Home Log in or Register

Message Forums

Welcome Guest

Reception - All Forums

Caravans and Caravanning - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice

Topic: How much can I tow?

Page: 1 2 3

ROG.

04/5/2015 at 8:09am
Location: LEICESTER
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 19/1/2012

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 392

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

The 107 code has never been used next to B+E

-------------
EX Advanced driving observer (IAM)
EX LGV & B+E instructor

Motobiman

04/5/2015 at 8:17am
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/1/2015

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 670

Site Reviews Total:	7

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by ROG. on 04/5/2015The 107 code has never been used next to B+E

Your right, my mistake.

https://www.gov.uk/driving-licence-categories

This page says cars come under the light vehicle heading and Cat B on a licence applies to car (and trailer) up to to a total of 3500kgs.

You need Cat B+E if it's heavier but It mentions no maximum here but the maximum weight of any trailer is 3500kgs so it follows it can only be 7000kgs.

Cat C+E is for larger vehicles up to 12000kgs with trailer.

Confusing.

Post last edited on 04/05/2015 08:33:55

Post last edited on 04/05/2015 08:36:33

vwalan

04/5/2015 at 9:02am
Location: roche cornwall
Outfit: lynton 5th wheel

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 28/7/2008

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1075

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

cat b+e before 2013 there wasnt an upper trailer limit ,only the train weight of the towing vehicle .
the govt sites are a bit confusing but believe me i have been involved with building vehicles and trailers to suit the b+e laws ages .
i also did c1+e outfits etc .
the govt sites mis lead you to go to the c1+e cat and doesnt explain the b+e properly only the newer license arrangements .

c+e is for over 7.500kg trucks etc pulling large trailers .
i have c+e
c1+e was originaly for upto 12 ton train ,but got restricted in uk by the 107 code.

later they relized b+e allowed a 7.5 ton vehicle down plated to 3.500kg kept its trainweight of 12ton and could be driven on a b+e . thats why its changed on recent license .
all makes a good read .
i have spent hours and hours studying and talking to the old dvla and vosa .
the whole system is flawed really.

-------------
vwalan

Motobiman

04/5/2015 at 9:12am
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/1/2015

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 670

Site Reviews Total:	7

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

So to paraphrase.

Licence held.
Cat B car and trailer up to 3500kgs
Cat BE car and trailer up to 7000kgs
Cat C1E with 107 restriction car and trailer up to 8250kgs
Cat C1E car and trailer up to 12000kgs

Depending of course that car and trailer limits are not exceeded.

Now our poster can work our what his car can tow depending on his licence.

Post last edited on 04/05/2015 09:19:49

MikeyBe

04/5/2015 at 10:51am
Location: Hartlepool
Outfit: Merc ML270 + Bailey Ranger 520.4

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 06/4/2014

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 42

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

OK, so if I've got this right:

My license has been held since 1995.

I have B, BE and C1E (107) on it.

My Vehicle nominally weighs 2200kg (I'd have to confirm that on a weigh bridge though). It also has a maximum gross train weight of 6235kg.

So depending on the weight of the vehicle at the time, and assuming I comply with the axle weights, I could legally (though not necessarily safely) tow up to 4035 kg?

Motobiman

04/5/2015 at 11:36am
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/1/2015

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 670

Site Reviews Total:	7

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

That's how I read it on a BE licence.

vwalan?

vwalan

04/5/2015 at 11:38am
Location: roche cornwall
Outfit: lynton 5th wheel

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 28/7/2008

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1075

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

yes.
how and what brakes the trail has is a deciding factor .
many yank trailers use electric brakes , not really legal in eu over 3,500kg .
all the c1,s are for the towing vehicle to have a gross weight of over 3,500kg .
c1 and c1+e normaly in uk would have the 107 restriction .
unless you took a c1/c1+e test.

Post last edited on 04/05/2015 11:45:42

-------------
vwalan

vwalan

04/5/2015 at 11:41am
Location: roche cornwall
Outfit: lynton 5th wheel

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 28/7/2008

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1075

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by Motobiman on 04/5/2015
That's how I read it on a BE licence.

vwalan?

if your b+e was issued pre 2013 there isnt a trailer upper weight .
how you brake the trailer is a different issue .

-------------
vwalan

ROG.

04/5/2015 at 12:29pm
Location: LEICESTER
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 19/1/2012

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 392

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by vwalan on 04/5/2015if your b+e was issued pre 2013 there isnt a trailer upper weight .

There is now because the 2013 changes are retrospective

Max 3500 MAM limit on trailers towed by B cat vehicles for ALL drivers

There are not different category laws for the same category unless a code is present - 100% fact

-------------
EX Advanced driving observer (IAM)
EX LGV & B+E instructor

ROG.

04/5/2015 at 12:33pm
Location: LEICESTER
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 19/1/2012

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 392

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by Motobiman on 04/5/2015
So to paraphrase.

Licence held.
Cat B car and trailer up to 3500kgs
Cat BE car and trailer up to 7000kgs
Cat C1E with 107 restriction car and trailer up to 8250kgs
Cat C1E car and trailer up to 12000kgs

CAVEAT - all those except the 12000 refer to plated MAM weights not actual weights

-------------
EX Advanced driving observer (IAM)
EX LGV & B+E instructor

Motobiman

04/5/2015 at 1:06pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/1/2015

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 670

Site Reviews Total:	7

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Quote: Originally posted by vwalan on 04/5/2015

Quote: Originally posted by Motobiman on 04/5/2015That's how I read it on a BE licence.

vwalan?

if your b+e was issued pre 2013 there isnt a trailer upper weight .
how you brake the trailer is a different issue .

But there is an effective limit, the gross train weight less the weight of the towing vehicle, surely?

vwalan

04/5/2015 at 1:21pm
Location: roche cornwall
Outfit: lynton 5th wheel

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 28/7/2008

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 1075

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

yes. thats it .
the weight of the towing vehicle can vary . depends on passengers . or heavy items on board .
you do have to do abit of homework its not straight forward .
it cant be a fixed weight .
you carry more things in the tow vehicle ,or use a heavier trailer . its variable .
trainweight rules .
also axle weights etc .
its only a game of arithmatic .

-------------
vwalan

Motobiman

04/5/2015 at 1:26pm
Location:
Outfit:

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 26/1/2015

Platinum Member

Forum Posts: 670

Site Reviews Total:	7

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Got all that MkkeyBs?

Now all you need is a mathematics degree and your set to go .....

MikeyBe

04/5/2015 at 5:22pm
Location: Hartlepool
Outfit: Merc ML270 + Bailey Ranger 520.4

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 06/4/2014

Standard Member

Forum Posts: 42

Site Reviews Total:	1

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

OK I think I've got it (Alas I only have an engineering degree, not maths).

My maximum trailer weight is 6235kg (GTW) minus the weight of the vehicle at the time I'm towing (Giving me something between 3200 and 4000kg max trailer weight), or 3500kg (From my licence) - which ever is the lower amount.

ROG.

05/5/2015 at 8:51am
Location: LEICESTER
Outfit: None Entered

View Profile

Quote

Joined: 19/1/2012

Gold Member

Forum Posts: 392

Site Reviews Total:	0

Site Reviews 2024:	0
Site Reviews 2023:	0
Site Reviews 2022:	0
Site Reviews 2021:	0
Site Reviews 2020:	0
Site Reviews 2019:	0
Site Reviews 2018:	0

Site Nights 2024:	0
Site Nights 2023:	0
Site Nights 2022:	0
Site Nights 2021:	0
Site Nights 2020:	0
Site Nights 2019:	0
Site Nights 2018:	0

Do not exceed
vehicle GVW
Trailer plated MAM/MTPLM
GTW = actual weight of both together
Max listed towing capacity

If towing a caravan then try not to let caravan exceed 85% of actual vehicle weight at time of towing

If you have ticked all those then you should be ok

-------------
EX Advanced driving observer (IAM)
EX LGV & B+E instructor

In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev Next
Jump To Page: 1 2 3
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice - Top of Page

Printable version

Latest News, Discounts and Competitions see all...

5842 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker - Recommend to Friend - Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums] [Caravan Sites & Camping] [Company Listings] [Features / Advice] [Virtual Brochure] [Shop!]
[Reception] [Competitions] [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale] [Event Diary] [Contact Us] [Tent Reviews]

Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024

UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder