Tow and go – all you need to Know

Toyota created this list of top tips to help anyone towing a caravan or trailer.

Does your vehicle have the legal right to tow? Calculate your vehicle’s maximum capacity towing by subtracting the gross vehicle (found on the sticker in the doorframe) from the weight or your caravan. If the caravan weighs up to 85% of the car’s weight, then it is easy to pull. It is recommended that the driver has towing experience if the weight of the caravan is between 85-100 percent.

Do you have the legal right to tow? You must also know if you are legally allowed to pull. It depends on your driving experience, your vehicle’s weight, and the towing equipment. Here, you can find the current UK laws and restrictions.

Are your trailer and caravan roadworthy? You need to check the brakes, tires, and lights of your caravan or trailer regularly, just like you would your car. It is especially important to do this as these vehicles are often left unused for a long time. Regularly make short trips with your trailer in order to ensure that everything is working properly, prevent brakes from locking up, and avoid the weight of the vehicle being towed on the same part of the tires.

Nose Weight: The maximum vertical load that the trailer or caravan can exert on the towbar is called the nose weight (it also includes cycle carriers mounted to the towbar). A nose weight gauge is available at most caravan dealers and online.

RoutineIt is a good idea to have a routine to follow when you hitch and unhitch a caravan or trailer. For example, attach the tow bar, then connect the safety cable. Then, click the electric cable. Finally, release your trailer’s hand brake. You are less likely to forget a step.

Cable Checks Before you set off, make sure the electric cable is working and have someone stand next to the trailer and check that the brake lights, indicator lights, and hazard lights are all functioning properly. Check and recheck the breakaway safety cord, as it prevents the towed vehicle from rolling in the event that the tow bar becomes unhitched.

Additional Number Plate: You must have a different number plate on your trailer to match the registration plate of the vehicle that is towing the trailer.

Important documents: You should know if your breakdown insurance covers vehicles that are being towed. When you travel, keep the documents handy.

Extended door mirrors When towing behind your vehicle; you will have more blind spots in the rear view. Using metaphorical doors for rearview helps improve visibility.

Towing involves more than just trailing. It would be best if you could handle extra weights and lengths, especially when turning or reversing. Ask for advice from professionals if you’re new to towing or want to refresh your skills.

Just In CaseCarry extra water, feed, and roughage just in case. If you are loading this at the front of your trailer, be careful not to exceed the nose weight.

How to keep your horse safe: Never unload a horse on a motorway or major A-roads without permission from the police. Here are some tips from the British Horse Society for towing trailers that contain live animals such as horses.

LoadingIf traveling with only one horse, place it on the left-hand side. If you have two horses, put the heavier one on the right.