LET’S GET HITCHED!
Thanks to the shortage of lorry drivers, the Government has scrapped towing tests, to free up HGV testing capacity. This means that no matter when you passed your driving test, you’re eligible to tow a trailer without additional training. The weight of trailer you can tow depends on when you passed your test – but we’ll come to that later.
Why tow at all?
A towbar is one of the most flexible additions you can bolt onto your motorhome – think of it as a universal attachment point for a variety of extra toys. Whether you want to increase storage space, reduce your payload, or tow an additional vehicle, a towbar is a great way to go about it.
The majority of motorhomes can have a towbar fitted, but the type you need depends on when your vehicle was registered. If your’van was registered before April 2012 (that is, it has a registration plate of ‘61’ or older), it doesn’t need to be fitted with a type-approved towbar.
If it was registered after April 2012 (it has a ‘12’ registration plate or newer), your vehicle must be fitted with a type-approved towbar for all towing applications, but can have a non-approved towbar to support a rack for a bike, motorcycle or scooter.
If you have the option for a vehicle registered after April 2012, it’s wisest to fit a type-approved towbar, in case a future owner wants to use it for towing.
Motorhomes with a large rear overhang
Most’vans are suitable for a towbar, except those that have a large rear overhang and no rear chassis support framework. In some cases, additional chassis bracing can be welded or bolted in, but this isn’t always the case – it depends on the available payload. Firms such as SvTech can increase plated chassis weights, although this can have a knock-on effect to licensing if it exceeds the 3500kg MAM, and
