What is the 80/20 Rule for Towing a Caravan?
When planning a trip with your caravan, one of the most important questions is how to tow safely. A common guideline you’ll hear about is the 80/20 rule for towing. But what does it actually mean, and how does it apply to your caravan towing setup?
At Towing Solutions, we’ve been helping drivers understand towing safety for decades. In this article, we’ll explain the 80/20 rule, how to calculate what you can tow, what happens if you go over your towing capacity, and the legal limits you need to know before hitching up your caravan.
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Understanding the 80/20 Rule in Caravan Towing
The 80/20 rule (sometimes called the 85% rule) is a recommended guideline, not a law. It suggests that the maximum laden weight of your caravan should not exceed 85% of your car’s kerb weight.
For example:
- If your car’s kerb weight is 1,800kg, the safe maximum caravan weight is 1,530kg (85%).
This helps keep your car in control of the caravan, improving stability and safety. New towers, in particular, benefit from following this guideline as it reduces the risk of swaying or snaking on the road.
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Why the 80/20 Rule Matters
- Better stability – reduces swaying and improves control.
- Safer braking – your car remains in charge of the caravan.
- Confidence for beginners – great starting point if you’re new to towing.
- Stress-free driving – smoother journeys on motorways, country lanes, and in towns.
Is the 80/20 Rule a Legal Requirement?
No. It’s a recommended best practice, not part of UK towing law.
The legal towing limit is the figure set by your vehicle manufacturer – this is your car’s maximum braked towing capacity. Exceeding it is illegal. The 80/20 rule just keeps you comfortably under that limit.
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Caravan Towing FAQs
How do I legally tow more than 3,500kg?
To tow more than 3,500kg, both your vehicle and your driving licence need to allow it:
- If you passed your test before 1st January 1997, you likely already have B+E entitlement, letting you tow heavier combinations.
- If you passed after 1st January 1997, as of 2021 you can automatically tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass). To tow more than this, you’d need a larger vehicle category licence (e.g., C1+E).
What happens if I go over the towing capacity?
Towing above your vehicle’s maximum limit is illegal and unsafe. Risks include:
- Loss of stability or control, leading to accidents
- Longer stopping distances
- Damage to the clutch, gearbox, or engine
- Insurance being invalidated
- Penalties or fines from the police or DVSA
What is the maximum towing limit in the UK?
There isn’t one single nationwide limit – it depends on your car. You’ll find the maximum braked towing weight in:
- The vehicle handbook
- The manufacturer’s technical data
- The VIN plate inside the door frame or under the bonnet
This figure is the absolute legal maximum you must not exceed.
How do I calculate what I can tow?
- Find your car’s kerb weight (handbook or VIN plate).
- Find your car’s maximum braked towing capacity.
- Find your caravan’s MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass).
- Apply the 80/20 rule – caravan weight should be under 85% of the car’s kerb weight.
- Double-check that the caravan’s MTPLM does not exceed your car’s official towing capacity.
👉 Need help? Book a Caravan Towing Course
Caravan Towing Courses – Learn from the Experts
While the 80/20 rule is a great guideline, nothing replaces hands-on training. Our Caravan Towing Courses cover everything you need to know, including:
- Hitching and unhitching
- Legal requirements and safety checks
- Reversing and manoeuvring
- Driving on different roads – from motorways to rural lanes
- Calculating safe towing weights
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Watch: Caravan Towing Training Video
Final Thoughts
The 80/20 rule for caravan towing isn’t law, but it’s one of the best ways to make sure your car and caravan are a safe match. It helps prevent instability, keeps you legal, and makes towing less stressful – especially if you’re new to it.
At Towing Solutions, our goal is to give you the knowledge and skills to tow safely and enjoy your adventures. From calculating towing limits to practical on-road training, we’re here to help.
👉 To fully understand the 80/20 rule for caravan towing and have it explained one-to-one with practical guidance, book your Caravan Towing Course today. Click here to book online, email us at [email protected], or call us on 01625 433 251.