Vans are built to work, so people often assume they can tow almost anything. Some can pull a lot. But van towing capacity varies from one model and engine to the next, and the limits aren't always what you'd expect. So, how much can my van tow? Here's how to find out.
Check towing capacity by reg Enter your registration number to see your vehicle details.
Check your van's towing capacity by reg
Enter your van's number plate in our towing capacity checker and we'll identify the vehicle and email you the figures. It works for vans, cars and motorbikes.
Because vans come in different wheelbases, weights and engines, one model name can cover several different van towing capacity figures. That's why the reg lookup is useful, and why you should still check the VIN plate and handbook before you hitch up.
What affects how much a van can tow
- Engine and gearbox: the same van with a different engine or gearbox can have a different limit.
- Gross vehicle weight (GVW) or MAM: the most the van can weigh when fully loaded.
- Gross train weight (GTW): the most the loaded van and loaded trailer can weigh together. It's on the VIN plate.
- Payload: how much the van can carry. If the van is full of tools or goods, you've got less weight left for the trailer.
- Kerb weight: the empty van with fluids and fuel. It's useful if you're towing a caravan and want to apply the Caravan Club's 85% guideline.
- Axle limits: the rear axle limit matters when there's noseweight on the towball.
GOV.UK says that if your VIN plate doesn't list a train weight, you shouldn't use your vehicle for towing.
Braked and unbraked
As with cars, a van has a braked and an unbraked towing figure. A loaded trailer over 750kg must have its own working brakes. An unbraked trailer mustn't go over 750kg, and GOV.UK says it also shouldn't weigh more than 50% of the vehicle's weight.
What licence do you need to tow with a van?
A standard car licence (category B) covers vehicles with a MAM up to 3,500kg. For zero emission vans it's 4,250kg. Most light vans fall in that 3,500kg bracket, but some heavier vans don't, so check the MAM on yours.
If you passed your test on or after 1 January 1997, you can tow a trailer up to 3,500kg MAM, as long as the van's own towing limit allows it. GOV.UK says the combined MAM of the vehicle and trailer mustn't exceed 7,000kg. If you passed before 1 January 1997, you can usually drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM.
Older guides sometimes say you need a separate B+E test or are limited to 750kg. That was true before 16 December 2021, but isn't now. See our full licence guide.
If you tow for work, other rules may apply. Check GOV.UK or ask your employer.
Tow bars, mirrors and other legal bits
- Tow bars must be type approved (unless the van was first used before 1 August 1998).
- You need towing mirrors if the trailer is wider than the van.
- You must display the same number plate on the trailer as on the van.
- A vehicle towing a trailer has lower speed limits than one that isn't. Check GOV.UK speed limits for vans, as the limits differ by vehicle type and weight.
- Tell your insurer you're towing. It may not be covered by default.
Towing a caravan or horsebox with a van
Plenty of people tow caravans and horseboxes with vans and van-based vehicles. The same rules apply: stay within the braked towing capacity, the gross train weight, the towball limit and your licence. If it's a caravan, the Caravan Club's 85% guidance is based on the tow vehicle's kerb weight. It's guidance, not law. We cover it in our caravan matching guide.
Choosing a towbar for a van
A towbar has its own weight rating, and it must be suitable for your van. GOV.UK says tow bars have to be type approved, with a label showing an approval number and the vehicles it's approved for. A towbar can't raise your van's towing limit above the manufacturer's figure. It only lets you tow up to it.
Can I increase my van's towing capacity?
Not really. The limit is set by the manufacturer for that vehicle's brakes, chassis and cooling. A stronger tow bar doesn't change it. Stay inside the figure on the plate and in the handbook.
Small, medium and large vans
Smaller car-derived vans generally tow less. Larger panel vans generally tow more. But the engine, gearbox, wheelbase and model year all play a part, so a bigger badge doesn't guarantee a bigger number. Look up the exact van, not the size class.
Electric and hybrid vans
Some electric and hybrid vans have a lower towing capacity than their diesel equivalents, and some aren't approved for towing at all. Check the handbook for the exact van before you buy a towbar.
A quick checklist before you hitch up
- Find the gross train weight on the VIN plate.
- Add up what's in the van, including tools, passengers and fuel.
- Check the trailer's MAM on its plate, and make sure it has working brakes if it's over 750kg loaded.
- Check the noseweight against the towball limit and the rear axle limit.
- Check your licence covers the combination.
- Fit towing mirrors if the trailer is wider than the van, and make sure the trailer shows the same number plate.
- Tell your insurer.
Quick FAQs
Can I check a van's towing capacity by reg?
Yes. Enter the van's reg in the checker and we'll show its details straight away. Our team then prepares the towing figures and emails them to you. Vans can have different limits for different engines, wheelbases and weights, so check the VIN plate and handbook too. Remember to allow for payload when the van is loaded.
What's the difference between braked and unbraked towing capacity?
Braked towing capacity is how much your vehicle can pull when the trailer has working brakes. Unbraked is for trailers without brakes, and it's lower. GOV.UK says a loaded unbraked trailer mustn't weigh over 750kg, and it shouldn't weigh more than 50% of your car's weight.
What is gross train weight?
Gross train weight is the most that your fully loaded vehicle and fully loaded trailer can weigh together. It's on the VIN plate, and it must not be exceeded. If your VIN plate doesn't list a train weight, GOV.UK says you shouldn't use the vehicle for towing.
What happens if I tow over the limit?
Overloading can make your vehicle unsafe and unstable. Using a vehicle in a dangerous condition can mean a fine of up to £2,500, a driving ban and 3 penalty points, according to GOV.UK. It may also affect your insurance, so check with your insurer.
Ready to check your van? Enter your reg here.