When towing a caravan, choosing the right car is important to ensure a safe journey. The vehicle you select must be able to handle the weight and size of the caravan. Towing a caravan with an unsuitable vehicle can lead to performance issues, increased wear and tear, and potentially dangerous driving conditions. In this blog post from APD Car Parts, we’ll discover the best cars for towing caravans.
What Do I Need to Tow a Caravan?
Before discussing the best cars for towing caravans, you should make sure you have the right towing equipment. The correct equipment will improve your safety and ensure you are legally compliant. Below is an overview of essential equipment needed for towing a caravan and why they are important:
Recommended Towing Equipment
1. Number Plates
When towing, the caravan must display a number plate matching the car registration. This ensures that the caravan can be identified if it becomes detached from the car. It’s also a legal requirement to have a number plate on your caravan too.
2. Towing Mirrors
Towing mirrors are extensions that fit onto your car’s existing mirrors to provide a better view of the caravan and the road behind you. Since caravans are wider than most cars, standard mirrors don’t always provide enough visibility. Towing mirrors help you monitor traffic and maintain awareness of your surroundings, which aids in safe lane changes and reversing.
3. Breakaway Cable
A breakaway cable is a safety device designed to apply the caravan’s brakes if it becomes detached from your car. In the event of a detachment, the cable activates the caravan’s brakes, bringing it to a controlled stop. The breakaway cable is an essential piece of equipment because it helps to prevent accidents.
4. Tow Bar
A tow bar is a metal bar fitted to the rear of your car, providing a secure attachment for the caravan. A properly fitted tow bar is needed to maintain a strong link between the vehicle and the caravan.
If you need any of these items, then you can visit APD’s Towing Products page!
What is the Best Vehicle to Tow a Caravan?
The best vehicle for towing caravans depends on several factors, including the weight of the caravan, your driving preferences and the vehicle’s towing capacity. Here are some options and their advantages:
Volvo V90 Cross Country
The Volvo V90 Cross Country won Best Car for Towing in the 2023 Auto Trader New Car Awards. It has a maximum towing capacity of 2,500kg, making it suitable for heavy caravans. Additionally, the boot offers 551 litres of space, providing plenty of space for your caravanning essentials.
BMW X5
The BMW X5 is a great choice for towing a caravan due to its maximum towing capacity up to 3,500kg. Its kerb weight ranges between 2,295kg and 2,495kg, providing enough power for stable towing. The X5 also features a spacious interior, making it ideal for long journeys where comfort is key.
Audi A6 Avant
The Audi A6 Avant is great for towing medium-sized caravans, with a towing capacity of to 2,000kg. It offers performance and fuel economy, ensuring efficient towing without sacrificing power. The A6 Avant has a large interior, providing comfort for longer trips.
Skoda Karoq
The Skoda Karoq is suitable for towing smaller caravans, with a maximum braked towing weight ranging from 1,200 to 2,100 kg. It won the What Car? Family SUV Best for Value 2023 award. The Skoda Karoq has a boot capacity of 521 litres, which can increase to 1,630 litres with the rear seats folded.
Volkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf is one of the best small cars for towing caravans, with a towing capacity between 1,000kg and 1,600kg. It’s a practical option, combining great handling and efficiency, making it a popular choice for those who need a dependable vehicle for daily use and occasional towing.
Can You Tow a Caravan with an Automatic Car?
Yes, automatic cars can tow caravans. They are often well-suited for towing due to several key advantages:
Smooth Power Delivery
Automatic gearboxes provide smooth and consistent power and are ideal for towing heavy loads like caravans. The seamless gear shifts ensure the power is transmitted smoothly to the wheels, reducing the strain on the engine and drivetrain. This smoothness makes driving more comfortable and reduces the wear and tear on the car and the caravan.
Advanced Technology
Modern automatic cars come equipped with advanced technologies that aid their towing capabilities. One such feature is the towing mode, which adjusts the gearbox settings to optimise performance. When engaged, the towing mode modifies the gear shift points, ensuring that the vehicle remains in the best gear, improving fuel efficiency and engine performance.
Enhanced Control and Safety
Automatic cars often feature additional control and safety mechanisms just for towing. For example, some models include trailer sway control systems that detect and stop a swaying caravan. Also, hill start assist and downhill descent control can provide additional safety.
Towing Capacity
It’s important to check the towing capacity of your automatic vehicle to ensure it can handle the weight of your caravan. Many automatic cars are designed with good towing capacities that can cope with a wide range of caravan sizes.
Therefore, automatic cars are not only capable of towing caravans but often excel due to their smooth power delivery, advanced technology, enhanced control and safety features.
Can You Tow with an Electric Car?
Some electric vehicles (EVs) are now able to tow caravans. However, not all EVs are suitable for towing, and it’s important to understand the towing limitations of your EV.
Technological Advances
Modern electric cars are now designed with strong powertrains and enhanced battery systems that can handle the additional load of towing a caravan. This means that towing with an electric vehicle is becoming more feasible.
Suitability of EVs for Towing
Many EVs are capable of towing, but not all are designed for this purpose. One of the main reasons some electric cars are unsuitable for towing is their brakes. EVs rely heavily on regenerative braking to recharge the battery while driving, which may not be suitable to safely stop an EV car when towing.
Potential Issues
Attaching a caravan to electric cars that aren’t made for towing can put additional pressure on the brakes and suspension, leading to excessive wear and tear. This can result in reduced performance and higher maintenance costs. It’s advisable to seek expert guidance to understand the capabilities of your EV and avoid towing if your electric car is not suitable.
Approved Electric Vehicles for Towing
Many electric vehicles have been approved for towing. For instance, the BMW iX is a good example of an EV designed with towing in mind. The BMW iX is built with enough power and brakes to handle towing a caravan.
Checking whether your EV has been approved for towing and understanding its limitations will help you enjoy a safe trip.
Caravan Towing Tips
Towing a caravan requires extra care and attention, here are some tips to help when towing:
Check Weight Limits
Before setting off, make sure your vehicle’s towing capacity and the caravan’s weight are within the correct limits. Overloading can lead to poor handling and increased wear and tear.
Distribute Weight Evenly
Place heavier items low and towards the centre of the caravan to maintain stability. Uneven weight can cause swaying and affect the vehicle’s handling.
Practice Manoeuvring
Before leaving, take some time to practice manoeuvring with your caravan in a safe, open space. Get comfortable with reversing, turning and parking.
Adjust Driving
When towing a caravan, you need to adjust your driving style. Allow longer braking distances, accelerate gradually and take corners wider than usual. Be mindful of your speed and try to maintain a steady pace.
Regular Checks of the Vehicle
Perform regular checks on your car and caravan before and during your journey. Ensure the tyres are properly inflated, the brakes are functioning correctly and all the lights are operational.
APD, Leading Suppliers of Car Towing Equipment
APD is a leading supplier of car towing equipment. Our easy-to-use website allows you to enter your vehicle registration, and it will display products suitable for your vehicle. Shop on APD’s car parts website today and receive free delivery on orders over £30!
