There are several 4×4 and pickup models that are made for towing. Whether transporting lighter loads or hauling heavy trailers, the power and performance of the average 4WD vehicle makes towing a breeze.
We recently penned guides for towing a trailer with your 4×4 and towing a caravan, each of which offered essential guidance on the driving skills and vehicle upgrades drivers need to tow with ease. You must also be aware of the speed limits that apply when towing a caravan or trailer with a 4×4 or pickup. Read on to discover just that and tow with confidence on your upcoming trip.
Towing in built-up areas
Whether you’re towing a trailer, caravan or horsebox with a 4×4, pickup, car or car-derived van, the same speed limit applies. As usual you’ll be restricted to 30mph in built-up areas, unless otherwise specified by signage, as you are when you don’t tow.
Towing on carriageways
Speed limits also don’t differ when towing a caravan or trailer on a single or dual carriageway. Your speed should not exceed 50mph on a single carriageway, and this is the same for cars, car-derived vans, 4x4s and pickup trucks. Dual carriageways carry a national speed limit of 60mph as usual.
Towing on motorways
Before you resign yourself to the fact that the speed limits when towing and not towing are the same whatever the setting, you’ll want to take note of the motorway speed limits that apply for cars, car-derived vans, 4×4 vehicles and pickup trucks towing caravans or trailers.
While the national speed limit is 70mph on motorways, you’ll be restricted to 60mph when towing a trailer, caravan or horsebox.
Other towing limits to consider
Sticking to the speed limit isn’t the only must when towing a trailer, caravan or horsebox in your 4×4 or pickup. You’ll need to take extra care due to the size of the vehicle and the additional weight to tow safely. With this in mind, staying within the towing capacity of your vehicle is one rule that should never be broken.
It is important to note that some UK pickup trucks are rated differently than others due to their Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). We’ll let TMC Motors explain more:
“Well, imagine your truck is already fully-loaded with goods and passengers before you’ve even hitched up to your trailer. The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of your pickup truck – on its own – is going to be higher, meaning there’s less weight needed on that trailer before you reach your maximum Gross Combination Weight (GCW) for both the truck and trailer.”
For those new to towing, abiding by the ‘85% rule’ is also recommended. According to this rule, the fully laden weight of the trailer should be no more than 85% of the kerb weight of the vehicle towing it. Towing any more than 85% requires driving experience, and lots of it!
Being aware of all the limits, from weight to speed, is the key to towing your trailer, caravan or horsebox safely and confidently with your 4×4 or pickup truck.
