Fitting a vehicle with a commercial towing package is not only about coupling a car to a trailer and hitting the road. It includes plenty of considerations involving legal requirements, weight limits, insurance implications, and much more. This article aims to guide you through the specific rules and regulations for fitting a UK car with a towing package, ensuring you adhere to the necessary safety and legal standards.
Understanding the Towing Capacity of Your Vehicle
Before you embark on the task of fitting your car with a towing package, it’s critical to comprehend the towing capacity of your vehicle. The towing capacity essentially refers to the maximum weight that your vehicle can tow.
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Every vehicle’s maximum towing capacity is determined by the manufacturer and can be found in the vehicle’s handbook. Towing a trailer that exceeds your vehicle’s specified towing capacity is not only dangerous, but it can also lead to a fine or penalty points on your driving licence.
In the UK, most vehicles have a towing capacity of up to 3.5 tonnes. However, if your vehicle can tow more than this weight, you’ll need a Category C driving licence. Understanding the towing capacity of your vehicle is crucial to ensure that you’re not violating any regulations when you tow a trailer.
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The Importance of Choosing the Right Towbar
Choosing the right towbar is a key aspect of fitting a commercial towing package. In the UK, towbars need to be type-approved, which signifies that they meet EU regulations and are designed for your car model.
Towbars come in various types, including flange, swan neck, and detachable. Flange towbars are the most common type and are suitable for heavy-duty towing tasks. They can be fitted with accessories like bumper protectors and cycle carriers. Swan neck towbars are less versatile but offer a sleeker appearance. Detachable towbars, on the other hand, can be removed when not in use, making them a popular choice for many drivers.
It’s also important to note that the towbar needs to be fitted by a professional. Incorrectly fitted towbars can pose a risk to both you and other road users. A professional will ensure that the towbar is fitted properly and safely.
Considering the Implications of Towing on Insurance
Towing a trailer or caravan can affect your car insurance. Therefore, it’s important to inform your insurance company before you start towing. If you don’t, you could potentially void your insurance.
Your insurance company might ask for additional details, such as the size and weight of the trailer or caravan, how regularly you plan to use it, and whether it will be used for commercial or personal purposes. Your insurance premium might increase as towing is often considered a higher risk activity, but this varies from one company to another.
Legal Requirements for Towing in the UK
In the UK, there are certain legal prerequisites for towing. If you are driving a vehicle with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 3.5 tonnes, you can tow a trailer with a MAM of up to 750 kg. If the trailer’s MAM is more than 750 kg, the total MAM of the vehicle and the trailer should not exceed 3.5 tonnes.
It’s also necessary to ensure that your trailer is roadworthy. This means checking the tyres, brakes, and lights regularly. Moreover, the load you’re towing should be secure and not exceed the maximum weight limit of the trailer.
All trailers used for commercial purposes must be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). You will need to display a registration plate on the trailer that matches the one on your towing vehicle.
Driving Skills and Safety Precautions
Towing a trailer or caravan requires different driving skills than simply driving a car. You’ll need to take wider turns, accelerate and brake more slowly, and allow for more space when changing lanes or overtaking.
Enrolling in a towing training course can be incredibly beneficial. It will help you develop the necessary skills and confidence to handle a vehicle with a towed trailer or caravan. These courses typically cover the practical aspects of towing, such as hitching, unhitching, and manoeuvring a trailer, as well as theoretical knowledge about weight distribution and legal requirements.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority. Always perform a thorough check of your towing setup before each journey and never exceed the speed limit for towing, which is currently 60 mph on motorways and dual carriageways and 50 mph on single carriageways in the UK.
In conclusion, fitting a UK car with a commercial towing package requires careful consideration and planning. You need to understand the towing capacity of your vehicle, choose the right towbar, consider insurance implications, adhere to legal requirements, and develop the necessary driving skills. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and legal towing experience.
Towbar Electrical Kits: A Key Component
Once you’ve selected the right towbar for your vehicle, another essential component to consider is the towbar electrical kit. This kit is crucial as it powers the lighting system on your trailer caravan. The two main types of towbar electrical kits are the 7 pin and the 13 pin kits.
The 7 pin kit, also known as a 12N, is generally used for regular caravans, bike racks, or small trailers. It controls the basic functions such as brake lights, indicators, and fog lights. On the other hand, the 13 pin kit, also known as a 12S, is designed for larger caravans and trailers. It controls all the basic functions and additional ones such as reversing lights and power supply for internal appliances.
It’s important to remember that these kits must be installed correctly to ensure the safety of you and other road users. Incorrect wiring can lead to malfunctions in your vehicle’s or trailer’s lighting systems, which can be incredibly dangerous. Therefore, it is recommended that a professional installs these kits to guarantee the correct connections are made.
Vehicles Exempt from Type Approval
While most vehicles require a type approval for a towing package in the UK, there are certain exceptions. Vintage vehicles that were first used before 29th October 2012, small series production cars that produce less than a thousand units per year, and individually built vehicles are not required to have a type approval for their towing package.
However, even if your vehicle is exempt from type approval, it’s essential to ensure that any towing equipment you use is fit for purpose and safe. This includes making sure that your towbar and towing capacity are suitable for the weight of your caravan trailer, and that your vehicle meets the legal requirements for towing.
Conclusion
There are plenty of factors to consider when fitting a UK car with a commercial towing package. Understanding your vehicle’s towing capacity and making appropriate choices regarding the towbar and towbar electrical kit is crucial. Ensuring your car insurance covers your towing activities and adhering to all the legal requirements, including those related to driving licence and vehicle weight limits, is vital.
Although certain vehicles are exempt from type approval, the safety of your towing setup should always be prioritised. Undertaking a towing training course can also be beneficial for enhancing your driving skills and knowledge. Remember, when it comes to towing with a fitted vehicle, both safety and legality are paramount. By taking these steps and considerations seriously, you can ensure a smooth and safe towing experience.
