Motorhome Towing Weights and Limits: What You Need to Know
Motorhomes offer the freedom to travel with everything you need. However, many owners also wish to tow an additional vehicle, trailer, or other equipment. Whether you intend to tow a small car, a trailer carrying bicycles, or even a boat, understanding towing weights and legal limits is essential for both safety and legal compliance.
This guide explains the key towing weight terms, legal limits, and practical considerations for motorhome owners.
Understanding Motorhome Weight Terms
Before towing anything, it is important to understand the weight ratings specified by the manufacturer. These figures are typically displayed on the vehicle identification number (VIN) plate or in the motorhome handbook.¹
1. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
Also known as Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM), this is the maximum weight the motorhome can legally weigh when fully loaded. It includes passengers, fuel, water, luggage, and accessories.
2. Gross Train Weight (GTW)
Gross Train Weight is the maximum combined weight of the motorhome and anything it is towing.²
3. Kerb Weight
Kerb weight refers to the weight of the motorhome when empty but with essential operating fluids such as fuel and oil.
4. Payload
Payload is the amount of weight that can be added to the motorhome. This includes passengers, luggage, water in tanks, bicycles, and accessories.
5. Towing Capacity
Towing capacity is the maximum weight your motorhome can tow safely and legally. It is generally calculated by subtracting the GVW from the GTW.
Example:
- GTW: 6,000 kg
- GVW: 4,500 kg
Maximum towing weight = 1,500 kg
However, the vehicle manufacturer’s official towing rating must always be followed.
Typical Motorhome Towing Limits
Motorhome towing limits vary depending on the base vehicle chassis and engine configuration.
| Base Vehicle | Typical Towing Capacity |
| Fiat Ducato | 1,500–2,000 kg |
| Ford Transit | 2,000–2,800 kg |
| Mercedes Sprinter | 2,000–3,500 kg |
| Iveco Daily | Up to 3,500 kg |
These figures are general estimates. The actual towing limit for your specific motorhome must always be confirmed from the VIN plate or manufacturer specifications.³
Nose Weight Limits
When towing a trailer or caravan, nose weight is another critical factor.
Nose weight is the downward force that the trailer applies to the towbar.⁴
Typical motorhome towbar nose weight limits include:
- 75 kg
- 100 kg
- 120 kg
Exceeding the permitted nose weight can negatively affect steering, braking performance, and vehicle stability.
UK Driving Licence Rules for Towing
The towing entitlement depends on when you passed your driving test.
If you passed before 1 January 1997
You can normally drive a vehicle and trailer combination with a maximum authorised mass of up to 8,250 kg.
If you passed after 1 January 1997
Following changes introduced by the UK Government in 2021, most Category B licence holders can now tow trailers up to 3,500 kg, provided the vehicle is approved to do so.⁵
Drivers should always check DVLA guidance and the categories listed on their driving licence.
Types of Towing with a Motorhome
Motorhome owners commonly tow vehicles or equipment in several ways.
1. A-Frame Towing
An A-frame connects a small car to the motorhome so it can be towed with all four wheels on the road.
Advantages
- Convenient for touring
- No need to store a trailer
Considerations
- The towed car must have an appropriate braking system
- Legal interpretations of A-frames may vary across European countries⁶
2. Trailer Towing
Using a trailer is often the simplest and most legally straightforward option.
Advantages
- Generally compliant across Europe
- Can carry heavier loads
Disadvantages
- Requires additional storage space
- Adds extra weight to the overall towing combination
3. Tow Dolly
A tow dolly lifts the front wheels of the car while the rear wheels remain on the road.
This option sits between an A-frame and a full trailer in terms of weight, cost, and complexity.
Safety Tips When Towing with a Motorhome
To ensure safe towing:
- Check your VIN plate weight limits before towing
- Never exceed the Gross Train Weight (GTW)
- Ensure the towbar is correctly rated and professionally fitted
- Use trailer braking systems where legally required
- Distribute trailer weight evenly
- Check tyre pressures on both the motorhome and trailer
It is also good practice to perform a towbar and electrical connection check before every journey.
Do All Motorhomes Have Towbars?
No. Many motorhomes are not fitted with a towbar from the factory. However, a towbar can usually be installed afterwards.
When fitting a towbar, it is essential to use a vehicle-specific towbar designed for the motorhome chassis and to have it installed by a qualified professional.
Final Thoughts
Towing with a motorhome can significantly increase travel flexibility, allowing you to bring a small car, trailer, or additional equipment along on your journey. However, understanding weight limits, towing capacity, and legal requirements is essential to ensure both safety and compliance.
Before towing, always check:
- Vehicle GVW and GTW
- Towbar maximum towing weight
- Nose weight limits
- Trailer braking requirements
If everything is correctly configured, towing with a motorhome can be a safe and practical way to enhance your touring experience.
References (Oxford Style Footnotes)
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Vehicle Weights Explained (London: DVSA, 2023).
- Department for Transport, Towing with a Car or Van (London: UK Government, 2024).
- Fiat Professional, Ducato Owner Handbook (Turin: Fiat Group Automobiles, 2022).
- National Trailer and Towing Association, Safe Trailer Loading Guidance (Leicestershire: NTTA, 2023).
- UK Government, ‘Towing with a Car: Licence Rules’, GOV.UK (2024).
- Caravan and Motorhome Club, Guide to Towing Abroad (East Grinstead: Caravan and Motorhome Club, 2023).
Bibliography
Caravan and Motorhome Club. Guide to Towing Abroad. East Grinstead: Caravan and Motorhome Club, 2023.
Department for Transport. Towing with a Car or Van. London: UK Government, 2024.
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Vehicle Weights Explained. London: DVSA, 2023.
Fiat Professional. Ducato Owner Handbook. Turin: Fiat Group Automobiles, 2022.
National Trailer and Towing Association. Safe Trailer Loading Guidance. Leicestershire: NTTA, 2023.
UK Government. ‘Towing with a Car: Licence Rules’. GOV.UK, 2024.
The information is provided for guidance only and may not be relevant depending on the latest information.
