Best Cars for Towing

When it comes to towing, whether that be a trailer, caravan or horsebox, the vehicle you choose makes all the difference. The right car not only ensures a smooth and safe towing experience but also provides peace of mind on the road.

Selecting the right car for towing a trailer involves considering key features such as towing capacity, engine power, and stability. A vehicle with a high towing capacity and a strong engine will handle the load effectively, while good suspension and braking systems ensure a smooth and safe ride. In this section, we’ll highlight top vehicles that excel in these areas, making your towing experience easier and more secure.

When selecting a car for towing a caravan, several key features are crucial to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience. Choosing a vehicle with a high towing capacity to handle the weight of the caravan, and a powerful engine to manage long motorway journeys and steep inclines with ease is extremely important. Stability and control are also important for smooth driving, particularly when manoeuvring into campsites or navigating uneven terrain. In this section, we’ll highlight the top cars that perform well in these areas, making them ideal for towing a caravan.

When towing a horsebox, it’s important to choose a vehicle with a strong towing capacity and a powerful engine to handle the load efficiently. Stability is crucial, especially on uneven or muddy surfaces, making off-road vehicles or 4x4s a great choice. Additionally, effective braking and cooling systems are essential for safe towing. In this section, we’ll highlight the top cars that excel in these key areas for towing a horsebox.

When towing a trailer, caravan or horsebox in the UK, it’s crucial to be familiar with the regulations. The rules regarding driving licences, weight limits, and tow bar specifications can vary based on when you received your driving licence and the type of vehicle you’re driving. Understanding these requirements will ensure you’re prepared for safe towing.

• Licences issued before 1997: If you passed your driving test before 1 January 1997, you are permitted to tow a vehicle and trailer combination with a maximum authorised mass of up to 8,250 kg. This includes both the weight of the towing vehicle and the trailer combined.
• Licences issued after 1997: For those who passed their driving test on or after 1 January 1997, the rules are more restrictive. You can tow a trailer with a maximum authorised mass of up to 3,500 kg.
• Licence changes from December 2021: As of December 2021, UK regulations no longer require drivers to hold a specific towing licence to tow a trailer or caravan but it’s important to note that the above weight limits still apply.
• Tow bar requirements: Your vehicle must be equipped with a tow bar that is legally approved and suitable for the weight of the trailer or caravan you plan to tow. The tow bar should be fitted correctly and meet safety standards to ensure secure and stable towing. It’s important to check that the tow bar is compatible with your vehicle and has the appropriate capacity for the load.

When towing a trailer, caravan or horsebox in the UK, speed limits are specifically restricted to ensure safety. The maximum speed limit for a car towing a trailer is 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways. On single-carriageways, the speed limit is reduced to 50 mph. These limits help maintain stability and control while towing, especially given the added weight, potentially impacting braking and manoeuvring.

At JCT600 we sell a wide range of vehicles that are well-equipped for towing. Visit our website to explore the range of cars and vans we sell or get in touch with us and a member of our team will be happy to help you find the ideal vehicle for your needs.