Buyer’s guide
YOUR VAN BUYING QUESTIONS ANSWERED
How do I match my car and caravan?
The most commonly asked question in caravanning is whether a certain car is appropriate for pulling a certain caravan. To answer this, you must know the kerbweight of your tow car (X), the legal towing limit of your tow car (Y) and the maximum technically permissible laden mass (MTPLM) of your caravan (Z). Car details are often found in the handbook, but if not, you can contact the car manufacturer. The weight of the caravan can usually be found on a chassis plate, by asking the seller or, if it is a new model, by checking the brochure.
Choose your favourite layout – the letters above each are referenced in our guide
FIXED BEDS
What can I legally tow?
When did you pass your driving test? If it was before 1997 and you have no other restrictions on your licence, you are permitted to tow any legally matched car and caravan without a problem. If it was in 1997 or later, read on.
Licences issued in 1997 and later do not provide the same entitlement for towing trailers as licences issued previously. To work out whether your car and caravan combination requires an extra driving test, fill out the boxes below. Only full (not provisional) licence holders may tow a caravan.
No extra qualification
