Author: Gary WhiteUpdated
Do you want to pull a heavy trailer with your car or vehicle? This could be a horse trailer, a boat trailer or a large caravan. SUVs are all the rage, especially as towing vehicles because they are real all-rounders. We have detailed 14 cars that have proved themselves to be the best tow cars for pulling a caravan.
Looking purely at the towing capacity of the car will show you which cars are the heaviest with the biggest engines. But we shouldn't just pick the cars with the highest trailer load. After all, not everyone can or wants to afford a huge 4x4 SUV with a monster V8 engine. We've got a few different options to suit every budget. There are several factors to consider when choosing a car for towing a caravan, including the weight and size of the caravan, the towing capacity of the car, and the intended use of the caravan. Some cars that are generally well-suited for towing caravans are listed below.
Keep in mind that it is important to choose a car that is rated to tow the weight of your caravan, and to follow all safety guidelines when towing a caravan. This may include using a weight-distributing hitch and a brake controller, and following the speed limit and other traffic laws.
Best Cars To Tow A Caravan
Volkswagen Touareg: 3,500kg
The Volkswagen Touareg is a great choice for towing a caravan because of its impressive towing capabilities and features. It comes with a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg and is equipped with a variety of advanced technologies, such as Trailer Assist and Park Assist, to make towing easier and more manageable. Additionally, it is equipped with a durable transmission and suspension system, which can handle the added stress of towing and ensure a smooth ride. On top of that, its spacious interior and comfortable seats make it an ideal car for long trips. The Touareg also comes with standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive system which makes it more stable and secure when towing. The design of the car is also sleek and stylish that makes it unique among the other models.
At a recent driving event for the current Touareg, VW kept saying: "The Touareg is made to pull heavy trailers." And indeed, all engines are allowed to hook 3.5 tons (braked trailer, on a 12 percent gradient).
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Best caravan tow car - Up to 3,500kg (3.5 tonnes)
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a top choice for towing a caravan due to its powerful engine options, high towing capacity and advanced towing technology. With a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg and equipped with features such as Trailer Sway Control and Selec-Track system, it can handle heavy loads with ease and safety. Additionally, its Quadra-Trac II 4-wheel drive system provides added stability and control when towing. The Grand Cherokee also comes with a variety of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, to help ensure a safe and comfortable towing experience. Its exterior design gives it a rugged and sporty look, which makes it a unique option among the cars that can be used for towing. The inside is also loaded with luxury features and provides a comfortable cabin space for long trips.
Audi Q7: Up to 3,500kg
The Audi Q7 is a perfect choice for UK drivers looking to tow a caravan due to its exceptional build quality, advanced technology, and powerful engine. The Q7 comes with a 3.0-litre diesel engine producing 282 bhp which makes it capable of towing up to 2,500kg. Additionally, the Q7 is equipped with air suspension technology which ensures a stable and smooth ride while towing. Furthermore, the advanced technology features such as the Audi's virtual cockpit and MMI navigation plus system with voice control make the driving experience effortless and enjoyable. The build quality of Audi cars is known for its durability and longevity, making it a perfect choice for towing caravans regularly. All these features make the Audi Q7 a unique choice among other luxury SUVs for towing.
Mercedes GLC: Up to 2,500kg
Best caravan towing cars - Up to 2,500kg (2.5 tonnes)
The Mercedes GLC is a premium option for towing a caravan, it comes with a maximum towing capacity of up to 2,500 kg, which makes it able to tow most standard caravans. It's equipped with advanced technology such as Trailer Manoeuvring Assist and Active Brake Assist, which helps make towing easier and safer. Additionally, the GLC is built with a sturdy suspension and transmission system, ensuring a smooth and stable ride when towing.
The exterior design of the GLC gives it a sleek and sporty look and its interior is luxurious and spacious, providing a comfortable driving experience. Furthermore, the GLC comes with a variety of advanced safety features, including attention assist and lane-keeping assist, which helps ensure a safe and comfortable towing experience. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system is standard, a major benefit that makes the driving and towing experience more intuitive and user-friendly.
Mitsubishi L200: Up to 3,100kg
The Mitsubishi L200 is a top choice for drivers looking to tow a caravan due to its rugged, workhorse capabilities and advanced technology. With a powerful 2.4-litre diesel engine producing 178 bhp and a maximum towing weight of 3,500 kg, the L200 is more than capable of handling heavy loads with ease. Its advanced 4x4 technology makes it perfect for off-road use and its impressive payload capacity makes it a versatile option for hauling equipment and supplies. The L200 also comes with a host of advanced technology features, including Mitsubishi's Super Select II 4WD system, which allows the driver to switch between 2WD and 4WD on the fly, and the advanced Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC) system, which ensures maximum stability while towing. All these features together make the L200 an unique and ideal workhorse vehicle for towing.
SsangYong Rexton: Up to 3,000kg
Another cheap home, but one that can really pull a lot: The SsangYong Rexton. The Rexton comes with a 2.2-litre diesel engine producing 181 bhp, and a maximum towing weight of 2,500kg. The vehicle's advanced suspension system, which includes electronic stability control and a rear differential lock, ensures a stable and comfortable ride even when towing a heavy load. Its 7-speed automatic transmission also provides smooth and effortless gear changes making towing experience more comfortable. Furthermore, the Rexton comes with a host of advanced technology features such as Ssangyong's Intelligent Drive Mode system and a state-of-the-art navigation system with an 8-inch touchscreen display. The reputation of Ssangyong for producing reliable and durable cars makes the Rexton a unique and practical choice for towing caravans.
Skoda Kodiaq: Up to 2,300kg
With a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 187 bhp, the Kodiaq is capable of towing up to 2,500 kg and its advanced 4x4 system provides stability and traction, even in difficult conditions. The Kodiaq also comes with a host of advanced technology features such as the Virtual Cockpit, which allows the driver to customize the car's settings and view real-time information on the display, and the Columbus navigation system with a 9.2-inch touchscreen display, making it easy to navigate while towing. Skoda is known for its practical and reliable vehicles, and the Kodiaq is no exception, with a spacious interior and plenty of storage space, making it a unique and practical choice for towing caravans.
Ford Kuga: Up to 2,100kg
The new Ford Kuga can pull up to 2.1 tons. This value applies to the 2.0 Ecoblue with 190 hp diesel. The second best choice for caravan owners is the 2.0 litre diesel in the 150 hp version with mild hybrid system - this variant pulls 1900kg / 1.9 tonnes.
VW Tiguan: Up to 2,500kg
If the new Kuga is included in this overview, the segment bestseller VW Tiguan should not be missing. Especially since it can pull a few hundred pounds more: 2.5 tons are in it. The VW Tiguan (2.0 TSI 4motion) also won the "Best Cars" readers' choice of auto motor und sport in the SUV category. This value applies to petrol engines from 190 hp and diesel engines from 150 hp. Since VW specifies a weight range for each engine, the maximum trailer load obviously depends on the equipment. For example, the Volkswagen can pull the 1,900 kilo Hobby Prestige 660 WFC tandem axle, the 2,000 kilo Dethleffs Camper 650 FMK or the equally heavy Fendt Opal 650 SFD and move them to the desired location with the "Trailer Assist" system.
Subaru Forester: Up to 1,870kg
While looking for the best car to tow a caravan we shimmy down in terms of price: A Subaru Forester. Subaru says it would be "our best SUV", is allowed to pull 1,870 kilos. And prices for the 150-horsepower SUV with all-wheel drive and gasoline engine are a lot lower than some of the competition.
Ford Galaxy: Up to 2,000kg
What about big vans? A Ford Galaxy should also be able to pull a heavy trailer, right? Right. Up to two tons are in there. So much can pull the two-litre diesel versions with automatic transmission.
BMW 5 Series: Up to 2,000kg
An upper middle class station wagon can also be used for pulling a caravan. Let's take the BMW 5 Series Touring as an example: As a 520d with 190 hp diesel, the car can pull two tons which is plenty for an average caravan. The catch is the price.
Renault Mégane Grandtour: Up to 1,700kg
For a compact model, the Renault Mégane Grandtour also has an impressive caravan towing capacity: 1.7 tons can be towed regardless of the engine. With the normal five-door it is at least 1,650 kilos. These values apply to the current pre-facelift model.
Dacia Duster: Up to 1,500kg
What about big vans? A Ford Galaxy should also be able to pull a heavy trailer, right? Right. Up to two tons are in there. So much can pull the two-litre diesel versions with automatic transmission.
SUVs are actually great as towing vehicles. With trailer ESP and other assistance systems, they are particularly safe companions. Above all, the VW Tiguan with the Trailer Assist and the Mercedes GLC with its trailer load of 2,500 kilos are real top towing vehicles.
For additional information about a wide range of vehicles you can use our caravan and car matching tool to help with your outfit matching.
Tips for towing a caravan safely
Here are some tips for towing a caravan safely:1. Choose the right car: Make sure you have a car that is rated to tow the weight of your caravan, and that it has a strong enough engine and a good towing capacity.
2. Use a weight-distributing hitch: A weight-distributing hitch can help distribute the weight of the caravan more evenly across your car's axles, improving stability and handling.
3. Use a brake controller: If your caravan is equipped with brakes, be sure to install a brake controller in your car to ensure that the brakes on the caravan are activated when you apply the brakes in your car.
4. Practice driving: Before you hit the road with your caravan, practice driving in a safe, empty parking lot to get a feel for the added weight and length of the caravan.
5. Take extra care when turning: Because your car and caravan will be longer when towing, you'll need to take wider turns and allow more space when turning.
6. Use caution when passing: When passing other vehicles, allow extra space and time to complete the pass safely.
7. Check your lights: Make sure all of your lights are working properly, including the brake lights, turn signals, and tail lights on both your car and the caravan.
8. Plan your route: Consider the terrain and conditions of the roads you'll be traveling on, and plan your route accordingly. Avoid steep grades and sharp turns if possible.
9. Follow the speed limit: Make sure to follow the speed limit, especially when towing a caravan. Remember that it will take longer to slow down or stop when towing a caravan.
10. Keep a safe following distance: Maintain a safe following distance between your car and the caravan to give you enough time to react to any sudden stops or changes in traffic.
Tips for beginners towing a caravan
Here are some tips for beginners who are towing a caravan for the first time:Take a towing safety course: Consider taking a towing safety course to learn about the specific safety considerations and techniques for towing a caravan.
Familiarize yourself with your car and caravan: Before you hit the road, make sure you understand how your car and caravan function and how to operate all of their features.
Practice driving: Before you set out on a long trip with your caravan, practice driving in a safe, empty parking lot to get a feel for the added weight and length of the caravan.
Plan your route: Consider the terrain and conditions of the roads you'll be traveling on, and plan your route accordingly. Avoid steep grades and sharp turns if possible.
Follow the speed limit: Make sure to follow the speed limit, especially when towing a caravan. Remember that it will take longer to slow down or stop when towing a caravan.
Use a weight-distributing hitch: A weight-distributing hitch can help distribute the weight of the caravan more evenly across your car's axles, improving stability and handling.
Use a brake controller: If your caravan is equipped with brakes, be sure to install a brake controller in your car to ensure that the brakes on the caravan are activated when you apply the brakes in your car.
Keep a safe following distance: Maintain a safe following distance between your car and the caravan to give you enough time to react to any sudden stops or changes in traffic.
Keep an eye on your tire pressure: Make sure the tires on both your car and caravan are properly inflated, as incorrect tire pressure can affect handling and safety.
Pay attention to your surroundings: Always be aware of your surroundings and anticipate any potential hazards on the road. Remember to use your mirrors and signals, and follow all traffic laws.
