It's a question many car owners ask themselves: how much can my car actually tow? Whether you're going away with a caravan, motorhome, or trailer wanting to drive, It is crucial to know your vehicle's maximum towing capacity. This depends on various factors, such as the type of car, engine power, and specific manufacturer guidelines. In this blog, we will delve deeper into how many kilograms a car is allowed to tow and how this is determined.
You can find out how much weight your car is allowed to tow in the vehicle's handbook or on the sticker inside the driver's side door.
You might be wondering: how much weight can my car tow and where can I find this information? This information is usually found on your vehicle registration document. For a company car, you can find the towing weight on the certificate of conformity. Your registration document also indicates which driving licence category is required for specific towing weights. With a Category B driving licence, you can normally tow a trailer weighing up to 750 kilograms. If you have a caravan or trailer with a higher weight, an additional BE driving licence is required.
What determines the maximum towing weight?
The amount your car is allowed to tow is determined first and foremost by the manufacturer. Your car is initially subjected to a number of tests, based on which the maximum towing weight is determined. What weight a car is allowed to tow depends on the following factors:
- Car weight
- Dimensions of the car
- The drivetrain
- Tractor unit
Watch out for hybrid and electric cars
For an all-electric vehicle Hybrid cars The towing capacity is often lower than for the same cars in a diesel version. Fully electric cars, with a few exceptions, cannot tow trailers. The only electric vehicles that are allowed to do this are:
- Audi e-tron
- Mercedes-Benz EQC
- Tesla Model X
- Tesla Model 3
- Tesla Model Y
- Kia e-Niro
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Mercedes-Benz EQC
- Polestar 2
- Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge
- Skoda Enyaq iV RS
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
Please note that even these electric cars have limitations regarding towing weight, as many electric vehicles are not permitted to tow more than 1,000 kilograms. Furthermore, the range of your car will drastically decrease.
How much can my car tow on a B driving licence?
It's been mentioned briefly above, but if you have a standard driving licence (licence B), you can tow a caravan, trailer or camper weighing a maximum of 750 kilograms. However, you can also tow a weight of more than 750 kilograms, provided that the total weight of the car in combination with the trailer does not exceed 3500 kilograms. Therefore, check this carefully before you trailer coupling and you go out with it.
How many kg can my car tow with a BE driving licence or B+ driving licence?
If the combination of the car and trailer weighs more than 3500 kilograms but less than 4250 kilograms, you can drive it with a B+ driving licence. With a BE driving licence, you may tow a trailer weighing 3500 kilograms, and in some cases, even one that weighs more than 3500 kilograms.
What is the maximum weight my car can tow as a train weight?
Your car's instruction manual lists the so-called train weight. This weight is determined by the car manufacturer and comprises the maximum weight of the trailer, including luggage, and of your car. The maximum weight for the car consists of the empty weight of your car and any occupants with their luggage.
Consequences of driving with an overloaded car
It is dangerous for yourself and others to set off with a too-heavy towing combination, as you can sway around corners and on winding roads. Furthermore, excessive weight can cause damage to your car's chassis, suspension or engine. The police therefore regularly check for overloading, and the fines are substantial when you drive with a too-heavy combination. In addition, during a check, the police also decide whether you are allowed to continue your journey. Therefore, before you go on holiday, always check your car at a so-called Holiday check. This way you can detect wear in advance.
