Best Towing Van by Size & Capacity – Van Towing Guide 2024

If you are looking for the best towing van to tow heavy loads, then you’ll need a vehicle you can count on to see you from A to B. Whether you’re searching for a small, medium or large van, our van towing guide will help you discover the perfect vehicle.

But before you get started, firstly you’ll need to consider what type of load you’re planning on towing; the size and weight will make a big difference to the type of van you’ll require for the job… For example, if you need a trailer to transport tools then a small van should do the job, but if you’re towing machinery or a caravan, then a medium or large van will be better suited to your needs. 

Always check that the van’s max towing weight is compatible with your towing load to ensure it is compliant. You’ll need to understand the van’s MAM weight (Maximum Allowable Mass) which is the gross weight of the van and trailer combined, as well as the maximum axle weight to ensure you don’t overload the vehicle’s towing capabilities. 

What licence do I need to tow in a van? 

The law was changed in 2021 so that more UK drivers are able to tow a trailer on a standard licence. This means that motorists can now legally tow a trailer without added categories on their driving licence - as long as it’s within the allocated load weight of under 3,500 kg. 

As of 16th December 2021, if you passed your car driving test from 1st January 1997, you can now tow a trailer up to 3,500 kg MAM. The DVLA automatically updated all relevant driving licences to reflect this, so drivers will now see a ‘BE’ category added as standard. To understand more about driving licence rules, read our Van Driving Licence Guide for the UK. 

What are the towing laws in the UK?

If you’re driving a van towing a trailer for the very first time, then the UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recommends that you invest in extra training from a qualified driving instructor. However, this is just an advisory and is not a legal requirement in this country. 

When towing a trailer using a van, you are legally required to stick within the designated speed limits, these are: 

• Built-up areas and cities - 30 mph
• Single carriageway - 50 mph
• Dual carriageway - 60 mph
• Motorway - 60 mph

The DVSA has released a national standard for drivers of vehicles towing a trailer or caravan. These advisories are split into two categories, including performance standards and knowledge requirements - we have detailed some of these below…

Performance standards for towing a trailer or caravan

Drivers of vans used to tow trailers or caravans must be able to demonstrate that they can:

• Ensure the trailer or caravan is suitable and legal for use on UK roads.
• Ensure they are insured to drive the combination of vehicle and trailer or caravan.
• Ensure the vehicle is capable of towing the trailer or caravan.
• Ensure the trailer or caravan is safely and correctly coupled to the vehicle.
• Carry out the correct safety checks.
• Ensure any load being towed is evenly distributed and secure.
• Safely and correctly uncouple the trailer or caravan from the vehicle.
• Reverse the vehicle with the trailer or caravan attached.
• Demonstrate how and when to use aids for observation, such as extra mirrors.

Knowledge and understanding of towing a trailer or caravan

Drivers of vans used to tow trailers or caravans must also understand how to navigate the roads safely by:

• Allowing more time and braking earlier when slowing down or stopping.
• Allowing more distance and time to overtake other vehicles safely.
• Make allowances for the extra length of the vehicle with the trailer or caravan, particularly when turning or emerging at junctions.
• Not travelling in the outside lane where there are three or more lanes present. 
• Checking the height or width restrictions on your route when towing a trailer or caravan.
• Adhering to the relevant speed limits. 
• Allowing for the increased number of blind spots created by a longer and wider vehicle. 

For the full list of performance standards and knowledge requirements, view the national standard for driving cars and light vans page on the Government website. 

What are the best vans for towing? 

It’s the question on many van drivers’ lips; what van is the best one for towing? While this may be subject to personal preference in terms of appearance, we’ve listed our top five van choices for their ultimate towing capabilities, irrelevant of size. Each of these vans is available to buy now at Loads of Vans:

1. Fiat Doblo (see offers) - small-sized van
2. Renault Trafic (see offers) - medium-sized van
3. Citroën Relay (see offers) - large-sized van
4. Peugeot Boxer (see offers) - large-sized van
5. Renault Master (see offers) - large-sized van

Read on to discover our top three best small vans, medium vans and large vans for towing - including the top three pick-up trucks too!

What is the best towing van for a caravan?

The choice of the best vans for towing a caravan really does come down to the size and weight of the caravan in question, as well as personal preference of van type. Average size caravans tend to weigh between 1,300kg and 2,000kg depending on the berth, but of course, this weight can increase or decrease. Take a look at our van towing recommendations below to find out more… 

Which vans can tow 3,500 kg?

When it comes to towing a trailer or caravan, many motorists want to know they are driving a van that is capable of towing the top-end weight. If you want to tow 3.5 tonnes with a van, then there are a number of options available to you:

From the Ford Ranger to the Toyota Hilux, it is in fact a pick-up truck which is your best option, although the Iveco Daily is capable of pulling loads of up to 3,500 kg too. Read on to find out more…   

Best small vans for towing

If you’re seeking a small van to tow lighter loads, then we’ve got you covered. Check out our top three best small-sized vans for towing to find out which option will suit you and your needs…  

Volkswagen Caddy Cargo

A small but mighty van, the Volkswagen Caddy Cargo has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 kg which makes it a much-desired model. The Caddy is available in a standard panel Caddy Cargo van, a dynamic people carrier called Caddy Life or an in-between model called the Caddy Kombi. If you’re looking for maximum towing capabilities, opt for the diesel version.

Citroën Berlingo

More car-like than ever, the Citroën Berlingo is a small van that offers plenty of space. Capable of towing loads up to 1,300 kg, the Berlingo is a van for professionals that can be tailored to your personal or business needs. Available in two body lengths (standard and XL), the diesel version will give you the best towing capacity. 

Fiat Doblo

Not a small van to be overlooked, the Fiat Doblo has towing capabilities of up 1,300 kg. As such, it proves to be a proper workhouse for people wishing to tow loads with a car-sized vehicle, plus you can opt for a long-wheelbase or short-wheelbase version. You’ll need to choose the diesel model to maximise the towing capacity of the Fiat Doblo. 

Best medium vans for towing

If you’re searching for a medium van to tow a trailer or caravan, then we’ve got you covered. Check out our top three best mid-sized vans for towing to find out which option is ideal for you…   

Citroën Dispatch

Another popular mid-size van option, the Citroën Dispatch can tow loads of up to 2,500 kg. Available in medium and XL versions, the Dispatch van is compact enough to tackle urban areas thanks to its lower roof height and is dynamic enough to adapt to many business needs. 

Toyota Proace

Available in various body styles and lengths, the Toyota Proace is a mid-size van that can tow up to 2,500 kg, making it a notable competitor. Pitched by Toyota as ‘the perfect business partner’, the Proace is a van for all your needs. With ample amounts of interior space and a comfortable driving experience, you can opt for a Toyota professional package to maximise your van’s offering.  

Best Large vans for towing

If you’re looking for a large van to tow heavier loads, then we’ve got your back. Check out the top three best large-sized vans for towing to find out which is the right choice for you…  

Iveco Daily

This lesser-known large van hits the number one spot when it comes to towing. The Iveco Daily has the ability to tow up to 3,500 kg which is only matched by pick-up truck models in comparison. Built with adaptive and intelligent solutions, the Iveco Daily is tough enough to tackle the most demanding jobs without compromising on best-in-class performance. 

Citroën Relay

The Citroën Relay is a popular large model that can tow up to 3,000 kg. As a front-wheel drive vehicle only, the Relay is unable to match the towing power of the Iveco Daily, but this model certainly shouldn't be overlooked. Available in four different lengths and three alternative heights, this van is as adaptable as it is tough. 

Renault Master

If it’s the choice you’re looking for, then you can’t go far wrong with the Renault Master (full review here). Available with front and rear-wheel drive options, the Renault Master can tow loads of up to 3,000 kg. Instantly recognisable the world over, the Renault Master large van is now more dynamic than ever, whilst still being stylish AND practical.  

Best 4x4 pick-up truck for towing

If you’re looking for a pick-up truck to tow bulkier loads, then check out the choice available. We’ve listed the top three best pick-up trucks for towing, so read on to find out which is the ideal option for you…  

Ford Ranger

Tough and durable, the Ford Ranger is a perfect pick-up truck for those heavy loads. Capable of towing up to 3,500 kg, the Ford Ranger is one of the best pick-ups on the market thanks to its versatility for many types of motorists. Choose from a regular cab to a super cab, or upgrade to a double cab if you require more room for passengers. 

Nissan Navara

Matching the Ford Ranger in terms of towing capabilities, the Nissan Navara can tow up to 3,500 kg and is a regular award-winner in the pick-up truck category. New Nissan Navara models are no longer sold in the UK, so as you can imagine, they are holding their worth on the used car market instead. 

Toyota Hilux

Another heavyweight in the pick-up truck division, the Toyota Hilux can tow loads of up to 3,500 kg too. Toyota pitches its Hilux pick-up truck as ‘the world’s toughest icon since 1968’ and the vehicle has without a doubt gone on to prove its worth over the last 50 years or so.  

Van towing capacity chart

To help you get a better insight into what type of vans have better or worse towing capabilities - depending on their size of course - we’ve compiled a handy van towing capacity chart:

Choose your van for towing at Loads of Vans

When it comes to quality, choice and low prices, take a look at our extensive range of vans available here at Loads of Vans in Sutton, London. 

Whether you’re searching for a small van to tow lighter loads or a large van to tow a caravan, we can help. Get the ball rolling by checking out our variety of van stock online, including our too-good-to-miss NEW VAN DEALS - once they’re gone, they’re gone! 

Is fuel efficiency something you might consider before signing a deal? Read our article and find the best MPG vans that are great for fuel economy.

If you’re looking for a van finance deal to help with your van purchase, then you’ve come to the right place. We offer a number of great finance deals to customers across the UK which are tailored to suit you and your needs.