Whether adventuring as a family or going solo, increasing the storage capacity of your 4×4 beyond drawer system and roof rack upgrades will give you the space you need to carry all those road trip essentials.
The 4×4 is one vehicle type that is made for towing a trailer or caravan, with a wide range of 4x4s top rated for towing. By towing a trailer or caravan those travelling for leisure can enjoy a home away from home wherever they go and relish off-road travel just as intended.
If you are towing a trailer or caravan for the very first time, however, you’ll want to read the following towing tips for 4×4 drivers.
Know your 4×4’s towing capacity
Matching your tow vehicle with the right trailer should be your first stop. Every vehicle has its own towing capacity, and being aware of the key weights and limits that apply is essential for towing safely and legally. Here RAC reveals how you can calculate your vehicle’s towing capacity:
“Towing capacity is the maximum weight a car can tow legally. However, it may not be safe or comfortable to do so, especially with a caravan or trailer that has a large box-like profile. The towing capacity may be published within the handbook of the vehicle. It can also be calculated from the VIN plate, where line one is the maximum allowable mass and line two is the maximum trian mass. Simply deduct line one from line two and you have the vehicle towing limit.”
It’s recommended that you tow no more than 85% of your vehicle’s kerb weight to ensure safe and easy towing. Only experienced drivers are able to tow if the trailer or caravan equates to between 85% and 100% of the vehicle’s kerb weight.
Make sure your 4×4 is tow-ready
The condition of your vehicle matters when towing a trailer or caravan, so be sure to check the health of your 4×4 before towing.
Your vehicle should be free from extensive wear and tear, its drawbar should be without rust and cracks, and your brake controller should be correctly calibrated. Check the condition of your trailer or caravan before you depart too, especially when it comes to its wheel bearings and lights.
The towing equipment you use should be in tip-top condition also. Upgrading to one of our rear bumpers, many of which come with tow hitches, will ensure you can tow with confidence.
Put visibility first when towing
If your trailer or caravan is wider than the rear of your vehicle, your 4×4 must be fitted with towing mirrors by law to ensure optimum visibility. You could be fined up to £1,000 and given three penalty points if you don’t.
The use of towing mirrors will increase your field of vision dramatically, eliminating the blind spots that put you and other road users at risk.
Here at 4×4 Works, we stock Clearview towing mirrors for a wide range of vehicle makes and models to improve visibility when towing a caravan, boat or trailer. Each kit contains two complete mirrors, which can be used in the standard driving position or extended for towing.
Adjust your driving style
Driving a 4×4 with a trailer or caravan differs dramatically from driving a 4×4. That’s why it is important to adjust your driving style accordingly.
When towing, you’ll need more room and time to take corners, slow down and come to a complete stop. Keeping your steering straight and utilising the brakes on your trailer will also help you control snaking, where your vehicle and trailer sway.
Keeping at least a five-second gap between you and the vehicle in front is recommended to ensure you have the time to react safely.
