UK Car Towing Capacity Calculator
How to Safely Calculate Your Car's Towing Capacity in the UK
Understanding your car's towing capacity is crucial for both safety and legal compliance on UK roads. Our calculator uses official DVSA guidelines to help you determine safe limits for your specific vehicle.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Find your kerb weight: Located in your V5C registration document or manufacturer's specifications
- Identify transmission type: Manual cars typically handle 5-10% more weight than automatics
- Select trailer type: Braked trailers (with own brakes) allow higher weights than unbraked
Key UK Legal Requirements
- Maximum 3,500kg combined weight for standard (Category B) licence holders
- 85% rule for unbraked trailers (max 85% of car's kerb weight)
- Braked trailers must use approved coupling devices
Why Car-Specific Calculations Matter
A Ford Focus (1,400kg kerb weight) can typically tow:
- 1,190kg unbraked trailer
- 2,100kg braked trailer
Compare this to a Land Rover Discovery (2,200kg kerb weight):
- 1,870kg unbraked
- 3,300kg braked (requires Category B+E licence)
Always consult your vehicle's manual and insurer before towing. This calculator provides general guidance - actual limits may vary by model year and specification.