Hi all - my name is Simon and I'm a newbie to the caravan world!
I live in Kent, and a son (9) and daughter (11) and thinking about what might be the best caravan for a family of 4. Also what caravan I can even tow on my 2011 Lexus 450H!
Ive been looking at Tow Calculators like Towcar and RoamWorthy. Bt confused about all the terminology. Here is a result I pulled.
I had not come across the Roamworthy site before, but tried it with both my wife's and my cars. It under-estimated the kerb weight of one by some 170kg and, more seriously, over-estimated the towing capacity of the second by 1000kg! This meant that it advised that I would be "good to tow" a caravan that, in actual fact, would be illegal.
This exemplifies the fundamental problem with any tow match site, and is why I am no fan of them. They're only as good as the data entered into them, which all too often is inaccurate. There is no substitute for doing your own calculations and making your own judgement based on the plated information on your actual car and caravan.
The things to consider (in this order) are:
- Towing capacity of the car. Look at the VIN plate and subtract the first figure (which is the maximum that the car can weigh when fully loaded) from the second (which is the maximum permissible weight of the car and a trailer combined). You should assume that the actual weight of your caravan when being towed (note: not necessarily the MTPLM, although in reality they'll probably be close) cannot legally exceed this. (Strictly speaking, there are circumstances in which it can but you'd be foolish to try!)
- Kerb weight of the car. Look for 'mass in service' (which essentially means the same thing) on your V5 but as a sense check, you should be there or thereabouts if you reduce the maximum permissible weight of the car (first figure on the VIN plate) by about 500kg. If, and only if, your car's towing capacity is in excess of the kerb weight you should sensibly limit the weight of the caravan to less than the kerb weight as a secondary consideration. A ratio of about 85% is recommended for drivers new to towing, but this is at best a rough guide and not absolute.
Once you know the weight of a caravan that you can sensibly and legally tow, your best bet is to visit a show, or failing that, several dealers and sit in as many caravans as you can. Try and find an internal layout that suits you. Visualise yourself living in it, including at night when the kids might want/need to be in bed earlier than the parents. Most manufacturers tend to copy each other, so once you know the layout you most like you'll be able to search comparable caravans.
Hope this helps.
------------- "Don't wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect."
Hi Simon, and good luck with your camping exploits. You may find the Fact sheet from the Camping Club clarifies the issues. The 85% of kerb weight advice seems to quite sound, so you should be looking for a van of 1600kg or less, ok for most 4 berths. That’s the MTPLM figure you see.
I’ve bought a couple of caravans from Songhurst in West Malling, and found them decent to deal with, and do a good job with the annual service.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Towing Calculator
via mobile 08/3/2026 at 5:18pm
