UK Caravan Towing Calculator
How to Use a Caravan Towing Calculator in the UK: Your Complete Guide
Towing a caravan in Britain requires careful planning to meet strict safety standards and legal requirements. This guide explains how to use our specialised caravan towing calculator to ensure safe journeys on UK roads.
Why the 85% Rule Matters
For beginners, the UK's recommended 85% rule means your caravan shouldn't exceed 85% of your vehicle's kerb weight. Our calculator automatically applies this rule for standard licence holders while allowing up to 100% for B+E licence holders.
Key Calculation Steps
- Find your vehicle's kerb weight: Check your V5C logbook or manufacturer's specifications
- Know your caravan's MTPLM: Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass, found on the weight plate
- Measure nose weight: Use a dedicated gauge for accuracy
Understanding UK Requirements
Our calculator checks three critical UK factors:
- Towing capacity versus vehicle manufacturer limits
- 4-7% nose weight safety range
- Licence-specific weight allowances
Pro Towing Tips
1. Always leave 10% weight margin for safety
2. Distribute load evenly front-to-back
3. Recalculate when changing vehicles or caravans
4. Check tyre pressures for both vehicles
Using our caravan towing calculator helps prevent dangerous swaying, improves braking performance, and ensures compliance with UK towing laws. Regular checks with the calculator give confidence for motorway journeys and rural lanes alike.