Towing a car, trailer or small vehicle behind a motorhome is a popular way to make travelling easier once you arrive at your destination. Many motorhome owners choose to tow a small car or trailer so they can explore without moving the motorhome itself.
However, UK motorhome towing laws can be confusing, especially when it comes to driving licences, weight limits and legal requirements.
This guide explains the motorhome towing rules in the UK, what you can legally tow and how to stay safe and compliant.
1. Check Your Driving Licence First
The most important rule when towing with a motorhome is whether your driving licence allows it. Your entitlement depends largely on when you passed your driving test.
If you passed before 1 January 1997
Most drivers who passed before this date can drive vehicle and trailer combinations up to 8,250kg Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM).
This means many motorhome and trailer combinations are allowed without taking an additional test.
If you passed after 1 January 1997
Drivers who passed after this date are typically limited to:
- Vehicles up to 3,500kg MAM
- Trailers up to 750kg, or
- A combined vehicle and trailer weight of 3,500kg without an additional licence category.
Some motorhomes require a C1 licence if they weigh more than 3.5 tonnes.
👉 You can check your licence details on the official DVLA website:
https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence
2. Motorhome Towing Weight Limits
Even if your licence allows you to tow, you must stay within the vehicle manufacturer’s towing limits.
Important weight terms to understand:
Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM)
The maximum legal weight of the vehicle including passengers, fuel, and cargo.
Gross Train Weight (GTW)
The maximum allowed combined weight of the motorhome and trailer.
Towing Capacity
This is set by the vehicle manufacturer and must never be exceeded.
Before towing anything behind your motorhome, check:
- Motorhome handbook
- Vehicle weight plate
- Tow bar rating
3. Speed Limits When Towing in the UK
If you are towing a trailer or vehicle behind your motorhome, reduced speed limits apply.
The legal limits are:
- 50 mph on single carriageways
- 60 mph on dual carriageways
- 60 mph on motorways
You are also not allowed to use the outside lane of a motorway when towing.
These limits apply regardless of whether the motorhome could normally travel faster.
4. Tow Bar Requirements
If your motorhome is fitted with a tow bar, it must meet certain standards.
For vehicles registered after April 2012, the tow bar must be type-approved for that vehicle.
This ensures the tow bar has been tested for:
- Structural strength
- Safety compliance
- Compatibility with the motorhome chassis
Because motorhomes often have water tanks or equipment underneath, professional installation is recommended.
5. Legal Equipment Required When Towing
When towing with a motorhome in the UK, you must have:
Number Plate
The trailer or towed vehicle must display the same number plate as the motorhome.
Lights
The trailer must have working:
- Brake lights
- Indicators
- Tail lights
Towing Mirrors
If the trailer is wider than the motorhome, towing mirrors are legally required so you can see clearly behind you.
Failing to use proper mirrors could result in fines and penalty points.
6. Can You Tow a Car Behind a Motorhome?
Many motorhome owners tow a small car using:
- A trailer
- An A-frame
- A tow dolly
However, UK rules can be complicated.
If you tow a car using an A-frame, the law generally treats the car as a trailer, meaning it must meet the same braking and lighting regulations.
Because of this, many motorhome owners choose to tow a car on a trailer, which is usually the simplest legal option.
7. Safety Tips for Towing With a Motorhome
Following a few safety practices can make towing much easier:
Check nose weight
Too much weight on the tow bar can affect steering and braking.
Load the trailer correctly
Keep heavy items low and balanced to avoid instability.
Practice manoeuvring
Driving with a trailer takes time to get used to, especially when reversing.
Inspect the tow bar regularly
Check for damage, rust, or loose bolts before long trips.
8. Common Motorhome Towing Mistakes
Many drivers accidentally break towing rules without realising it.
Common issues include:
- Exceeding towing weight limits
- Not checking licence entitlements
- Incorrect number plates
- Not using towing mirrors
- Overloading the trailer
Avoiding these mistakes will help keep your journey safe and legal.
Final Thoughts
Towing with a motorhome in the UK is completely legal and very common, but it’s important to understand the rules before you start.
Always check:
- Your driving licence entitlement
- Your motorhome towing capacity
- Your vehicle and trailer weights
- Your legal towing equipment
Following these rules will help ensure your trips are safe, legal, and stress-free.
👉 Book for your services today: contact us
📞 01454 612 893 | 📧 service@bristolcaravans.com
