KGM Car Towing Capacities, Legal Limits & Safe Practices
Are you looking for a tow car? If so, you’ve likely got a trailer, caravan, or boat that needs moving. But towing isn’t as simple as attaching a tow bar and driving off. One of the most important things to consider is your vehicle’s towing capacity — choosing a car that can safely handle the load is essential.
In this article, you’ll learn which type of driving licence you need to tow, familiarise yourself with essential towing regulations, and make sense of key terms like GTW, GVWR, and MAM.
What Type of Driving Licence Do I Need to Tow a Trailer?
If you’re planning to tow a trailer, it’s important to check the maximum weight you’re legally allowed to tow. This depends on when you got your driving licence.
You’ll need to know the total weight of the vehicle and trailer, which is referred to as the Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) or Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). You can find the MAM/GVW in the owner’s manual or on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) plate sticker.
Be aware that exceeding the weight limit set for your vehicle and/or driving licence can result in significant penalties.
Passed test before 1st January 1997
Usually, you can drive a vehicle and trailer (including a caravan) with a combined weight up to 8,250kg (MAM). View your driving licence information to check.
You’re also able to drive a minibus with a trailer over 750kg (MAM).
Passed test on or after 1st January 1997
Most standard driving licenses issued after 1st January 1997 allow drivers to tow a trailer (including a caravan) that weighs up to 3,500kg MAM, also known as a Category BE vehicle.
Your driving licence will show you which categories of vehicle you’re allowed to drive. If you don’t see ‘Category BE’ on your physical licence, the DVLA will add this when you next renew your licence.
Note for all: If your desired towing weight is heavier than allowed by your current licence, you’ll need to apply for a provisional C1+E licence, pass the lorry theory test, and pass the C1+E driving test. This will allow you to tow a total weight of up to 12,000kg MAM.
Checking Your Car’s Towing Capacity
Before you start towing, it’s essential to check the maximum weight of the vehicle and ensure it can handle the weight of the trailer. Knowing your vehicle’s towing limits helps prevent overloading and ensures a safer towing experience.
The maximum weight of the vehicle, including passengers, cargo and fuel, is also known as the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and does not include the tow weight.
Your car’s towing capacity is the maximum weight it’s legally allowed to tow. You can usually find this information on a plate or sticker located inside the driver’s door frame, in the V5C logbook, or in the vehicle’s handbook.
The 85% Rule for Safe Towing
Towing experts recommend that beginners follow the “85% rule.” This means the fully loaded weight of what you’re towing should not exceed 85% of your car’s kerbweight. To work this out, you’ll need two key figures:
- The kerbweight of your car (The weight of a vehicle without any passengers, cargo, or optional equipment, but including a full tank of fuel)
- The maximum technically permissible laden mass (MTPLM) of the trailer or caravan
If the trailer’s weight is 85% or less of the car’s kerbweight, towing should be smooth and manageable.
If the weight falls between 85% and 100%, extra caution is needed. Only experienced drivers should tow loads in this range, as it can affect handling and safety.
Other considerations
Make sure you’re not exceeding the car’s gross train weight (GTW), which is the actual weight of the car, its contents (including fuel and passengers), plus the loaded trailer. In the UK, the maximum GTW for a car is 6,750 kg.
You should also make sure that your vehicle’s engine is capable of managing the extra load, especially on challenging or hilly terrains.
To guarantee the safety of yourself and other road users, you have to ensure that the load does not extend beyond the trailer. This is both dangerous and illegal.
For more information on the basics of towing and the safety checks you need to carry out to ensure safe towing, be sure to watch our “How To Tow” video hosted by Fuzz Townshend.
What is the Speed Limit When Towing?
If you’re towing a trailer, caravan or boat, you’re subject to different, lower speed limits than if you’re simply driving a car.
When towing in built-up areas, you’re limited to 30mph. On single-carriageways, you’re limited to 50mph and on dual-carriageways and motorways, you’re limited to 60mph.
To learn more about our range of SUVs and pickup trucks capable of towing a trailer or caravan, contact your local KGM dealership, which would be happy to help, or request a brochure.
Things to Consider When Loading the Trailer
Weight Distribution
When loading your trailer, distribute the weight evenly. Overloading can have a serious effect on the stability of the trailer.
Put the Heaviest Part of the Load at the Front of the Trailer
Whatever load you’re carrying, the heaviest part of it should be towards the front end of the trailer, so that the rear axle of the towing vehicle can manage some of that load. If you’re towing a front-engine car, drive it forward onto the trailer. If it’s a rear-engine car, reverse it onto the trailer.
Secure All Loads on The Trailer
Check that any loads you are carrying are securely fastened. An unsecured load can slide around and result in a loss of stability.
Can I tow a caravan?
Whether or not you can legally tow a caravan will depend on when your driving licence was issued, and the combined weight of your vehicle and the caravan. Check the ‘What Type of Driving Licence Do I Need to Tow a Trailer?’ section at the beginning of this article for more information.
What are the Towing Capacities of KGM models?
If you're looking for a vehicle that can confidently tow a trailer, caravan or boat, KGM offers a strong lineup. Every model in the KGM range is built with towing in mind, making any of them a reliable choice for your towing needs.
KGM Tivoli
KGM Tivoli Maximum Towing capacity = 1 tonne
The KGM Tivoli K40 is a Mini SUV with a 1.5 litre petrol engine in either Manual or Auto, both offering a max towing capacity of 1 tonne (1,000kg).
The Tivoli K40 Manual has a maximum kerb weight of up to 1,375kg and a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 1,800kg.
The Tivoli K40 Auto has a maximum kerb weight of up to 1,393kg and a gross vehicle weight of 1,820kg.
KGM Korando
KGM Korando Maximum Towing capacity = 1.5 tonnes
The KGM Korando K35 is an SUV with a 1.5 litre petrol engine in either Manual or Auto, both offering a max towing capacity of 1.5 tonnes (1,500kg).
The Korando K35 Manual has a maximum kerb weight of up to 1,442kg and a gross vehicle weight of 1,980kg.
The Korando K35 Auto has a maximum kerb weight of up to 1,469kg and a gross vehicle weight of 2,005kg.
KGM Torres
KGM Torres Maximum Towing capacity = 1.5 tonnes
The KGM Torres K30, K40 and K40 AWD are equipped with a 1.5 litre automatic petrol engine and each offers a max towing capacity of 1.5 tonnes (1,500kg).
The Torres K30 and K40 have a maximum kerb weight of up to 1,528kg and a gross vehicle weight of 2,080kg.
The Torres K40 AWD has a maximum kerb weight of up to 1,618kg and a gross vehicle weight of 2,170kg.
KGM Torres EVX
KGM Torres EVX Maximum Towing capacity = 1.5 tonnes
The KGM Torres EVX K30 and K40 are electric SUVs equipped with a pure electric 73.4 kWh Battery capacity engine, both offering a towing capacity of 1.5 tonnes (1,500kg).
The Torres EVX K30 and K40 have a maximum kerb weight of up to 1,915kg and a gross vehicle weight of 2,410kg.
KGM Torres Hybrid
KGM Torres Hybrid Maximum Towing capacity = 1.3 tonnes
The KGM Torres Hybrid K40 is equipped with KGM’s Dual-Tech hybrid system, combining a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with a 73.4 kWh battery capacity. It offers a maximum towing capacity of 1.3 tonnes (1,300kg).
The Torres Hybrid K40 has a maximum kerb weight of up to 1,670kg and a gross vehicle weight of 2,250kg.
KGM Actyon
KGM Actyon Maximum Towing capacity = 1.5 tonnes
The KGM Actyon K50 is an SUV with a 1.5 litre automatic petrol engine, offering a max towing capacity of 1.5 tonnes (1,500kg).
The Actyon K50 has a maximum kerb weight of up to 1,580kg and a gross vehicle weight of 2,080kg.
KGM Rexton
KGM Rexton Maximum Towing capacity = 3.5 tonnes
The KGM Rexton K30, K40 and K50 are 7-seater SUVs with 2.2 litre automatic diesel engines, offering a mighty towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes (3,500kg). The Rexton is ideal for those wanting to tow a double horsebox, large caravan, or commercial trailer.
The Rexton K30, K40 and K50 have a maximum kerb weight of up to 2,180kg and a gross vehicle weight of 2,950kg.
For additional peace of mind, the KGM Rexton has a Trailer Sway Control (TSC) feature, which improves driving stability by detecting and automatically stabilising yaw movement and sway of the trailer to keep you in line, especially when driving on roads with higher speed limits.
KGM Rexton Commercial
KGM Rexton Commercial Maximum Towing capacity = 3.5 tonnes
The KGM Rexton Commercial K30, K40 and K50 are car derived commercial 2-seater SUVs with 2.2 litre automatic diesel engines, offering a mighty towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes (3,500kg).
The Rexton Commercial K30, K40 and K50 have a maximum kerb weight of up to 2,180kg and a gross vehicle weight of 2,950kg.
For additional peace of mind, the KGM Rexton has a Trailer Sway Control (TSC) feature, which improves driving stability by detecting and automatically stabilising yaw movement and sway of the trailer to keep you in line, especially when driving on roads with higher speed limits.
KGM Musso
KGM Musso Maximum Towing capacity = 3.5 tonnes
The KGM Musso is a pickup truck designed for performing in rugged applications and can tow up to 3.5 tonnes (3,500kg). The Musso comes in 3 versions: Rebel (Manual & Auto), Saracen and Saracen+.
Most pick-ups can’t tow a trailer at maximum weight and carry a full payload at the same time, but Musso and Musso Saracen+ are different from most pick-ups. With a class-leading gross train weight of 6,450kg (manual), 6,750kg (automatic) and 6,900kg (Saracen+), our Korean beast has the highest total load capacity of any pickup truck on sale in the UK.
The Musso Rebel (Manual & Auto) and Saracen (Auto) have a maximum kerb weight of up to 2,195kg, a gross vehicle weight of 3,250kg and a payload of 1,105kg (manual) and 1,095 kg (automatic).
The Musso Saracen+ has a maximum kerb weight of up to 2,150kg and a gross vehicle weight of 3,400kg. The Saracen+ is the only Musso available in the long-bed variant, offering an extra 310mm in the load bed and 200kg in payload (1,200kg).
As the Musso will be used for towing heavy duty trailers, the 3.5 tonne capacity makes light work of navigating tricky rural environments and getting the job done.
FAQs and Terminology
Our Brand Ambassador, Fuzz Townshend, presents a mini series of educational videos on How To Tow. These videos cover a wide range of common towing questions and offer valuable tips and techniques.