How to match a caravan and a car

Heading out on the open road with your caravan in tow is one of the greatest freedoms there is. But before you get on the road, there's one important thing you need to get right: your car and caravan match. Whether you're a seasoned tourer or just getting started, choosing the right tow car for your caravan can make or break your holiday.

In this guide, we'll look at how to match a caravan and car, what to look out for, and the handy tips and tools that make the whole process much easier.

 

 

Why matching the right car and caravan is crucial

A proper caravan and car match isn’t just about performance; it’s about safety, control, and your confidence on the road. If you don’t get it quite right, you could find yourself snaking in strong winds or struggling to brake downhill.

Having the right car and caravan towing match means that you have:

• Better stability at higher speeds
• Shorter stopping distances
• Safer overtaking
• Peace of mind in bad weather

It also helps you stay legal and insured – many insurance policies won't cover you if your caravan is too heavy for your car. So, matching your caravan and car correctly is important for safe travel.

 

Key factors to consider when matching a car and caravan

When trying to work out how to match your car to your caravan, here’s what you should keep in mind:

1. Towing capacity

This is the maximum weight your car can legally tow. You’ll find it in the car’s handbook or VIN plate (usually under the bonnet or in the driver’s door frame).

2. Caravan weight

If you’re trying to find your caravan’s weight, there are two values to look out for: the Mass in Running Order (MiRO) and the Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM), which is the fully-loaded weight you must not exceed.

3. Kerb weight

Your car's kerb weight is the weight of the car with a full fuel tank but without passengers or luggage.

4. Gross train weight

This is the total weight your car can carry, plus tow, including everything in the car and the caravan. Make sure you never exceed this!

5. Licensing and legal limits

If you passed your test before 1st January 1997, a Category B licence lets you drive a vehicle and trailer with a combined weight of up to 8,250kg MAM (maximum authorised mass).

If you passed after 1st January 1997, you can tow a trailer that weighs up to 3,500 kg MAM.

 

Category BE test

The trailer size depends on the BE 'valid from' date shown on your licence. If the date is:

• Before 19th January 2013, you can tow any size trailer within the vehicle's towing limits.
• On or after 19th January 2013, you can tow a trailer within the towing limits of the vehicle with a MAM of up to 3,500kg.

Always check the back of your licence for information.

 

 

How to calculate the perfect car and caravan match

If you're asking yourself, "How do I know if I can tow a caravan with my car?" or "What size caravan can I tow with my car?", this is what you need to know to work it out.

Step-by-step: Checking car and caravan compatibility

Here’s how to match a caravan and a car in a few simple steps:

1. Find your car’s towing capacity

Check your owner’s manual or the car’s VIN plate. You’re looking for the maximum braked towing capacity.

2. Check the caravan’s MTPLM

This is the heaviest your caravan should be when fully loaded. It should be clearly marked on the caravan’s data plate.

3. Apply the 85% towing rule

For beginners, the 85% rule for caravans is a golden guideline. The caravan's weight (MTPLM) should be no more than 85% of your car's kerb weight.

For example, if your car's kerb weight is 1500kg, your caravan's MTPLM should ideally be no more than 1275kg.

Note: This isn't a legal requirement, but it's strongly advised.

4. Check noseweight limits

Noseweight is the downward force the caravan puts on the towbar. Your car and towbar both have limits for this. Check your car handbook to find the noseweight.

5. Use online matching tools

Several websites have car and caravan matching tools. They help you enter your specific car and caravan details and instantly tell you if the match is safe.

Some reliable options include:

• TowSafe: This is a matching tool used by many dealerships and caravan clubs. It uses detailed manufacturer specs and gives you a clear idea of how well your car and caravan will perform together.
• TowCheck: This lets you enter your car and caravan details and quickly see if they’re a safe match. It checks weights, towing ratios, and legal limits. It’s a favourite among UK caravanners for its simplicity and accuracy.
• Towing Capacity: This one’s especially useful if you’re still choosing a tow car. Just enter the make and model, and it tells you the towing capacity instantly. A super helpful resource when browsing used cars or checking different options quickly.

Bonus tips:

• Always weigh your caravan after packing and don't rely on guesswork.
• Keep heavier items low and over the axle to avoid sway.
• Load your car evenly, don’t overfill the boot or roof box.

 

Common mistakes to avoid

When learning how to choose a car to tow a caravan, mistakes can be made. Here are some of the most common slip-ups:

• Overestimating your car’s capabilities: Just because you have a big car doesn't mean it's suitable for towing a heavy caravan. Always check the numbers.
• Ignoring the 85% rule: Yes, your car could legally tow 100% of its kerb weight, but stability can be impacted. Keep to 85% unless you're very experienced.
• Forgetting to factor in passengers & luggage: Remember that the weight inside the car affects the towing limit too. It all adds up.
• Skipping noseweight checks: Too much noseweight makes the car harder to steer. Too little, and the caravan might sway dangerously.
• Not reading the VIN plate correctly: The VIN plate gives you the Gross Train Weight (GTW) and other key data. Misreading this can lead to serious mistakes.

 

Useful accessories for a safe car and caravan match

You’ve got the car and caravan match sorted. Now let’s look at some accessories to make towing safer and more comfortable.

• Towing mirrors: You're legally required to have a clear view down both sides of your caravan. Towing mirrors are a must, so make sure you research the best rear-view mirrors for towing a caravan to give you the best visibility.
• Stabilisers: These reduce snaking and help keep the caravan stable, especially at higher speeds or in windy conditions. Some caravans come with built-in stabilisers, but you can also add on.
• Weight distribution hitches: These distribute the weight between your vehicle and caravan more evenly. They're handy for towing a heavier caravan or using a lighter car.
• Reversing cameras: Not essential, but super helpful, especially when reversing on your own. They make caravan life much less stressful.
• Tyre pressure monitoring systems: Under or over-inflated tyres can lead to blowouts, especially on long journeys. These kits help you check your car and caravan tyres.

 

Matching your caravan and car

Matching a caravan and a car doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Once you check and understand your car’s limits, follow the 85% rule, and take advantage of online matching tools, it couldn’t be simpler. A good caravan and car match means safer trips, smoother towing, and fewer surprises down the road.

 

 

Specialist caravan insurance through Ripe

Now you know how to match a car and caravan, you may want additional peace of mind during your next trip.

Through Ripe, tourers are covered against theft, loss, or damage up to the value of £75,000, and you can also choose additional cover to protect your contents and awnings.

Get an instant online quote today.