, it also includes the tongue weight of the trailer, which is the downward force the trailer tongue exerts on the hitch connected to the vehicle.
How Much Load Can A 3.5 Tonne Van Tow?
A 3.5-tonne van can tow between 2,500 kg (2.5 tonnes) and 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes). These vans have different towing capacities and it all comes down to the manufacturer and type of van. For example, the Citroen Relay can tow 2,500 kg (2.5 tonnes), the Vauxhall Movano can tow 3,000 kg (3 tonnes), and the Ford Transit can tow 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes).
Can You Increase The Towing Capacity Of A Van?
No, you can’t increase the towing capacity of a van. The towing limit of a van is usually designated by the manufacturer and it is determined by factors such as engine power, chassis strength, suspension and whether it is a front or rear-wheel drive version. Upgrading your suspension or engine can increase towing capacity a little, but it’s unlikely to give your vehicle the boost you might be looking for.
What Licence Is Required For Towing?
At least a category B licence is required for towing. This licence allows you to tow a trailer with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 750 kg (0.75 tonnes) or a combined MAM of the trailer and vehicle up to 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes). Those who secured their licence before January 1, 1997, can even tow trailers that weigh up to 3,500 kg (3.5 tonnes).
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to hire a small van or a much larger model, this van towing capacity chart for the UK helps you know what you expect from the vehicle. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently select the right van for your hauling needs, optimise your towing efficiency, and embark on your journeys with more confidence.
