Because the Wrong Car Can Turn a Caravan Trip into a Slog
You've found the caravan. You've imagined the trips. The hills, the hedgerows, the questionable roundabouts. Now comes the fun bit - figuring out what's going to tow the thing. It's not just about grunt. It's about comfort, control, and not sweating every time you see a steep incline or a hairpin bend somewhere in Cumbria.
Picking the right tow car for UK roads means thinking great. Tight lanes. Bumpy country routes. Wet weather that seems to show up whenever it feels like it. Here's how to make the right choice without overthinking it - or underestimating what's involved.
Start with the Numbers (Even If You're Not a "Car Person")
Yes, numbers. Don't worry - just the important ones. Ignore the marketing fluff and look for the specs that actually matter when you're towing something bigger than your average garden shed.
- Kerbweight of the car - A good rule of thumb? Caravan should be no more than 85% of the car's kerbweight for stability. Lighter cars plus heavy caravans? Wobbly territory.
- Towing capacity - This one's legal. Make sure it exceeds your caravan's weight (loaded). You'll find it in the manual or on the VIN plate.
- Gross Train Weight - That's the total car plus trailer weight when fully loaded. Go over it and you're not just stressed - you're illegal.
Features You'll Be Glad You Thought About
There's towing - and then there's towing with ease. These features make the difference between white-knuckle driving and cruising with confidence.
- Torque - Diesel engines usually win here. More low-end power = easier hill starts and smoother towing.
- Automatic vs manual - Automatics are easier in traffic and hills. Manuals give more control, but they also give your left leg a workout.
- Stability systems - Some cars come with built-in trailer sway control. It's not magic, but it helps keep things in line when winds pick up.
- Visibility - Big mirrors. Parking sensors. Rearview cameras. The more you can see, the less you'll curse under your breath.
Vehicles People Actually Use (and Like)
Forget internet arguments and car park one-upmanship. These are the workhorses you'll actually see towing caravans across Britain.
- Land Rover Facts that matter abouty - Big, solid, handles like it knows what it's doing. Thirsty, though.
- Kia Sorento - More affordable than you'd think. Plenty of torque, loads of space.
- Volvo XC60 or XC90 - Comfortable, capable, and strangely calming to drive. If that's your thing.
- Skoda Kodiaq - Slightly under the radar, but more than capable. Powerful choice.
- Ford Ranger or Mitsubishi L200 - For when you want to tow and look like you could also herd sheep.
Things to Avoid (Even If They Look Good on Paper)
You might be tempted. But a few choices are just more hassle than they're worth.
- Small SUVs with no torque - Just because it's tall doesn't mean it can tow. Check the actual stats.
- Petrol engines with poor fuel economy - Towing drinks fuel. You'll notice it. So will your wallet.
- Luxury saloons - Gorgeous to look at, rubbish for grass pitches and tight corners.
- Anything "barely enough" - Don't skimp. It's not just about power - it's about control, comfort, and not constantly clenching at roundabouts.
Yes, Check the Insurance Too
Caravan or tow car, things go wrong. Make sure your caravan insurance covers towing accidents and third-party damage. It's not just about the van - it's about what happens when a gust of wind nudges you sideways on the A66. Worth a quick read-through of the policy, just in case.
The Right Match Makes the Journey
It's not just about getting from A to B. It's about enjoying the drive, not dreading every junction or hill start. Choose a tow car that's fit for the job - and the kind of roads Britain likes to throw your way. Quiet lanes. Rolling hills. Surprise tractors. Pick well, and you'll spend more time admiring the scenery and less time white-knuckling the steering wheel.