Can You Tow a Car Behind a Motorhome? UK Rules & Methods

What Does Towing a Car Behind a Motorhome Actually Mean?

Also known as 'dinghy towing' or using a toad (towed vehicle), this practice involves attaching a car to the rear of your motorhome so it travels behind you on the road. Unlike a caravan or trailer, the car's own wheels remain in contact with the road surface throughout the journey.

There are three main methods used in the UK:

• All four wheels down (A-frame towing) – The car is connected via an A-frame tow bar and all four wheels roll along the road; this is only suitable for certain vehicles that allow it without causing transmission damage
• Tow dolly – The front two wheels of the car are lifted onto a dolly whilst the rear wheels remain on the road, this is a practical middle ground option
• Trailer or flatbed – The car is loaded fully onto a trailer, this is the safest method for the vehicle itself, as no wheels are in motion

UK Rules & Regulations You Must Know

Before you hitch anything up, it's necessary to understand the legal requirements in the UK.

• Your motorhome's Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) and towing capacity must not be exceeded, check your vehicle's handbook or V5C document to find this
• The combined length of your motorhome and towed vehicle must not exceed 18.75 metres on UK roads
• You must display a rear number plate on the towed vehicle that matches your motorhome's registration
• Your driving licence must permit you to drive a vehicle of the combined weight category, most standard Category B licences have limitations
• Adequate insurance is a must, inform your insurer that you'll be towing, not all policies cover this automatically

Always consult the DVLA and your motorhome manufacturer's guidelines before towing to ensure full compliance.

Towing Sustainably – Making Greener Choices on the Road

Motorhome travel is already a wonderfully efficient way to explore the UK, combining transport and accommodation into one, however, towing a second vehicle increases fuel consumption. Here are some practical tips to keep your travels as sustainable as possible:

• Choose a lightweight tow vehicle – A smaller, fuel-efficient car reduces the load on your motorhome's engine
• Drive steadily – Maintaining a consistent speed reduces fuel burn significantly, use cruise control where safe to do so
• Plan your routes wisely – Fewer miles and avoiding detours reduces your carbon footprint
• Offset your travel – Consider carbon offset programmes to balance out unavoidable emissions from longer journeys
• Use hook up electricity – When parked on a campsite, use electric hook-up rather than running a generator to power your motorhome

The Advantages of Towing a Car Behind Your Motorhome

Once you've got the logistics sorted, the benefits are well worth it:

• Flexibility: Park your motorhome on site and use the car for local sightseeing, shopping, or dining out
• Cost savings: No need to pay for taxis or hiring a local vehicle at every destination
• Comfort: Enjoy the convenience of your motorhome without having to use it for every trip you choose to take
• Access to more locations: Narrow country lanes, town centres, and car parks become more accessible in a smaller vehicle

Ready to Hit the Road?

At RV Super Centre, we care about helping you get the most from your motorhome lifestyle, whether you're looking for a new or used motorhome, need servicing advice, or want guidance on towing setups, our expert team is here to help. Get in touch with us today and let's plan your next adventure together.