Whether you prefer fun-packed family getaways or bold outdoor adventures, caravanning has plenty to offer! It provides you with the freedom to explore beautiful destinations at your own pace, all while enjoying the comforts of home. 

However, before you start your caravan adventure, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the fundamentals of caravan safety. 

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to tow with confidence, including how to find your vehicle’s towing capacity and avoid dangerous detachments. We’ll also share some driving safety tips and clarify the laws around caravan use in the UK. Finally, we’ll explain how to safely store your caravan when it isn’t in use – and how to prevent fires.

How do I calculate my car’s towing capacity?

If you’re planning to tow a caravan, it’s crucial to ensure that your car can safely and legally tow the intended load. webuyanycar’s free towing capacity calculator can help you find out whether your motor is up to the task.

Your car’s maximum towing capacity is equal to its kerb weight, which refers to the total weight of the vehicle, together with its standard equipment and fluids, including fuel. You should be able find your car’s kerb weight listed in the owner’s manual, V5C logbook, or on the manufacturer’s website.

Please note: If your current car is unsuitable for towing your chosen caravan, you’ll need to switch to a more powerful model. When it comes to selling your old motor, getting an accurate car valuation beforehand can help you gauge whether you’re getting a fair price.

Caravan interior lit up at night

Recommended towing weights according to experience

Although it is legal to tow up to 100% of your car’s kerb weight, if you lack towing experience, we advise against towing more than 85%. 

The table below shows the recommended towing weights, according to your experience level:

Kerb Weight1,000kg1,500kg2,000kg2,500kg3,000kg
% of KWCaravan weight
Novice85%850kg1,275kg1,700kg2,125kg2,550kg
Experienced90%900kg1,350kg1,800kg2,250kg2,700kg
Expert95%950kg1,450kg1,900kg2,375kg2,850kg
Maximum legal weight100%1,000kg1,500kg2,000kg2,500kg3,000kg

Consequences of exceeding your maximum towing capacity 

Pulling more than your car’s kerb weight can cause additional strain on the tyres, engine, and brakes – and may significantly damage the vehicle. Your risk of being involved in a collision will greatly increase. The load may swing whilst in motion, which could cause you to lose control of your steering.

If you are pulled over by the police and they determine that your car is overloaded, you may receive a fine between £100 and £300, depending on by how much you exceeded the maximum weight. However, you may receive a court summons if it is determined that your vehicle was severely overloaded – or the load caused instability or loss of control.

 

Tips for avoiding detachments 

In caravanning terms, ‘detachment’ refers to when the hitch of a caravan separates from the towball of the towing vehicle whilst on the road.

Low speed detachment usually occurs while the towing car is pulling away, when the caravan has not been hitched up correctly. When this happens, the damage is often minor. However, the potential damage and risk of injury greatly increase if the caravan becomes detached whilst travelling at a high speed.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you minimise the risk of detachment:

  • Is the hitch fully down over the tow ball – and is the hitch lever head fully closed down?
  • If there are visual indicators fitted, are they showing the correct colour?
  • Is the coupling secure? The jockey wheel should have been wound down so that it raises the back of the car between 25 and 50mm. The rear of the car should be lifted, as opposed to the rear suspension simply decompressing.
  • Make sure the breakaway cable is in good condition. Any kinks, fraying, or damage to the cable and its coating could compromise your safety.
  • Is the breakaway cable pass routed properly? It should pass through the cable guide under the hitch. Ideally, it should be loose without dragging – and it shouldn’t pull taut on full lock.
  • Finally, is the breakaway cable securely attached? If it has a thin spring clip, make sure it’s looped through an attachment point on the towbar, then clipped back onto the cable. However, if there is a heavier carabiner-style clip, this can be clipped directly to an attachment point on the towbar.

 

Tips for planning your journey

Before setting off on your next caravan adventure, we strongly recommend planning out your journey. When you’re familiar with the route, you’re less likely to take wrong turns, or make erratic, last-minute manoeuvres that could jeopardise your safety. 

Certain A-roads (such as the A55 across North Wales and some stretches of the A34) can be dangerous for caravans, as the presence of many heavier trucks and hills can cause stability issues when overtaking at speed. You may want to travel on these roads at quieter times – or avoid them altogether. 

Planning your route to avoid traffic can make your trip less stressful and more enjoyable. Less stop-start driving also means better fuel economy, leaving you with more cash to spend on holiday fun!

If you’re not pushed for time, consider adding a couple of scenic detours to the journey. A picnic at a beauty spot, or lunch at a quaint country pub along the way could be the perfect way to start your getaway.

If you’ll be driving for more than a couple of hours, plan a stop at a service station, and top up your fuel if necessary. Remember, you’ll consume more fuel when towing a caravan, so you’ll have to top up sooner.

Staying safe on the road 

In this section, we’ll cover the essential safety considerations for caravanners when out on the road:

Speed limits

The following speed limit rules apply if you’re towing a caravan:

  • You must not exceed 60mph on the motorway.
  • You must not exceed 60mph on a dual carriageway. However, if a lower speed limit is signposted, you must adhere to this limit.
  • On a three-lane dual carriageway, a 60mph hour speed limit applies.
  • You must not exceed 50mph on a single carriageway.
  • When the speed limit is 50mph or less, this limit will also apply to you.
  • The restrictions above apply regardless of your towed caravan’s weight.

 

Other traffic rules to consider

  • To ease traffic flow, you cannot drive in the outside lane on a three-lane dual carriageway when towing a caravan. 
  • If you see a queue of traffic forming in your wing mirror, the Highway Code states that you should pull over to allow these vehicles to pass.
  • On a two-lane stretch of motorway, you can use the outside lane to overtake, so long as you return to the inside lane after you’re finished.

 

Keeping a safe distance

When towing a caravan, your stopping distances increase by an average of 20%. Therefore, braking and manoeuvrers will take longer than usual.

Keeping a larger gap between your car and other vehicles will reduce the risk of a collision. You should also drive with extra care to avoid sudden or harsh braking.

 

Corners 

It’s important to be aware that your caravan won’t precisely follow your car when you navigate corners and roundabouts. To avoid hitting kerbs and other obstacles, you will need to drive carefully, taking a wider path than usual.

Dog looking out caravan window at mountains

Key caravan laws and regulations:

  • The maximum length for a caravan towed by a vehicle weighing up to 3,500kg is 7 meters (excluding the A-frame). 
  • Whilst caravans can be parked on the road, they must not be parked dangerously – or cause an obstruction. 
  • A parked caravan must be lit at night – and parked with the nearside facing the pavement so that the rear lights are visible to approaching traffic.  
  • Towing a caravan with passengers inside is illegal and extremely dangerous. Without the protection of seatbelts and airbags, the risk of severe or life-threatening injuries is greatly increased. 
  • If you want to store your caravan on your garden or drive, you don’t need planning permission.
  • However, if you want to keep it elsewhere on your property, you may need to obtain permission.

 

Storing your caravan during the winter 

If you plan to store your caravan during the colder months, here are some key considerations:

  • If you aren’t planning to use your caravan for some time, remove any valuables and keep them at home.
  • Empty and clean out the fridge and freezer. Leave the doors ajar so that air can circulate.
  • Thoroughly clean the interior and exterior. Using a wax coating product can help to protect the exterior.
  • Disconnect the gas cylinders when the caravan is not in use.
  • If the leisure battery isn’t needed to operate the alarm system, remove it – and store it in a cool, dry place. Remove batteries from any other devices in the caravan.
  • Consider covering your caravan if it will be stored outside during the winter months.
  • Remove the upholstery if possible – and store it in a warm, dry place to prevent damp and theft.
  • Leave the blinds open. This will prevent wear on the springs.
  • Remove all valuables when the caravan is not in use. 
  • Leave any air vents uncovered to allow air to circulate. Consider using a dehumidifier. 
  • Hitch locks and wheel clamps can help to deter potential thieves.

 

Fire safety tips 

  • Park at least 6 meters away from other caravans.
  • Don’t store petrol, diesel, or gas containers under your caravan.
  • Test your smoke/fire alarm once a week. Fit new batteries at the start of each season.
  • Don’t leave the cooker unattended. 
  • If there is a chip pan fire, don’t throw water over it. Cover it with the lid and turn off the heat if it is safe to do so. Don’t touch the pan until it is cool.
  • Keep a fire blanket and a dry powder fire extinguisher in your caravan in case of an emergency.
  • Unplug all electrical devices each night. Regularly check the electrical wiring to ensure it is in good condition.
  • Keep your caravan free from clutter. This will help to reduce the risk of fires spreading.
  • Take care not to overload multi-sockets – and never run appliances from light sockets. 
  • If you or any occupants smoke, use metal or glass ashtrays rather than plastic ones. Make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished. 
  • Avoid smoking in bed. Matches and lighters must be kept out of reach of children.
  • Never use fuel-burning devices such as disposable barbecues, camping stoves and camping heaters inside the caravan.
  • Make an emergency escape plan before using the caravan – and ensure that all occupants are well prepared for emergencies.