What can I tow?

[Babypony]

I have a 2005 cat b licence and want to tow 2 Welsh C 13.2 ponies. I was looking at boxes but am worried about reliability so was looking at trailers with living like some of the equitreks. Didn’t realise there was a weight limit on a cat b licence until now, so now I’m a bit stuck as to what I should buy and what I can tow. No vehicle yet other than my hatchback so looking for that too. I’ve had a good Google and I’m still confused. Very happy with an older cheaper car. Not looking to spend loads but of course want the set up to be safe and comfortable for the ponies and me.

 

[Lilly-Mayspookatbags]

The B+E licence aka trailer test was scraped in December 2021.

Anyone can tow a trailer up to 3.5t weight.

To find a car you need to look at the following :

Pony A weight + Pony B weight + Trailers unladen weight = weight you will be towing

Then you need to find cars that have that weight within the towing capacity.

You don’t want a car that is at the limit of the towing capacity - as you may find you get stuck! Or have high wear and tear. Caravan people recommended having 20% of your weight spare e.g.

350kg + 350kg + 1000kg =1,700 kg

1700 / 100 * 20 =340

1700 + 340 =2,040kg vehicle towing capacity minimum

 

[Babypony]

The B+E licence aka trailer test was scraped in December 2021.

Anyone can tow a trailer up to 3.5t weight.

To find a car you need to look at the following :

Pony A weight + Pony B weight + Trailers unladen weight = weight you will be towing

Then you need to find cars that have that weight within the towing capacity.

You don’t want a car that is at the limit of the towing capacity - as you may find you get stuck! Or have high wear and tear. Caravan people recommended having 20% of your weight spare e.g.

350kg + 350kg + 1000kg =1,700 kg

1700 / 100 * 20 =340

1700 + 340 =2,040kg vehicle towing capacity minimum

Ah chat gpt lied to me. I got myself all in a tizz over it. Interestingly Google also thought that I’d still need to pass a test. Thanks very much for typing all that up for me, very kind of you.

 

[EventingMum]

As well as the above if you are looking for a trailer with living you will need a larger towing capacity as these trailers will be heavier. Also consider where you will be towing - are there many hills where you will be going, are you likely to be towing across fields at shows etc. These factors should be taken into consideration when choosing your vehicle and whether or not to go 4WD. Personally I like to have as near to a 3.5t towing capacity and 4WD if towing regularly but such vehicles will cost more to run having higher road tax and fuel consumption etc.

 

[HopOnTrot]

My daily car is rated for 1800kg and is 400bhp, I wouldn’t tow with it, I use my Disco rated for 3500kg as I know it will get me out of any trouble. Being stuck behind a cyclist on a hill and being able to accelerate when it was clear is one instance I can think of.