How to check your car towing capacity by registration

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Quick Summary

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• Legal Limit: Your car\'s maximum braked towing capacity is the limit set by the manufacturer; exceeding this may lead to prosecution and mechanical issues.
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• Easy Lookup: Use our registration-based tool for a quick check, but always cross-reference with your V5C logbook (Section O.1) and the vehicle VIN plate.
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• The VIN Plate: The physical plate on your vehicle is a primary source for verifying your Gross Train Weight (GTW).
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• The 85% Rule: This is a safety recommendation, not a law. For stability, especially for beginners, it is suggested to keep the caravan\'s loaded weight within 85% of the car\'s kerbweight.
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• Consequences: Exceeding manufacturer limits may affect your insurance cover or claims and lead to mechanical failure.
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With the touring season approaching, many prospective caravanners are asking the same question: "What can my car actually tow?" It is a vital question, as the UK market for used caravans features a wide range of high-spec, heavy twin-axle models—like the Bailey Unicorn Cartagena or Swift Challenger 645. Understanding your car\'s limits before you fall in love with a layout is the hallmark of a savvy buyer.

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RoamWorthy provides data-driven tools to simplify the buying process. Our team cross-references manufacturer data to assist with lookups for everything from a Volkswagen Transporter to a luxury Le Voyageur motorhome. Whether you are looking at Caravan Models or planning a Campervan Conversion, weight is your first consideration.

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The Two Critical Towing Numbers

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When you check your towing capacity, you are looking for two distinct figures that help determine your safe limits:

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1. Maximum Braked Towing Capacity

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This is the legal limit set by the car manufacturer. It represents the maximum weight the car is rated to pull on a 12% gradient. For a typical mid-sized SUV like a Volkswagen Tiguan, this might be 1,800kg–2,500kg depending on the engine and drivetrain. For a heavy-duty tow car like a Land Rover Discovery, it can be as high as 3,500kg. Note that unbraked towing is almost always limited to 750kg regardless of the vehicle\'s size. You can find specific vehicle details in our tow car database.

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2. Kerbweight

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The kerbweight (or Mass in Running Order, depending on the standard used) generally refers to the weight of the car with fluids and fuel, but definitions can vary by manufacturer. This number is used for calculating the "85% rule"—safety guidance from the Caravan and Motorhome Club suggesting a caravan\'s loaded weight (MTPLM) should not exceed 85% of the car\'s kerbweight for improved stability. You can calculate your match using our Caravan Towing Calculator.

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How to Use the Registration Lookup

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The quickest way to find these numbers is to use your vehicle\'s registration. Our Check towing capacity by reg tool pulls data from technical databases to provide your car\'s specific limits. However, because specifications can vary, you should always verify these figures against your V5C logbook or the physical VIN plate on the vehicle.

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The VIN Plate: Verifying the Weights

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While digital lookups are helpful, you should always check your vehicle\'s VIN plate to verify legal weights. Usually located in the door shut, under the bonnet, or on the B-pillar, it will list four weights in kilograms:

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The Calculation: To find your towing capacity from the plate, subtract the first number (MAM) from the second (GTW). If the GTW is listed as zero or there is a dash, the vehicle is not type-approved for towing. Note that some vehicles have a reduced GTW when the car is fully loaded; always check the handbook for specific conditions. You can verify your actual loaded weights at a public weighbridge.

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Safe Matching for UK Roads

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Spring in the UK often brings unpredictable crosswinds and wet motorways. This is why many experts recommend sticking to the 85% guidance for those new to towing. If your car has a 2,000kg legal limit but a 1,800kg kerbweight, an 85% match would be a caravan with an MTPLM of 1,530kg. This margin is intended to provide stability when navigating motorways or winding roads. Explore Caravan Layouts to find a model that fits within your car\'s limits.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Once you know your capacity, you can explore Caravan Models with the confidence that your car is a safe and legal match. For those looking for a first-time purchase, our First-timer\'s guide to caravans 2026 provides further essential information.