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Towing with a van is common across many trades, from construction and landscaping to logistics and plant hire. However, not all vans are equally suited to towing, and choosing the wrong setup can lead to poor performance, increased running costs or even safety issues. Understanding what really matters when towing can help you choose a van that works reliably in real-world conditions.
Before looking at vans, it’s important to be clear about what you intend to tow. The weight of the trailer or equipment is critical, as is how often you’ll be towing. Occasional light towing places very different demands on a vehicle compared with daily towing of heavy loads.
You should also consider whether you’ll be towing on motorways, rural roads or construction sites. Gradients, road surfaces and manoeuvrability all affect how a van performs when towing.
Every van has a manufacturer-rated towing limit, usually split between braked and unbraked trailers. This figure is non-negotiable and exceeding it can invalidate insurance and lead to mechanical issues.
It’s also important to understand that towing capacity is not the same as payload. A van might be able to tow a heavy trailer but still have a limited payload once passengers, tools and equipment are added. Always factor in the combined load to stay within legal limits.
When towing, torque is often more important than outright horsepower. Vans with strong low-down torque handle heavy trailers more comfortably, particularly when pulling away from junctions or climbing hills.
Diesel engines are often favoured for towing due to their torque delivery and efficiency under load. However, engine size alone doesn’t tell the full story. Gear ratios, transmission type and vehicle weight all influence towing performance.
Automatic gearboxes have become increasingly popular in vans, especially for towing. A good automatic can make towing smoother by managing gear changes more effectively under load, reducing strain on the drivetrain.
Manual gearboxes still offer excellent control, particularly for experienced drivers, but can become tiring in stop-start conditions when towing heavy loads. The choice often comes down to driver preference and usage patterns.
Longer wheelbase vans generally offer better stability when towing, especially at higher speeds. A longer distance between axles helps reduce trailer sway and improves overall control.
Shorter vans may still be capable tow vehicles, but they can feel more affected by crosswinds or uneven loads. If stability and confidence are priorities, wheelbase length is an important consideration.
Towing places additional demands on a van’s braking system. Vans designed for towing often come with larger brakes or reinforced components to cope with the extra load.
Modern driver assistance systems can also make a noticeable difference. Trailer stability control, hill-start assist and parking sensors all contribute to safer, less stressful towing, particularly for drivers who tow regularly.
In the UK, towing legality depends on licence category, vehicle weight and trailer weight. It’s essential to ensure both the van and driver are legally permitted to tow the intended load.
Ignoring licence restrictions or weight limits can result in fines, penalty points and invalid insurance, so this should be checked early in the decision process.
The right towing van is one that matches your real-world needs, not just headline figures. By balancing towing capacity, engine characteristics, wheelbase and safety features, you can choose a van that feels confident, controlled and reliable every time it’s under load. Why not take a look at our full range of used vans.