The caravan is ready, the awning is stowed in the drawbar box, and the campsite is booked. But before you pack the car with chairs, bikes, and just a little more stuff than planned, there’s an important question: does your caravan’s weight actually match your car’s towing capacity? Your caravan’s towing weight plays a key role in this.
By checking this carefully in advance, you’ll know how much your car is allowed to tow and avoid hitting the road with a combination that’s too heavy. You shouldn’t just look at the weight of the caravan itself; the cargo and other permitted weights also play a role.
What is tongue weight?
The towing capacity is the maximum weight your car is allowed to tow. For a caravan, you need to check the car’s maximum braked towing capacity. Be sure to note the difference between the empty weight and the actual weight of your caravan. As soon as you load the awning, gas cylinders, camping chairs, and other luggage, the weight adds up quickly. And yes, even that extra table that just barely fit in the caravan counts toward the total.
Caravan Towing Weight: How Much Do You Need?
The towing capacity you need depends on the actual weight of the caravan during your trip. For example, does your caravan weigh 1,400 kilograms, including its load? If so, your car must be rated to tow at least 1,400 kilograms with brakes engaged.
Also, check the maximum allowable mass and the payload capacity of the caravan. Good weight distribution and the correct tongue weight are also important for a stable combination.
Furthermore, just because a car is technically allowed to tow a caravan according to the specifications doesn’t automatically mean that this is the most comfortable combination. Especially during a long drive, in strong winds, or on a mountainous route, having a little extra towing capacity can be a real advantage.
How do you calculate a caravan’s towing weight?
Calculating your caravan's towing weight starts with two pieces of information:
- the maximum braked towing weight of your car;
- The actual weight of your loaded trailer.
Here’s an example: Your caravan weighs 1,150 kilograms when empty, and you’re bringing 200 kilograms of luggage and camping gear. The actual weight will then be approximately 1,350 kilograms. Does your car have a maximum braked towing capacity of 1,500 kilograms? If so, the caravan will remain within the car’s permitted towing weight.
Please note: the towing capacity is not the only limit you need to consider. The caravan itself also has a maximum allowable mass, and there are weight limits for both the car and the entire combination.
Do you want to know exactly how much your caravan weighs during your vacation? Weighing it is the most reliable way to find out.
Where can you find your car’s towing capacity?
You can check how much your car is allowed to tow using the RDW License Plate Check. Enter your license plate number and look under “Technical Specifications” to see the maximum braked towing capacity of your car.
Don’t just assume the towing capacity is the same as that of the same car model you find online. The engine, trim level, and model year can all affect how much a car is allowed to tow. As a result, two cars that look almost identical may have different towing capacities.
So always check the official specifications for your specific car.
What if your caravan weighs more than the towing capacity?
If your caravan weighs more than your car’s towing capacity, you are not allowed to drive that combination on the road. This refers to the actual weight of the loaded caravan.
For example, if your car has a maximum braked towing capacity of 1,500 kilograms and your trailer weighs 1,600 kilograms during the trip, you’re exceeding the permitted towing weight.
If your caravan turns out to be too heavy, first take a critical look at your load. Perhaps certain items can be safely transported in or on the car, as long as the car also remains within the permitted weight limits. Is the caravan itself already too heavy for the maximum towing capacity? Then you’ll need a car with a higher towing capacity or a lighter caravan.
Towing Capacity of Popular Cars
The annual ACSI Towing Vehicle Survey of nearly 5,000 Dutch caravan owners shows that the Mazda CX-5, Ford Kuga, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Volvo XC60 are among the most popular towing vehicles.
However, the actual towing capacity of a car varies by model. The engine, drivetrain, and year of manufacture can have a significant impact on the towing capacity. This also applies to hybrid and electric cars: high horsepower does not automatically mean that a car can tow a heavy trailer.
When choosing a tow vehicle, be sure to look beyond just the maximum towing capacity. The payload capacity, the allowable ball pressure, and the maximum combined weight also play a role, especially when the car is also loaded with passengers, bicycles, and luggage.
Ultimately, you want a combination that not only looks good on paper but also lets you drive to the campground in a relaxed manner.
Checked your towing weight? Time to compare caravans
Do you know how much your car can tow? If so, you can search much more effectively for a caravan that fits that capacity. At Jaarbeurs Kampeer & Caravan Jaarbeurs, you can take a close look at and compare different caravans. This way, during your search, you can not only consider the layout, comfort, and appearance, but also immediately take into account one of the most important factors: does this caravan fit my car?
