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The Laws on Towing with a Campervan in the UK

Published 13 August 2021 | Last updated 26 September 2025

By Jason Sims
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This guide takes you through the UK laws on towing with a campervan, covering essential rules, regulations, and insurance considerations to ensure you’re fully compliant on the road.

When you begin to take holidays with a growing family, want to travel with friends, or simply want a bit more space than your traditional campervan, towing is ideal. 

For many, towing is not something they’ve ever considered. However, towing from your campervan can be one of the most effective ways to access extra space, perhaps a caravan, a car, or even a trailer.  

Towing with your campervan is entirely legal if you check the weight restrictions of everything included. In this blog, we explore all the options of how you can tow with a campervan, including rules, regulations and recommendations. 

Silver campervan with a tow bar attached on the back

Why Tow with a Campervan? 

For some people, especially those with VW campervans or smaller vans, there isn’t always enough cabin space to carry and store all their equipment. For some VW campervan owners, they need to provide enough sleeping berths for their family. Others perhaps need to make it feasible for friends to come and stay with them – and this is where towing comes in handy. 

Most VW campervans don’t necessarily have a huge amount of space, and if you’ve got specialist requirements such as medical equipment to support a family member, sports equipment for your favourite hobby, or you just need more room for extra comfort, the available space isn’t always enough. 

Towing a trailer could be the perfect solution for carrying all the extra kit you need. if you want to bring a caravan along, you no longer have to rely on a separate car to tow it – your campervan may be able to handle that.

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A white converted campervan driving on the road towards a lighthouse

What are the Weight Restrictions When Towing with a Camper Van?

This will vary depending on your specific campervan. You’ll need to understand its weight limits and run a few calculations to determine a safe and sensible towing capacity. Getting this right is essential for safety and legal compliance.

Most modern VW Transporters can tow upwards of 2,000 kilos – but it also depends on the type of vehicle you are towing. 

The Gross Train Weight (GTW) of your vehicle refers to the combined total weight of your vehicle, the trailer/vehicle being towed, and everything being carried in both. The GTW of your origninal vehicle plays a big role in determining how much you can safely tow. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines, which will dictate the official limits and may include specific towing restrictions in the owner’s manual.

You must also think about what is sensible. Most experts recommend that when towing, the total weight of the trailer and its load should be no more than 75% of your vehicle’s Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) – which is the maximum weight your vehicle is allowed to carry, including passengers and cargo.

The Camping and Caravanning Club recommends towing no more than 85% of the MAM (or kerb weight). While you technically can tow up to 100%, it is not advised as this could cause issues with the braking functions for both vehicles, the driver’s safety, and potentially your ability to manoeuvre correctly, particularly in tighter areas. 

The GTW and the MAM of your vehicle will be listed either in the manufacturer’s handbook or inside one of the door frames of your campervan.

Looking through the windscreen of a VW camper driving on the road

What Licence Do I Need for Towing?

From the 16th December 2021, if you passed your driving test after the 1st January 1997, you’ll be allowed to tow trailers up to 3,500kg MAM. You don’t need to contact the DVLA, and when you do get a new photocard licence, the category BE will be added.

If you had booked a test for driving with a trailer, this will have been cancelled, and you no longer need a special test to tow trailers.

Learn more on the government website.

Prior to the 16th December 2021 change, the rules were:

There are two considerations here. First, what licence category you hold, and secondly the year you were issued your licence.   

If you got your licence before the 1st of January 1997, it’s likely that you’ll be able to tow a MAM of 8,250kg. If you got your licence after the 1st of January 1997, you will probably be able to tow no more than 3,500kg. 

However, if you passed your test after 1st January 1997 and want to tow heavier weight, then you will need to pass the C1 + E regulation theory and practical test. This will allow you to tow a combined MAM of 12,000kg. However, most people will be fine with their existing licence regulations.  

Maximum Authorised Mass means the combined weight of the two parts, and so the tractor unit or main vehicle and the towing unit, or towing vehicle. Most people can drive a vehicle with a trailer of up to 750kg in weight or a trailer that is heavier, if the car and the trailer combined reaches no more than their Maximum Authorised Mass allowance. 

Caravan trailers beside a campervan

Insurance When Towing with a Campervan 

As campervan policies are often quite specific, it may be that yours will not automatically cover you for towing. You may need to take out a specialist campervan policy or discuss with your insurer to ensure that you are allowed to tow on the back of your campervan.

They may impose weight restrictions on you, in order to be guaranteed by a policy, or ask that you only tow certain types of vehicles. For example, you may not be able to tow an A frame with a car under certain policies.  

You will also need to consider your breakdown cover. Would your breakdown cover be able to rescue both you and the vehicle you are towing? If not, you’ll need to make sure that you’ve got breakdown cover that can cover all eventualities and adequately rescue or provide a fix that works for your situation. 

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A trailer parked up between caravans

FAQs on Towing with a Campervan

Can you tow a caravan with a campervan?

Yes, you can. As long as the maximum authorised mass doesn’t exceed the limit on your insurance or the legal limit, and your licence limit if the trailer is more than 3,500kg, then it’s perfectly possible to tow with a campervan. 

Can you tow using a VW campervan?

Yes, you absolutely can. VW Transporters tend to be able to tow up to 2,500kg, so it’s important that you check your percentages and make sure that you’re safe when towing with your VW campervan. 

What should I do to make sure my camper van is safe?

As well as following this government guideline checklist, which details everything you need to do before you take off with your boat, motorhome, or campervan, it’s important that you also check the specifics of your vehicle.  

For example, make sure you’ve got your vehicle’s correct and up-to-date information in case you get pulled over, ensure that your brakes are in good working order and have been checked recently. Make sure that the weight of your vehicle when you’ve loaded up everything doesn’t push you over the limit, this can be checked at a weighbridge.  

Caravan being towed on the motorway

Can Just Kampers Insurance Help?

Absolutely! Since 1998, we’ve been providing specialist campervan insurance designed to fit your unique needs. Many of us are campervan owners ourselves, so we truly understand what matters to you – so your camper is in safe hands. 

Get a quote or speak to our team today.  

Summary

With the right preparation, towing from your campervan can be a great way to get extra space on your travels.

It’s completely doable, as long as you stay within the legal limits, adhere to your vehicle’s weight capacities, hold the correct licence, and ensure your insurance policy covers towing.

For more information about tailoring insurance policies to your campervan or motorhome, whether you’re after affordable premiums, or something with that little bit more protection, consider coverage from the experts at Just Kampers Insurance.

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What Should I Do and Not Do if I Have an Accident? FAQs

Do I need to tell my insurer about an accident if I’m not making a claim?

Yes, you should still notify your insurer about the incident, even if you don’t intend to claim for damage to your own vehicle. Your policy may require you to report incidents which could potentially lead to a claim, particularly if another driver later decides to make a claim against you.
Reporting the accident promptly also ensures your insurer has a record of your version of events.

How quickly should I contact Just Kampers Insurance after an accident?

You should report an accident as soon as reasonably possible. Having your policy number, details of what happened, information about the other people and vehicles involved, photographs and any witness details to hand can help make the process easier. Just Kampers Insurance customers have access to a claims service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Will I have to pay my excess if the accident wasn’t my fault?

If you make a claim through your own insurance policy, your policy excess may still be payable initially. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may subsequently be able to recover this from the responsible party.

Your claims handler can explain what applies to your particular claim and whether your excess may be recoverable.

Can legal protection help if the accident wasn’t my fault?

Just Kampers Insurance policies include legal protection, which can provide assistance following a non-fault accident, subject to the policy terms, limits and exclusions.

This can include help pursuing eligible uninsured losses, such as an excess you have paid, as well as assistance with certain legal expenses, vehicle hire or claims relating to injuries and other losses.

Will I get a courtesy car while my vehicle is being repaired?

This will depend on your cover and how your claim is handled. If you make a claim under a comprehensive policy and use an approved repairer, a courtesy car may be available for the duration of the repairs, subject to availability.

Different arrangements may apply following a non-fault accident, so speak to your claims handler before arranging alternative transport yourself.

What happens if my campervan or motorhome is written off?

Your insurer will assess the vehicle and the terms of your policy before determining how the claim will be settled.

This is particularly important for classic, converted and specialist vehicles, where modifications and the vehicle’s specification can have a significant impact on its value. If your policy includes Agreed Value cover, check your policy documents to understand how this applies to a total-loss claim.

What if modifications to my campervan are damaged in the accident?

Make sure you tell your claims handler about damage to modifications and converted parts of the vehicle, rather than documenting only the exterior bodywork.

Photograph damaged pop-tops, awnings, furniture, fitted equipment and other converted elements where it is safe to do so. Keeping photographs and documentation relating to modifications before an accident can also help demonstrate your vehicle’s specification and condition.

Should I arrange my own garage to repair the vehicle?

Speak to your insurer or claims handler before authorising significant repairs. The insurer may need to inspect the vehicle, review photographs or agree repair costs before work begins.

This can be especially important with classic vehicles, campervans and motorhomes, where specialist components or conversion work may require particular expertise.

What should I do if the other driver’s insurer contacts me directly?

Don’t ignore correspondence about the accident, but avoid getting drawn into discussions about liability or agreeing a settlement without speaking to your insurer.

Just Kampers Insurance advises customers to forward third-party correspondence unanswered so it can be dealt with appropriately.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance or leaves the scene?

Gather as much information as you safely can, including the vehicle registration, make, model and colour, photographs or dashcam footage, and witness details.

Don’t attempt to chase a vehicle that leaves the scene. Report the incident to the police where required and contact your insurer promptly so they can advise you on the next steps.

Can I claim for belongings damaged inside my campervan or motorhome?

Whether damaged belongings are covered will depend on your individual policy and the cover you have selected.

If items inside your vehicle are damaged in an accident, photograph them and keep any evidence of ownership and value, such as receipts. Don’t dispose of damaged items until you have spoken to your claims handler.

What happens to my no-claims bonus after an accident?

The effect on your no-claims bonus will depend on factors including how the claim is recorded and the terms of your policy. Even where you have a protected no-claims bonus, a fault or pending claim may still affect future insurance premiums.

Check your policy documents or speak to the Just Kampers Insurance team if you’re unsure how a particular claim could affect your policy.

What information should I have ready when I report an accident?

It helps to have as much information as possible available, including your policy number, the date and location of the accident, details of the other driver and vehicle, photographs of the scene and damage, witness details, dashcam footage and any police reference number.

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything immediately. Report the incident promptly, and your claims handler can explain what additional information may be needed.

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Written by: Jason Sims

Jason is a Senior Marketing Executive at Just Kampers who is a fully-fledged VW enthusiast, with over 20 years’ experience in keeping Volkswagens old and new on the road, he currently owns a 69 Cal Look Beetle, and enjoys attending VW shows and Camping with friends and family.

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