Where would you find the maximum noseweight for your vehicle’s tow hitch? 

By Alicia Jarvis
Updated on August 2, 2021

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You wish to tow a trailer. Where would you find the maximum noseweight for your vehicle’s tow hitch? 

When it comes to cars, it’s incredibly hard to remember all the limits. Whether it’s the maximum tyre pressure or maximum noseweight, most people can’t recall these quickly.

The vehicle handbook is where you can find the maximum noseweight for your vehicle. However, you must understand how to load your trailer or caravan. It can also be obtained from the vehicle manufacturer’s agent.

 

Am I allowed to tow a trailer?

 

If you passed your test before 1 January 1997

In most cases, you can drive a vehicle and trailer combination weighing up to 8.25 tonnes.

 

If you passed your test on or after 1 January 1997

You can tow a trailer behind a category B car without completing any additional tests as long as the trailer does not weigh more than 750 kg.

If the trailer you want to pull weighs more than 750 kg, you can tow it behind a category B vehicle as long as the total weight of the car plus trailer does not exceed 3.5 tonnes.

If you want to drive a category B vehicle hauling a trailer that exceeds the above-mentioned limits, you must pass a practical category B+E exam.

If you want to drive a vehicle with a MAM greater than 3.5 tonnes (such as a motorhome or recreational vehicle), you must pass a category C or C1 test.

A category B vehicle is a four-wheeled vehicle with a maximum allowable mass (MAM) of less than 3.5 tonnes and no more than eight passenger seats (in addition to the driver’s seat).