Driving licence
From 1 January 1997, new drivers may drive a vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW) with a 750kgs GVW trailer. Towing under a provisional licence is NOT acceptable. If in doubt, contact the DVLA Swansea. Tel: 01792 772151.

Insurance
Most vehicle insurance policies will cover Third Party liabilities when towing, but it is your responsibility to check your own policy carefully and if you are in any doubt about towing, consult your insurance company at once. Most trailer/caravan hire companies hold the hirer personally liable for the value of the trailer hired.

Speed limits
The maximum speed that a car with a trailer etc. can be driven 60mph on UK motorways and dual carriageways and 50mph other types of roads (providing no lower speed limit is in force), and that the gross weight of the trailer and vehicle is less than 7.5 tonnes. Maximum speeds vary across Europe. NOTE: vehicles are not allowed to use the right-hand (overtaking) lane of a three lane carriageway whilst towing.

Towing limits
The maximum gross (fully laden) weight of an unbraked trailer is 750kg, or half the kerb weight of the vehicle - whichever is less. The gross weight of a braked trailer should generally not exceed 85% of the tow car's kerb weight. Refer to your tow car manufacturer's manual for the kerb weight.

Size of trailer
Assuming that an ordinary car (not a goods vehicle) is the tow vehicle, then the overall length of the trailer, caravan etc. must not exceed 7m, excluding A-frame and hitch (regs 7 & 8 of Road Vehicles Construction and Use Regulations - 1986). The maximum width of the trailer should not exceed 2.3 m.

It makes sense to check certain features before you set out: set tyre pressures on trailer and tow car, secure all items inside the trailer, close all windows, roof vents and doors, make sure caravan corner steadies are raised, test all lights and adjust mirrors as necessary.

Tyres and number plates
Wheels and tyres must be capable of carrying the maximum laden weight of the caravan at the maximum speed limit (this varies throughout Europe). CHECK TYRE PRESSURES REGULARLY. ALL trailers, caravans etc. must be fitted with an approved style number plate.

Lights and reflectors
All trailers on the road during darkness must have the following;

• Two red side lights at the rear
• Brake lights
• Direction indicators
• Number plate light
• At least one rear fog light (if the trailer is more than 1.3m wide)
• Two red triangular reflectors

All lights must be in proper working order, and correctly fitted to your car's electrics.

Suspensions
It is vital that the towing vehicle's rear suspension is not deflected excessively by nose weight on the towball. If it is excessive, steering, stability and headlight alignment will be affected.

MOT certificate
This is not currently required for trailers and caravans. However, good practice dictates that regular servicing and maintenance should be carried out as an unroadworthy trailer may invalidate your insurance. A caravan is a road vehicle and therefore requires regular servicing. The braking system, wheels, tyres and lights in particular, all need scrupulous attention.