What can I tow? How to check your weights.
It's vital to check your vehicle and trailer weight limits to ensure you're towing legally and safely.
What do I need to find out?
- What is the manufacturers stated unladen weight of your vehicle - find in your handbook or enquire at local dealership
- What is the manufacturers stated gross weight of your vehicle - on VIN plate, first kg number on diagram below
- What is the manufacturers stated gross weight of your vehicle and trailer combined - on VIN plate, second kg number on diagram below
- What is the manufacturers stated gross weight of your trailer - on ID plate, generally riveted or fixed to side of A frame on your trailer
Tip - The gross weight of your vehicle is the weight of your vehicle plus the maximum load your vehicle can carry as authorised by the manufacturer. Gross weight is sometimes called MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass) or Plated Weight.
What weight can I tow?
Your VIN plate can be found on either the passenger or driver’s door, under the bonnet or in your vehicle manual.
It will look like this;
Example: To calculate your towing capacity, you will need;
- Maximum weight of the vehicle (Fully loaded)
- Maximum weight of your trailer (Fully loaded)
- Maximum towing capacity of the vehicle
Max tow capacity 4200KG – vehicle weight 2505KG = maximum trailer weight you can tow with.