Latest from Horse & Hound in Towing

Equestrians reminded of legal towing limits after social media confusion

Becky Murray — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:27:41 +0000

Equestrians have been reminded of the importance of understanding how much weight they can legally tow after a social media post highlighted the fact some are misinterpreting the requirements.

Last month a police force shared a post about trailer towing weights, including an example of how to calculate how much a vehicle can tow. The post generated much discussion, some agreeing with it and others arguing it was incorrect. The post was later removed and the force confirmed to H&H that officers had been given the incorrect information when it was published.

A Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency spokesperson told H&H every driver has responsibility for their own and other road users’ safety.

“This includes ensuring your vehicle, and what is being towed, is operated within its designed weight limit – and it is loaded safely,” she said.

Most vehicles display a manufacturer’s weight plate under the bonnet or on the door frame that typically shows the gross vehicle weight, gross train weight (GTW) and maximum front and rear axle weights. A trailer weight plate usually displays the maximum authorised mass (MAM), unladen weight and axle weight limits. For a towing set-up to be legal, neither the GTW nor the MAM may be exceeded.

The spokesperson said the GTW is the maximum weight of the towing vehicle, trailer and everything loaded into the vehicle and trailer – for example horse, passengers and equipment – and the GTW is “especially important when towing as it sets the maximum combined weight of the vehicle, trailer and load”.

“The weight of the load carried on the trailer, combined with the weight of the trailer itself, must not exceed the MAM of the trailer,” said the spokesperson, adding that drivers who are concerned are encouraged to use a local weighbridge to check their weights.

Are you legal? Find out more about towing limits for horse trailers.

Claire Barker, PRP Rescue Services managing director, told H&H people often assume that because they have a large 4×4 for example, that it can tow more – which is not necessarily the case.

“Towing more than your vehicle’s capacity is a major safety concern as it will affect vehicle handling, particularly brakes, clutch and steering, putting you, your horses and other road users at risk,” said Ms Barker.

“There may also be insurance implications if the vehicle is being used in contravention of manufacturer’s recommendations or the law.”

National Trailer and Towing Association chief executive Sarah Smithurst told H&H that as well as the safety and legal implications, towing above the recommended capacity can also damage the towbar and trailer. She said it is “essential that correct weight limits are observed” – and also recommends that drivers have their vehicle towbar checked annually and trailer serviced regularly.

“Maintenance is key for horse owners; making sure that the trailer is checked regularly is imperative – not just for the chassis, brakes, towing gear and electrics but also for the floor and body of the trailer. Failure of any part can result in severe consequences,” she said.

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What you need to know about towing limits for horse trailers to keep your horse safe

Becky Murray — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:01:19 +0000

Understanding the correct towing limits for horse trailers is highly important from a safety and legal perspective – but it’s a topic that often causes heated discussion as many drivers interpret the rules differently.

For a set-up to be correct both the towing vehicle and the trailer need to be considered – and you must not exceed the vehicle’s gross train weight (GTW) or the trailer’s maximum authorised mass (MAM). Vehicles and most trailers will have a weight plate, displaying the GTW or MAM. These can also be found in the vehicle handbook, and on some trailer manufacturer’s websites.

Confusion can arise where people assume that a big vehicle has a large GTW – which is not always the case. Similarly, some might assume that a vehicle with a large GTW – for example many pick-ups – will always be able to carry two big horses, but this is dependent on the trailer’s MAM; a trailer may be stalled for two but the MAM might not be great enough for two heavy horses.

How much can my vehicle tow?

The DVSA provided the below guidance to H&H to help owners understand weight plates and work out how much their vehicle can tow.

Understanding towing vehicle weight plates

Most vehicles display a manufacturer’s weight plate under the bonnet or on the door frame. It typically shows:

Gross vehicle weight (GVW)
Gross train weight (GTW)
Maximum front and rear axle weights

The GTW is especially important when towing as it sets the maximum combined weight of the vehicle, trailer, and load.

An example of a vehicle weight plate. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Understanding trailer towing weight plates

A trailer’s plate usually displays:

Maximum authorised mass (MAM)
Unladen (empty) weight
Axle weight limits

The MAM must never be exceeded, even if the towing vehicle is capable of towing more.

An example of a horse trailer weight plate. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

What is load weight?

Load weight refers to anything the trailer carries: the horse, tack, water, hay, equipment and any other items. To tow safely, you must:

Ensure total load + unladen weight does not exceed the trailer MAM
Ensure the combined vehicle and trailer weight does not exceed the GTW
Balance load correctly to avoid instability or sway

How to work out how much your vehicle can tow

Below is the DVSA’s advice on how you can accurately establish how much your vehicle can tow, taking into account factors such as the horse, passengers, equipment and water.

1. Check the vehicle’s maximum permissible towing capacity

This is set by the manufacturer and can be found in the vehicle handbook or on the weight plate.

2. Identify the trailer’s plated weights

A trailer plate will display its MAM

3. Estimate load weight

Add together:

Horse weight
Passengers
Tack, feed, bedding, and equipment
Water and any additional carried items

4. Compare actual weight against limits

Ensure the total does not exceed either of the following:

The vehicle’s maximum permissible towing capacity
The trailer’s MAM
Any combination or gross train weight limits

If you are ever unsure, you can take your vehicle to a public weighbridge to check the weight.

To summarise:

The GTW is the maximum weight of the:

Towing vehicle
Trailer
And everything loaded into the towing vehicle and trailer

The weight of the load carried on the trailer, combined with the weight of the trailer itself, must not exceed the MAM of the trailer.

Importance of adhering to legal towing weight limits

Towing beyond the legal weight limits is a significant safety risk. Exceeding the MAM of either the towing vehicle, the trailer, or the overall combination can:

Reduce vehicle stability and increase stopping distances
Increase the likelihood of trailer sway
Overload braking systems
Lead to mechanical failure or loss of control

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Over half of drivers are towing trailers without training: Government calls for action

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 13:01:31 +0000

The Government is urging drivers to “get trailer trained” as a survey found more than half of those towing legally have had no training.

The DVSA surveyed experienced drivers who tow, or plan to, and found that over 60% of more than 1,000 respondents had had no training. Three quarters of the drivers towed for leisure, and 46% travel horses.

“Although confidence to tow was highly reported amongst those surveyed, there is no substitute for learning the right skills and knowledge with a trained professional,” a DVSA spokesman said.

The results of the survey were released during the National Trailer Towing Association’s Trailer Safety Week, which runs from 5 to 11 June.

DVSA head of vocational policy Jessica Williams said: “The survey is clear that whilst people feel confident about towing, the majority have not been trained by a road safety professional, regardless of when they passed their test.

“If you’re planning to go away this summer, make sure you get training from an accredited provider. Whether you’ve never towed before, or already have some experience, ensuring you have the right skills and knowledge will keep you and others safe.”

There had been concern over road safety since the Government announced in 2021 that the trailer test was to be scrapped. This decision also caused concern for the future of driver-training businesses, as well as animal welfare. Last May, the DVSA announced the launch of an accredited trailer training scheme, which “provides drivers with a good understanding of how to tow safely in different conditions, no matter what they choose to tow”.

It also covers pre-journey safety checks, on vehicle and trailer, which are “essential in making sure the trailer is safe to be on the road and correctly attached to the vehicle”.

Transport minister Richard Holden said: “The Government is committed to supporting the safe use of trailers and helping to keep everyone safe on the roads.

“I am pleased to see DVSA’s support for Trailer Safety Week and know they will continue to work with the National Council of Accredited Trailer Training to promote the accredited training offer to experienced and novice towers alike.

“And more broadly, they will continue to push out key safety messages for trailer users”.

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Ford Kuga review

Graham Courtney — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 14:13:06 +0000

creditUnknown

Ford Kuga 2.0 EcoBlue AWD ST-Line

The Ford Kuga is a chunky SUV with good towing capability. It’s good to drive and well equipped, with a great choice of engines.

Seats: 5

Engine: 1996 diesel

Towing capacity: 2,100kg

Power: 187 bhp

Gearbox: 8-speed auto 4×4

0-60mph: 8.7secs

Top speed: 129mph

Economy: 49.6 miles

CO2: 150g/km

Economy

About average for this size of SUV, but decent for an all-wheel drive car. The diesel engine is punchy so economy shouldn’t suffer too much when towing a horse box. The range of petrol plug-in hybrids is excellent and, when not towing (1800kg limit) can travel for up to 41 miles on electric power only. Use the hybrid system to its full extent and you could get close to 100mpg.

Towing ability

Good – with a 2,100kg towing capacity, it can tow a 1,000kg trailer, with one 500kg horse and 50kg of kit, with 550kg spare.

The 2.0 litre diesel engine and all-wheel drive are a great combination for easy towing. Opt for one of the petrol hybrid models and, although you lose some towing capacity and all-wheel drive, you gain in refinement and potential fuel economy for the days when you’re commuting or going for a family day out.

Performance

Good. Ford makes cars which are good to drive. Okay a 0-60mph time of 8.7secs means this Kuga is no flying machine, but it’s quick enough for most people and is an effortless cruiser. If you go for a high-ish spec like the one we had, the ride can be firm because ST-Line models err on the side of sportiness. If you prefer comfort, choose Zetec, Titanium or extremely plush Vignale

Day-to-day

Excellent. As SUVs go, it’s hard to fault the Ford Kuga. If you can manage with a lower towing capacity, the PHEV models make terrific sense. They’re economical, refined and good to drive. You also sit quite high up in the Kuga which makes for easy punting around towns and country lanes. The rear seats slide backwards and forwards which allows you to either have more legroom or more boot space.

Value for money

Good. Even in entry level Zetec trim, the Ford Kuga is well equipped. Air conditioning, sat nav, powered windows and mirrors, DAB radio, heated windscreen (shifts frost in about 30 seconds), cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors all come as standard. Move up to ST-Line trim and you get LED headlights, B&O sound system, rear view camera, sports seats and roof rails. If you are a business driver go for a petrol PHEV model and, thanks to lower CO2 emissions, your BIK rate will benefit.

Verdict

As a family holdall, the Ford Kuga is one of the best. It also ticks the box as a Monday-Friday commuter machine. Go for a diesel Kuga and your towing capacity will suit most horse owners, while even the petrol hybrid models will cope with a decent weight. The Kuga, even in entry level trim, gets loads of goodies as standard and also comes with plenty of safety kit, It’s roomy, comfortable, has a commanding driving position and is good to drive, all of which explains why the Kuga is one of the most popular models in the Ford range.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk, motorpoint.co.uk or cazoo.co.uk

Who tested the Ford Kuga for towing?

Graham Courtney has road tested in excess of 2,000 cars in his career so far. He writes for a number of magazines and newspapers that require a motoring expert and coming from a farming community, he’s well placed to advise equestrians seeking a towing vehicle.

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

Jaguar F-Pace P400e review

Graham Courtney — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 13:30:21 +0000

creditUnknown

Jaguar F-Pace P400e AWD Dynamic S

The Jaguar F-Pace P400e is a classy, all-wheel drive SUV with plug-in hybrid power that gives the potential for high economy levels and good towing.

Seats: 5

Engine: 1997 petrol

Towing capacity: 2,000kg

Power: 398 bhp

Gearbox: 8-speed auto

0-60mph: 5secs

Top speed: 149mph

Economy: 176 miles (potentially)

CO2: 37g/km

Economy

Really good. Even while towing, Jaguar reckon you should manage around 56mpg. However, this is a plug-in hybrid, which means you can fully charge the battery in around 30 minutes and drive for up to 40 miles on electric power only. If your commute is around 25–30 miles per day, you won’t use any petrol if you drive carefully and don’t use all of the available power.

Towing ability

Good. A towing limit of 2,000kg will suit most horse owners. A typical horse box weighs around 860kg so you’ll be able to carry two average size (500kg) horses. You get all-wheel drive, which will cope with boggy and slippery / loose surfaces, and a reversing camera makes hitching a trailer really simple. Adaptive suspension means the car feels extremely stable when towing. Trailer Stability Assist comes as standard.

Performance

Good. A 0–60 time of five seconds is impressive for what is quite a heavy vehicle. When you add in the power of the 2.0 litre engine and the battery driven electric motor, it’s not surprising that it feels quick off the mark. You can adjust the handling characteristics to suit your driving style. Handling is safe, secure and predictable. Good to drive.

Day-to-day

Excellent. Build quality of Jaguars has improved markedly in recent years. There’s a seriously premium look and feel to the interior. It’s roomy and very comfortable. A heated windscreen clears frost in around 30 seconds. Heated front seats, DAB radio, sat nav and a powered tailgate all come as standard. The large touchscreen is clear but whereas some are very sensitive, this one needs a good prod to make anything happen.

Value for money

Only average when compared to some other PHEVs. The entry level diesel model is £12k less and will actually tow more (2,400kg), but you take a hit when it comes to economy, kit and refinement. The higher prices reflect that Jaguar now sees itself as a contender to enter the luxury market.

Verdict

Impressive car. Roomy, comfortable, and good to drive – fun, actually. Add in the fact that you can have some serious fuel economy Monday to Friday and then plenty of weekend towing capacity, means the Jaguar F-Pace in PHEV guise is an ideal all-round car for a family and for a horse enthusiast. It’s not cheap, but it’s a quality product. It looks smart, too.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk, motorpoint.co.uk or cazoo.co.uk

Who tested this car?

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi review

Graham Courtney — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 13:15:10 +0000

creditUnknown

Kia Sportage 1.6 T-GDi AWD GT-Line

This Kia Sportage is a good-looking SUV for towing with a sporty flavour, all-wheel drive, an efficient plug-in hybrid engine and a cracking 7-year warranty.

Seats: 5

Engine: 1598 petrol

Towing capacity: 1,650kg

Power: 261 bhp

Gearbox: 6-speed auto

0-60mph: 7.9secs

Top speed: 120mph

Economy: 252 miles (potentially)

CO2: 25g/km

Economy

This Kia Sportage is the plug-in hybrid model which means you can charge the battery and switch the car to electric mode only. Kia reckon you can squeeze just over 40 miles on battery power alone although you’ll get a lot less when towing. If you have a daily commute of around 30 miles, you can drive without using the petrol engine at up to 87mph. Kia predict 252mpg if you can use the hybrid system to its full extent.

Towing ability

This is the only slight downside of the Kia Sportage because the towing limit of 1,650kg will limit some horse owners. A typical horse box weighs around 860kg, so you’ll be limited to a single horse (assuming average 500kg) or two smaller ponies. On the plus side you do get all-wheel drive and a reversing camera that makes hitching a trailer really simple. If you can cope with the towing capacity, the Sportage will be an excellent hauler.

Performance

Good. You have either Eco or Sport driving modes. Hit Sport and the Kia Sportage comes to life. It feels quicker than the 0–60 time of 7.9secs suggests. The all-wheel drive also helps with roadholding and allows keen drivers to push on in the right conditions. Flick into Eco mode and you’ll cruise happily over long distances – it’s quiet too. The ride just edges towards the firm-ish side, but it’s good to drive.

Day-to-day

Terrific. If you thought the only reason to buy a Kia is because of the brilliant 7-year warranty, think again. Build quality is excellent; materials feel and look good. You also get plenty of space and plenty of kit. Kia even offer the potential to customise the car to suit your lifestyle. When it comes to family motoring it really is hard to think of a better car.

Value for money

About average. It’s not cheap in GT-Line trim, but bearing in mind that this particular Sportage comes fully loaded, with all-wheel drive and a complicated but efficient plug-in hybrid system, then it starts to stack up. You get sat nav, sunroof, suede leather upholstery, powered, ventilated and heated front seats, heated outer rear seats, heated steering wheel, 360 degree monitor and a rear view camera. There are some attractive finance deals out there and it will also make a sensible used car purchase.

Verdict

Great car. The interior quality is up to premium standards and the car is fully loaded. It may be a tad expensive when compared to the competition, but remember this particular Kia Sportage is an all-wheel drive vehicle with the potential for excellent economy if you make full use of the hybrid system and can keep the battery fully charged. The towing limit will restrict some owners, but when it comes to family motoring, this is arguably one of the best SUVs out there.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk, motorpoint.co.uk or cazoo.co.uk

Who tested the Kia Sportage for towing?

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Mercedes EQS SUV review

Graham Courtney — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 12:26:58 +0000

creditUnknown

Mercedes EQS SUV

The Mercedes EQS SUV is a big, battery powered, seven-seater, all-wheel drive, which is one of the new breed of electric cars that can tow. It has an incredibly futuristic, hi-tech interior.

Seats: 7

Engine: Battery powered electric vehicle

Towing capacity: 1,800kg

Power: 355 bhp

Gearbox: Single-speed auto

0-60mph: 6secs

Top speed: 130mph

Economy: Up to 365 miles on a full charge (not towing)

CO2: 0g/km

Economy

In day-to-day use, Mercedes estimate a range of up to 365 miles which, bearing in mind that the average commute is around 30 miles, means you can charge the car on a Sunday night and be fine until the weekend. When towing a horse box, however, you can easily halve that overall figure. Our score is based on the car’s most likely main usage as a commuter mobile, school bus, shopping trolley etc.

Towing ability

The 1,800kg towing capacity will be fine for many people unless you need to haul a couple of sizeable horses. Due to the car’s weight, it feels extremely stable on the road. Electric cars develop 100% of their power instantly so pulling away from standstill is effortless. The all-wheel drive will help on slippery surfaces.

Performance

Good. This is a big car and tips the scales at around 2.7 tonnes, so a 0–60mph time of six seconds is impressive. So is the top speed of 130mph. The handling is excellent because the car has a low centre of gravity – the chunky battery is part of the car’s floorpan. Motorway cruising is a perfect example of serene travel – quiet, smooth and unflustered.

Day-to-day

Seven seats is always a bonus, as is all-wheel drive and excellent road manners. If you use the third row of seats, it’ll eat into the available boot space, but it’s handy to have those extra seats if you need them.

The EQS SUV is also supremely comfortable. As with every electric car, range anxiety – how far you can travel before the battery dies – is a problem. This is even more relevant when towing horses. You need to plan ahead. If your round trip is more than, say, 125 miles, you’ll need to find somewhere to top-up the battery to be on the safe side. However, when not towing, the range is excellent. You also ride along in near silence.

Value for money

The Mercedes EQS SUV looks expensive when compared to similar models, but if you are in the market for something like this and are getting a bit fed-up of waiting for the electric Range Rover, then this will be a great option. It comes with every bit of kit that you could realistically need.

Verdict

If you are wanting a big 7-seater SUV with reasonable towing ability, a cosseting interior and one of the most refined rides on the market, look no further than this Mercedes – although you will need very deep pockets.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk

Who tested this car?

Find out more about how Horse & Hound tests products

Hyundai Tucson review

Graham Courtney — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 11:25:25 +0000

creditUnknown

Hyundai Tucson 1.6T AWD N Line S

This Hyundai Tucson is a really smart, all-wheel drive SUV for towing. It’s roomy and has a touch of quality. Don’t compare it to the previous Tucson – this is a massive improvement.

Seats: 5

Engine: 1598cc (Petrol)

Towing capacity: 1,650kg

Power: 176 bhp

Gearbox: 7-speed auto

0-60mph: 9secs

Top speed: 125mph

Economy: 39.6mpg

CO2: 162g/km

Economy

Not startling but okay for an all-wheel drive car. Make use of the hybrid system and go easily and you’ll improve on the 39.6 mpg figure. A 5-year unlimited mileage warranty points to the car being reliable.

Towing ability

The Hyundai Tucson 1,650kg towing capacity will limit some horse owners who want to transport a pair of horses, but towing a single horse in a typical horse box will be simple for the Hyundai Tucson. The 4×4 system will help you on soggy fields and in tricky weather.

Performance

When it comes to mixing towing ability, town driving and motorway cruising, the Hyundai Tucson gets it spot on. There’s sufficient low-rev power to get you rolling from standstill when towing, but there’s also a decent dollop of performance for when you need to hit the motorways for a longer trip. The self-charging hybrid system works well (a battery powered electric motor joins in with the petrol engine when you need additional power) and allows the engine to cut out when you don’t need it. It’s seamless – you won’t know it’s happening.

Day-to-day

Excellent. If you’ve not recently sat in a Hyundai, you need to go on a bit of a refresher course. In terms of build quality, standard of fitment and quality of materials, Hyundai is now aiming fair and square at the premium market. The Tucson is seriously roomy with a large boot for tack. Okay, the ride is a tad on the firm side and it’s not the most involving car to drive, but customers in this sector of the car market don’t tend to prioritise that – they want something that will be a family friend.

Value for money

The one we chose (we wanted an all-wheel drive facility) was one of the top-specification models, so it looks a bit on the pricy side. If you can manage without AWD and be prepared to dispense with some of the goodies (Premium trim is still well-equipped though) you can save around £7,000.

However, when compared like-for-like with the competition, the Tucson stacks-up really well. Hyundai is also improving in the used car market, too, so the Tucson should hang onto a decent chunk of its value. In N Line S trim you get sat nav, heated front seats and steering wheel, leather upholstery, reversing camera, air con, LED headlights, sunroof, smart cruise control and front and rear parking sensors. Not much else you need really!

Verdict

Hyundai is a marque that more and more people are finding offers a really good blend of value, style, economy and performance. The Tucson is a perfect example of this. A long warranty and great reliability record are no longer the only reasons to consider a Hyundai. The Tucson stands out in what can be a bit of a lacklustre SUV marketplace where everything looks the same. It’s roomy, comfortable, well equipped even in standard entry level trim, and is a capable tow car which has all-wheel drive available. For most owners it will be a great companion.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk or motorpoint.co.uk

Who tested the Hyundai Tucson for towing?

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Alfa Romeo Stelvio review

Graham Courtney — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 15:18:31 +0000

creditUnknown

Alfa Romeo Stelvio 2.2D AWD Sprint

This sporty SUV for towing is from a manufacturer that a lot of folk forget about. It’s a pity because the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is roomy, looks different and has a decent all-wheel drive towing ability.

Seats: 5

Engine: 2143cc (Diesel)

Towing capacity: 2,300kg

Power: 187 bhp

Gearbox: 8-speed auto

0-60mph: 7.6secs

Top speed: 130mph

Economy: 47.1mpg

CO2: 156g/km

Economy

Stick with Sprint trim and you can get the excellent 187bhp 2.2 litre diesel that returns a pretty good 47.1mpg. This is one of the most flexible engines around and will give you effortless performance and towing ability. It’s not the quietest diesel engine we’ve tried – it’s a bit old-school in that respect – but it’s up to the task of motorway cruiser or horse trailer hauler.

Towing ability

Good. The 2,300kg towing capacity will be great if you need to transport two decent sized (500kg) horses. The horse box we used for our most recent towing guide had an unladen weight of 855kg, so this Alfa Romeo will easily cope with two horses, plus some tack. Add the fact that it has all-wheel drive as standard and you can see that the Stelvio really is worth considering. A reversing camera makes hitching a trailer really simple.

Performance

Good. A 0–60 time of 7.6secs is healthy for any car, but when you have something like this chunky SUV with 4×4 automatic transmission, then it’s even more than respectable. The steering wheel has paddles behind it that allow you to either move up and down the gears yourself or just let the car make the decisions for you. The steering is light and requires very little twiddling when entering corners – it takes a bit of getting used to because it feels sensitive. Because the Stelvio is aimed at the sportier end of the market, the ride is firmer than a lot of the competition.

Day-to-day

Really good. Alfa Romeo had a bit of a reputation for things falling off or not working, but this Stelvio has a premium look and feel to it. Okay, it’s not Germanic quality, but it’s a big improvement on previous Alfas. The high seating position gives you a commanding view of the road. There’s also ample space for four adults although those in the back have slightly reduced headroom due to the sloping roofline. The rear seats easily flop forward if you need to carry a sizeable load.

Value for money

About average. A sat nav, front and rear parking sensors, DAB radio, cruise control, powered tailgate and a rear view camera come as standard on Sprint trim. I would avoid moving up to Veloce or Estrema trims because at £52.5k and almost £59k, they’re starting to look pricy.

Verdict

A very welcome alternative to the crowded SUV marketplace. You’ll get a lot of people asking you what it is. Stick with the entry level model and it is reasonable value. You still get the same all-wheel drive towing ability as the more expensive models but miss out on some goodies like leather upholstery or heated front seats and steering wheel. The suspension set-up is aimed at people who enjoy a sporty ride so it feels a tad firm at slow speeds but once you get moving, it settles nicely. Comfy seats and plenty of room make for good commuting and holiday jaunts. In other words, it’s a decent all-rounder.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk or motorpoint.co.uk

Who tested the Alfa Romeo Stelvio for towing?

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Toyota Land Cruiser review

Graham Courtney — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 12:21:50 +0000

creditUnknown

Toyota Land Cruiser Commercial Active 4×4

The Toyota Land Cruiser is arguably the toughest 4×4 for towing available anywhere – and very reliable. This one is the commercial version so the rear compartment is ideal for carrying tack.

Seats: 2

Engine: 2755cc (Diesel)

Towing capacity: 3,000kg

Power: 201bhp

Gearbox: 6-speed auto

0-60mph: 9.9secs

Top speed: 108mph

Economy: 31.3mpg

CO2: 240g/km

Economy

Not brilliant but bearing in mind the sort of vehicle it is, it’s not disastrous. Towing a fully loaded trailer won’t make much difference either.

Towing ability

Brilliant. Strong diesel engine with loads of low-end pulling power. The automatic gearbox also makes for easy motoring. It has terrific all-terrain ability which will make easy work of seriously boggy, muddy or flooded fields. The reversing camera comes as standard in Active trim so hitching the trailer is simple. The high seating position helps when reversing because you can see over other vehicles, farm gates, hedges etc.

Performance

Pretty good actually for something that weighs over two tonnes. As with most diesels, it tends to feel quick off the mark but loses power when the revs rise. Just use the low-end power and change up. Motorway cruising at a steady 70mph is surprisingly refined. It’s also good to drive and even though the suspension is built to cope with the most extreme conditions, the ride is well-controlled and even verges on the soft side. A low-range gearbox comes as standard to help you get out of seriously tricky conditions.

Day-to-day

If you buy this commercial version of the Toyota Land Cruiser, you need to view it as the van equivalent of the normal model. You only get two (very comfortable) front seats and the boot space is kitted out for carrying dirty equipment, dogs, hay, water containers etc. There’s a cage bulkhead behind the front seats and the load area floor is covered in heavy rubber matting that you can hose down.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

You also get several lashing points and cubby holes. If you want rear seats, you can get the same vehicle but in normal passenger mode. It only costs £100 more but you lose the utility capability. If you need a serious workhorse, the commercial version will be brilliant. If you need more space, there’s a long wheelbase version, too.

Value for money

It’s not cheap, but this Toyota Land Cruiser is decent value for the simple reason that it will tackle anything. If you watch a TV report on a war zone or a major rescue in some inhospitable area, you’ll see a Toyota Land Cruiser. Their reputation for toughness and reliability is unsurpassed. Add in the fact that it comes well equipped with reversing camera, parking sensors, colour touchscreen, air con, smartphone integration, DAB radio, Bluetooth and a tyre pressure warning system. Second-hand values are also very strong. If you can manage without the goodies and don’t mind a manual gearbox, you can save £4,200 for the Utility version.

Verdict

See the Toyota Land Cruiser as a working vehicle or an alternative to a pick-up and you will fall in love with it. The fact that the interior looks a bit old-school is actually part of the charm and also shows that buttons and knobs are sometimes much easier to use than some hi-tech touchscreen, especially if it’s a cold day and you’re wearing gloves. The rear door has a handy function in that the window can flip open and allow you to carry a well-secured longer load. If you own a livery yard or a farm, the Land Cruiser will be an ideal tool. For toughness, nothing beats it.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk or motorpoint.co.uk

Who tested the Toyota Land Cruiser for towing?

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Cinderella and ‘extensive entourage’ travelling in horse trailer make it to the ball

Becky Murray — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 16:04:17 +0000

Cinderella did get to the ball, along with an “extensive entourage”, despite the fact their trip there did not go entirely according to plan.

Police have shared footage of officers discovering more than 20 people travelling in the back of a horse trailer, on Saturday, 18 November.

Warwickshire Police rural crime team officers pulled over the female driver of a 4×4 towing a trailer on the A422 near Upton House. The officers had been carrying out roadside checks of trailers and plant machinery, following an increase in local thefts.

YOU WILL GO TO THE BALL….SAFELY!! RCT officers were conducting late night checks of trailers and plant machinery, that were being transported on the… | By Warwickshire Rural Crime Team | Facebook

31K views, 175 likes, 2 loves, 229 comments, 255 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Warwickshire Rural Crime Team: YOU WILL GO TO THE BALL….SAFELY!! RCT officers were conducting late night checks…

A Warwickshire Police spokesman said when officers first spoke to the woman she confirmed she was not transporting any horses or livestock, and she was travelling to a ball nearby.

“Officers headed to the trailer to make note of any security marking or vehicle identification number [vin], so that checks could be conducted. While looking at the vin, one of the officers heard some shuffling and tapping coming from inside the trailer,” he said.

“Initially the officer was concerned that a horse must have snuck itself into the trailer, without the knowledge of the driver. It turns out on opening the trailer, some 20 attendees of the ball had opted to utilise the trailer as some sort of pre-ball party wagon transport.”

The force shared footage online of the passengers exiting the trailer and the spokesman said it was “apparent from the comments made to officers, that they had no understanding of how dangerous the situation was”.

“We can only be thankful that the officers hadn’t had to attend a very serious road traffic collision involving the vehicle and trailer,” he said.

“The 39-year old-driver was reported at the scene for several offences, while other officers facilitated Cinderella getting to the ball safely with her extensive entourage.”

The police spokesman told H&H the driver was reported for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition and having unrestrained passengers in a trailer.

Dacia Duster Expression review

Graham Courtney — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 11:33:04 +0000

creditUnknown

Dacia Duster Expression dCi 115 4×4

The Dacia Duster Expression is a value for money SUV for towing horses. It is surprisingly well equipped and built for the price. The recently updated model looks particularly smart.

Seats: 5

Engine: 1461cc (Diesel)

Towing capacity: 1,500kg

Power: 113 bhp

Gearbox: 6-speed manual

0-60mph: 10.2secs

Top speed:108mph

Economy: 53.3mpg

CO2: 139g/km

Economy

Not bad actually for an all-wheel drive car. You should easily crack 50mpg (we did, despite some heavy work). The diesel engine is punchy so the economy shouldn’t suffer too much when towing a horse box.

Towing ability

Good. The Dacia Duster 1,500kg towing capacity may limit some horse owners, but if you’re okay with that figure, the Expression will be a really handy tool. The 4×4 system is tried and tested and works well, so towing a loaded horse box across a muddy field should be a doddle. A lot of horse owners need to get to destinations out in the sticks or park in questionable fields, so all-wheel drive can be a bonus in slippery/wintery weather.

Performance

This particular Dacia Duster is no flying machine and you’d never call the handling or driving experience exciting, but that’s not what the Dacia Duster is all about. The handling is very safe and predictable; the ride is comfy and, thanks to light steering and a high driving position, it’s easy to punt around town or along lanes with high hedges. It will happily cruise along a motorway and will make for excellent family holiday transportation.

The rear seats flop forward for extra space but do not lie flat (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Day-to-day

Excellent. It’s roomy, well equipped and decent to drive – what’s not to love? You couldn’t say that the interior was plush, but it’s all nicely finished and feels as though it’s well put together. The materials certainly don’t look or feel cheap – they should also be hard wearing and easily shrug off any scuffs. Five adults will easily find comfort. The boot is large enough to cope with all of your tack and, if you flop the rear seats forward, you can carry much bigger and longer loads. It’s a shame, however, that the seats don’t lie flat.

This 8in display mirrors your smartphone (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Value for money

Brilliant. As long as you go for something like the Expression trim as we have here, this all-wheel drive Dacia Duster is stunningly good value. The higher spec models start to get a tad pricey, but even they compare really well against a very basic, smaller and less capable car from other manufacturers. The Duster has a reputation for holding onto its value, too.

In terms of kit there’s a smart 8in display that mirrors your smartphone, cruise control, rear parking camera (which is great for hitching a trailer), air con, Bluetooth, DAB radio, powered and tinted windows, roof bars and rear parking sensors. If you think you can manage without 4×4 capability, you can get the same car for £2,300 less and economy improves to close to 60mpg – cracking value.

Verdict

In terms of a 4×4 SUV, this could very easily rank as one of the best towing vehicles that’s available for the money. Granted, some are better equipped and more lavishly finished off, but the Duster is still smart, relaxing to drive and with a good towing ability. Throw in the fact that it will easily double-up as a Monday to Friday commuter machine, holiday holdall and school shuttle, and it’s easy to understand why the Duster has built a loyal band of followers. As all-rounders go, this Dacia is hard to fault.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk or motorpoint.co.uk

Who tested this car?

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Genesis G70 Shooting Brake review

Graham Courtney — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 14:02:57 +0000

creditUnknown

Genesis G70 Shooting Brake

This smart coupé style estate is from a new brand name in the UK. The Genesis G70 is a really a posh Hyundai with good low-end power from a sizeable diesel engine. Bet you haven’t seen one.

Details

Seats: 5

Engine: 2199cc (Diesel)

Towing capacity: 1,500kg

Power: 197 bhp (engine and battery combined)

Gearbox : 8-speed auto – rear-wheel drive

0-60mph: 7.5secs

Top speed: 140mph

Economy: 41.8mpg (officially)

CO2: 175g/km

Economy

About average for this size of car and for the available amount of power and performance. Go easily and you’ll crack the 40 mpg barrier. A strong diesel engine won’t be overly affected when towing either.

Towing ability

The Genesis G70 Shooting Brake is a really good car but the 1,500kg towing capacity will limit the amount of people for whom it would be relevant. However, if you have one of the smaller horse boxes (the Equi-Trek we have used previously had an unladen weight of 855kg) and a small-ish horse, then the Genesis will be a wonderful tool. It has loads of low-end power. It feels as though it could easily tow a heavier load – it really does make things effortless. The rear camera is situated low down and is perfect for hitching a trailer. It’s only rear wheel drive, which is better than front wheel drive, but all-wheel drive would have been handy. It’s rumoured that the next version will be AWD.

Performance

Good. The Genesis G70 pulls away sharply from standstill and actually feels quicker than the figures suggest. The 8-speed automatic gearbox is seamless and makes for smooth progress. As you’d expect it handles very much like a Hyundai which means that it is very predictable, is quite softly sprung and über comfy.

Day-to-day

One typical comment is that the G70 feels a bit old school, but that is actually part of the attraction. Under the handsome exterior you’ll find a Hyundai. The Korean manufacturer is trying to do what Toyota do with Lexus. Genesis are marketing themselves as an alternative to BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Jaguar. This means there is a quality look and feel to the interior. It’s really smart, and quiet, too. If you flop down the seats, you end up with 1,535 litres of space in the boot, which is pretty good. The sloping roofline does mean you sacrifice some height for the good exterior looks though.

Value for money

Decent. Buying the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake is unlike anything you’ll have done previously in terms of a vehicle purchase. There are no dealerships with flashy showrooms. The company attends events and they have “pop-up” displays at shopping centres or where there’s going to be a lot of footfall (you can find events near you on their website), but if you fancy a test drive, give them a call and they’ll bring a car to your home or office. Everything is done online. When the car needs servicing or a repair, Genesis will collect it.

You get plenty of kit as standard including a head-up display which means vital information like speed and sat nav directions are projected onto the windscreen. There are front and rear parking sensors, powered front seats, electric tailgate, a 360° camera and a clever gadget called a blind spot detector that shows you a camera image on the dashboard in front of you whenever you change lanes. The smart cruise control adjusts whenever you approach a corner or get too close to the car in front. Clever huh?

Verdict

We’ve included the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake in our round-up of the cars for towing horses for the simple reason that it’s different. Yes, it will do the job of towing a horse box as well as working really well as a day-to-day commuter/school run shuttle or holiday transportation, but it also gives you the option of having a car that encourages people to ask “What is it?” It tends to be more of a family car that will tow, rather than a workhorse that suits for the Monday–Friday routine, but it you are looking for an alternative model that has a premium feel and, because it’s from the Hyundai stable, should be very reliable, it’s certainly worth considering. Good value, too.

Who tested this car?

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Towing vehicles: Our motoring expert puts a selection to the test

Graham Courtney — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 16:32:08 +0000

Torn between a 4x4 or a pick-up for towing your horse? Motoring expert Graham Courtney has been out testing the latest towing vehicles to help you narrow down your choice

Most of us who want to know which are the best cars for towing a horse trailer, whether you’re thinking of buying new or second hand, also need that car for everyday use, be it on the farm or the school run. With the help of H&H’s motoring expert Graham Courtney, we’ve test driven and reviewed a range of the best vehicles for towing, including 4x4s, pick-ups, estates and family SUVs.

Price and towing ability are key considerations, besides the usefulness of the vehicle for whatever other chores fill our lives. We’ve also ensured that they come with a full list of safety aids and most have four-wheel drive. Plus, we check out all the mod cons to help you navigate narrow lanes and awkward reversing challenges.

Best cars for towing a horse trailer: tested

We’ve grouped all the cars we’ve tested into three categories to help you sift through all the options and narrow down what’s best for you.

SUVs – sports utility vehicles sit high off the ground and often have four-wheel drive
Pick-ups – these usually have an open back or ‘bed’, which is ideal for loading up with whatever you need to carry
Estates – similar to hatchback cars but with an extended rear end that provides additional boot space

Best SUVs for towing

SUVs are the most popular choice for towing thanks to their size and weight giving them a good towing capacity and ability. Many are four-wheel drive, which reduces your chances of getting stuck in the mud, but also allows you to tow greater weights as the power is distributed to all four wheels. Most SUVs have a medium to high towing capacity.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Lexus RX 450h F-Sport

The Lexus RX 450h is a large self-charging hybrid 4×4 SUV that is powered by a petrol engine and battery-driven electric motor. It has a premium image and decent towing ability. With a 2,000kg towing capacity, it can tow a 1,000kg trailer, with one 500kg horse and 50kg of kit, with 450kg spare.

Pros:

Supremely comfortable
Very well equipped
Excellent reliability record

Cons:

Boot could be a bit bigger for this size of car
Engine can sound odd when power is required
Co2 levels mean it is less attractive for company car drivers when compared to PHEVs

Verdict: Lexus has been named as the UK’s most reliable car brand in the What Car? 2022 Awards. If you buy new, you can extend the warranty to 100,000 miles or 10 years. The Lexus RX 450h is good to drive, reasonably economical if you’re careful, and well equipped. The all-wheel drive transmission makes towing very assured. If luxurious 4×4 motoring is something you fancy, this is a good place to start.

Read our full Lexus RX F-Sport review.

View used and new now at motorpoint.co.uk or autotrader.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Mazda CX-5 Sport

CO2: 173g/km |

The Mazda Cx-5 is a mid-size SUV is powered by a diesel engine and benefits from all-wheel drive. It has a good towing ability and an excellent level of equipment and safety kit as standard. With a 2,100kg towing capacity, it can tow a 1,000kg trailer, with one 500kg horse and 50kg of kit, with 550kg spare.

Pros:

Seriously good to drive
Good reliability and safety record
Very well equipped when compared with similar options

Cons:

Diesel engine can sound a bit rough when cold or under acceleration
Some may feel the ride is a tad firm – I liked it though
A seven-seater version would have been handy

Verdict: Mazda isn’t a name a lot of people think of when it comes to buying a towing car – it’s a pity as they don’t know what they’re missing. This CX-5 is a typical Mazda in that it’s good to drive, well equipped and has an excellent reliability record. It’s a handsome thing, too. It’s roomy and, thanks to a good towing ability, it will make for a terrific family all-rounder and workhorse. If you can manage a slightly lower towing limit, you can do without the all-wheel drive – and if you’re prepared to ditch some of the goodies, take a look at the entry level SE-L. The petrol engine is smoother and quieter and you’ll save around £7,000, but there’s no reduction in driver appeal.

Read our full Mazda CX-5 Sport review.

View used and new now at motorpoint.co.uk or autotrader.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 PHEV

The Volvo XC40 is a chunky, roomy, family friendly SUV that has petrol and battery hybrid power. It majors on safety, standard kit and a decent towing limit, making it a great car for towing. With a 1,800kg towing capacity, it can tow a 1,000kg trailer, with one 500kg horse and 50kg of kit, with 250kg spare.

Pros:

Decent towing ability
Excellent economy if you can make full use of the hybrid system
One of the safest cars on our roads

Cons:

Front wheel drive only
Not a particularly involving car to drive
On-board battery soon runs out – you need to recharge regularly

Verdict: This car is safe, well equipped, comfortable, lively and has a decent towing limit. What’s not to love? The Volvo XC40 is at its happiest when either cruising along the motorway or using battery power around town. However, if you regularly do long, fast journeys, your mpg will suffer because you’re carrying around a hefty battery as part of your load. As a day-to day car for work commuting, going to the tip, school run, shopping and weekend towing or an outing to the beach, it’ll be perfect. Make use of the hybrid system and it will also be seriously economical. It’s one of our favourites.

Read our full Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 review.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk or motorpoint.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Dacia Duster Expression dCi

The Dacia Duster Expression is a value for money SUV with good towing capability. It is surprisingly well equipped and built for the price. The recently updated model looks particularly smart. With a 1,500kg towing capacity, it can tow a 1,000kg trailer, with one 500kg horse, but no kit or extras.

Pros:

Stunning value for money
Decent off-road ability
Surprisingly well kitted out for the price

Cons:

A bit on the noisy side
Not a particularly involving car to drive
Only average performance

Verdict: In terms of a 4×4 SUV, this could very easily rank as one of the best towing vehicles that’s available for the money. Granted, some are better equipped and more lavishly finished off, but the Duster is still smart, relaxing to drive and with a good towing ability. Throw in the fact that it will easily double-up as a Monday to Friday commuter machine, holiday holdall and school shuttle, and it’s easy to understand why the Duster has built a loyal band of followers. As all-rounders go, this Dacia is hard to fault.

Read our full Dacia Duster Expression review.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk or motorpoint.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Volkswagen Touareg SEL Tech 3.0 TDi 4Motion

The Volkswagen Touareg has a choice of two V6 3.0 litre diesel engines and a thumping petrol 3.0 litre which develops 335bhp. But for those of us who need a good all-rounder for day-to-day transportation and weekend jaunts with the trailer in tow, I’d be perfectly happy with the entry-level 228bhp diesel. The six-cylinder engine has a lovely grumbly note to it, but when it comes to effortless towing, the VW Touareg is up with the best. Put it this way, it’s easy to forget you’ve got the trailer hooked up. With a 3,500kg towing capacity, it can tow a 1,000kg trailer, with two 500kg horse and 50kg of kit per horse, with 1,400kg spare.

As well as having a luxurious interior with goodies like satnav, DAB radio and heated front seats, it’s also packed with safety kit and driver-assistance aids.

Volkswagen’s “Trailer Assist” is brilliant. It comes as part of an options pack that includes an electronic folding tow bar. The electronic wizardry lets the car control the steering when reversing with a trailer.

All you have to do is fire up the system on the large touchscreen and use the exterior mirror adjuster to load your trailer angle and the reversing route you’d like to follow. Hit “Set” and gently reverse. The car will steer for you.

“Lane assist” will stop you wandering and “Front assist” will apply the brakes if the car spots a hazard. In a nutshell, the Volkswagen Touareg makes towing a trailer an absolute doddle.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk or motorpoint.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Land Rover Defender 110 240PS SE

The Land Rover Defender is an icon. With a 3,500kg towing capacity, it can tow a 1,000kg trailer, with two 500kg horse and 50kg of kit per horse, with 1,400kg spare.

If you need to head off the tarmac into the rough and soggy stuff, none comes better. However, most Defenders will spend some of their life trundling through town traffic, negotiating country lanes and being a general workhorse. It is available in either a three- (short wheelbase) or five-door (long wheelbase) guise. All-wheel drive is standard, naturally. For those who need space rather than seats, there is a hard-top version. I prefer the five-door Defender 110 with its six interior seats.

You can get an accessory to match almost every lifestyle. There are approaching 200 options. There are four engine choices… I’d recommend the 2.0 litre diesel. There are also 2.0 litre and 3.0 litre petrol engines.

Air suspension comes as standard on the 110, as does a 3D surround camera, 360-degree parking aid, satnav, air con and a host of driving-assistance gadgets.

You can also get “Advanced tow assist”, which allows you to reverse a trailer while the Defender takes care of the counter steering.

The new Defender is a revelation. It manages to stay faithful to the previous model, but is now very much 21st century. It merges city chic with the ability to get down and get dirty. It will still shrug off the worst that the British weather can throw at it and go places where a mountain goat would think twice; however, it will look equally at home outside your favourite restaurant.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk

Best pick-ups for towing

If you need to tow a heavy weight but don’t have the budget for an SUV, a pick-up could be a great option. These workhorses are usually good value – especially if you’re able to purchase it as a commercial vehicle – and most have a towing capacity of 3,500kg.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Isuzu D-Max V-Cross

Th Isuzu D-Max is a tough, uncompromising, all-wheel drive pick-up that has brilliant towing ability, making it one to consider when looking into the best towing vehicles. It’s surprisingly good to drive, with a decent level of equipment as standard, and feels safe, too. With a 3,500kg towing capacity, it can tow a 1,000kg trailer, with two 500kg horse and 50kg of kit per horse, with 1,400kg spare.

Pros:

Great towing ability
All-wheel drive and a strong diesel engine.
Masses of space for passengers and baggage/kit

Cons:

Think carefully about ditching the ‘normal’ car
Need to buy a load-area cover for security
You climb into a pick-up – make sure you’re okay with that

Verdict: UK sales of pick-ups are rising, while a pick-up has been the top selling vehicle in the US for more than 30 years. As vehicles like the Isuzu D-Max become less workhorse focussed and more family and commuter friendly, they are starting to find buyers who simply like the look and versatility of a pick-up.

The cabins are more car-like and the ride is now forgiving rather than firm. There’s also a marked step-up in the interior quality. Yes, this D-Max will do a stunning job as a towing vehicle, but it will also be a great alternative to anyone who is fancying a change from their normal car. No wonder sales are on the up.

Read our full Isuzu D-Max V-Cross review.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

SsangYong Musso Rhino LWB

This is incredibly good value for a big, versatile and spacious pick-up – and if you’re VAT registered you can pick it up at less expense. With a 3,500kg towing capacity, it can tow a 1,000kg trailer, with two 500kg horse and 50kg of kit per horse, with 1,400kg spare.

SsangYong thrives on no-nonsense vehicles and the Musso is one of their best – and it comes with a terrific seven-year/150,000-mile warranty.

If carrying capacity is vital to you, then how does this grab you? Go for the automatic gearbox and your Musso can tow 3,500kg and carry 1,140kg at the same time. It has selectable all-wheel drive and with the model we chose, the Rhino LWB, you get the longest load bed of any UK pick-up: 1.61 metres.

You’ll also find satnav, air con, heated steering wheel, powered leather seats which are heated and ventilated for those up front, cruise control, wiper de-icer, front and rear parking sensors, rear-view camera, DAB radio and so on.

In other words, don’t be fooled by the price; the SsangYong Musso is tough, up to the job, laden with kit and amazing value. This is a serious workhorse and, bearing in mind the warranty that SsangYong include as standard, it will make a lot of people think about ditching their “normal” everyday wheels and going for a pick-up.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk

Best estates for towing

Estates make for great family cars as there’s usually plenty of boot space to throw in suitcases for holidays, school kit, horse feed and bedding – plus they’re usually pretty economical compared to much of the competition. In general, estates tend to have lower towing capacities, but if you’ve only got one small pony that needs taking to Pony Club rallies, then an estate car might be all you need.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Škoda Octavia Estate SE L 2.0 TDi

The spacious Škoda Octavia estate car won the 2021 Auto Express magazine Estate Car of the Year title. The boot area is sizeable and, if you drop the rear seats into the floor, you end up with a truly enormous load space, which is ideal for loading up bedding and feed. With a 1,600kg towing capacity, it can tow a 1,000kg trailer, a 500kg horse and 50kg of kit, with 50kg spare.

Pros:

Huge boot
Good to drive
Comfortable
In SE L trim, it’s well equipped
Punchy engine

Cons:

Could be a bit more exciting to drive
The touch-screen that controls climate and fan speed is fiddly
Not cheap to buy, but the level of standard equipment sort of compensates

Verdict: The Škoda Octavia is good to drive, economical, well equipped and with a vast load area. The all-wheel drive model will tow 2,000kg, but even the slightly cheaper version shown here is an extremely capable towing vehicle. It’s a terrific all-rounder.

Read our full Skoda Octavia Estate review.

View used and new now at motorpoint.co.uk or autotrader.co.uk

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Genesis G70 Shooting Brake

This smart coupé style estate is from a new brand name in the UK. The Genesis G70 is a really a posh Hyundai with good low-end power from a sizeable diesel engine. Bet you haven’t seen one. With a 1,500kg towing capacity, it can tow a 1,000kg trailer, a 500kg horse but no additional kit.

Pros:

It’s different and looks really smart
Good value for a premium car
Five-year unlimited mileage warranty

Cons:

Rear wheel drive only
Limited engine choice
Low-ish towing limit

Verdict: “We’ve included the Genesis G70 Shooting Brake in our round-up of the cars for towing horses for the simple reason that it’s different. Yes, it will do the job of towing a horse box as well as working really well as a day-to-day commuter/school run shuttle or holiday transportation, but it also gives you the option of having a car that encourages people to ask “What is it?” It tends to be more of a family car that will tow, rather than a workhorse that suits for the Monday–Friday routine, but it you are looking for an alternative model that has a premium feel and, because it’s from the Hyundai stable, should be very reliable, it’s certainly worth considering. Good value, too.”

Read our full Genesis G70 Shooting Brake review.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

BMW 320d xDrive M Sport Plus Edition Touring

If you fancy all-wheel drive in a premium estate, they don’t come any better than the BMW Touring xDrive models. There’s a decent range of petrol and diesel engines, but arguably the best all-rounder for those of us who need to tow a trailer is the 2.0 litre diesel unit. With a 1,800kg towing capacity, it can tow a 1,000kg trailer, a 500kg horse and 50kg of kit, with 250kg spare.

The BMW Touring isn’t the lightest car in its class, but you still get really good performance and excellent economy. You’ll crack 50mpg without too much trouble in general day-to-day motoring.

The version tested is a fully loaded car, but if you don’t need 4×4 transmission and opt for an economical petrol engine instead, you can lop around £10k off the price shown here. If you prefer the sound, economy and performance you’d get from a six-cylinder diesel engine, head for the 330d xDrive Touring. It’s one of the finest estate cars ever built and, if you don’t go for a loaded model like this one (the options came to over £5k), the price is almost identical.

The BMW 3 Series has been a hugely successful car for the simple reason that it is wonderful to drive, well equipped and, if you avoid diving too deeply into the options list, it is actually decent value. Throw in the fact that it looks really smart (I prefer the Touring’s looks to the saloon) – and it’s easy to see why it is so popular. Add into the equation that it is also great for towing a trailer and you end up with a versatile winner.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk or motorpoint.co.uk

What is the best car for towing a horse trailer?

The answer to this is different for every driver. If you have two horses that you take hunting or competing regularly, you’ll have a very different requirement to someone who is taking a 13hh pony to Pony Club rallies at the weekend and needs to use the same car for the school run midweek.

It also depends on what trailer you have and how heavy it is. Many car/trailer combinations are only suitable for towing one horse – but if you only have one horse and the car in question needs to double up for the daily commute and family holidays, then it might still be the best car for you. For this reason, we’ve included a wide range of cars in this guide – all of which can safely tow at least one small horse in a standard trailer.

Check out our guide to the best horse trailers to see some of the options available.

How much towing capacity do I need?

All cars have a maximum recommended towing weight. It’s important that the weight of the trailer and its load does not exceed this as you’ll be putting yourself, passengers, the horses and other road users at risk. You are also at risk of prosecution for driving with a dangerous load.

To work out how much capacity your new car will need, you first need to find out the unladen weight of your trailer. Add on the weight of your horse (or horses), the tack, any food or hay, water, rugs and boots (the ones for travel and riding), plus anything else you might put in your trailer.

Unladen weight of trailer + weight of horse + weight of kit = The minimum towing capacity you require

If your trailer has an unladen (empty) weight of 850kg, and your horse is 500kg, once you add 30–50kg to cover kit, you’ll need a car with a capacity of at least 1,400kg. If your trailer or horse is heavier, or you add another horse and therefore also have to double the kit allowance, this adds up quickly.

For example, a 1,000kg trailer, with two 500kg horses, plus 50kg of kit per horse, would require a minimum 2,100kg towing capacity.

Learn more about legal towing limits for horse trailers.

Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 PHEV review

Graham Courtney — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 12:41:29 +0000

creditUnknown

Volvo XC40 Recharge T5 PHEV (Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle)

The Volvo XC40 is a chunky, roomy, family friendly SUV that has petrol and battery hybrid power. It majors on safety, standard kit and a decent towing limit, making it one of the best cars for towing horses.

Details

Seats: 5

Engine: 1500cc (Petrol)

Towing capacity: 1,800kg

Power: 258 bhp (engine and battery combined)

Gearbox : 7-speed auto

0-60mph: 7.3secs

Top speed: 112mph

Economy: 134.5mpg (officially) and up to 28 miles on battery power alone

CO2: 49g/km

Economy

If you use the battery-only mode, you’ll waft along in silence. Volvo reckon you can manage up to 28 miles before the petrol engine cuts in. So, if your daily commute is a 20-odd mile round trip, you can get to work and back without using any petrol. Real world driving using a mix of battery and petrol will probably leave you in the low-50s for mpg, although Volvo say the car will achieve 134mpg if you use the hybrid system to its full extent – you won’t.

There’s a clever trick with the sat nav, though. Key in your destination and the car will judge when it uses the battery. It means you don’t use-up the battery power straightaway and only uses it when you need to. You can even keep some juice in the battery if the latter part of your journey is in normally slow, town traffic.

Towing ability

It’s decent. Okay, the use of the battery on its own will just about disappear due to the added weight of a loaded horse box so it means the engine will run most of the time and therefore hit your economy. But in terms of hauling power, when the battery and electric motor work in unison, this Volvo SUV has plenty of grunt. The downside is that the XC40 PHEV is front wheel drive only, so you need to be careful if you’re travelling on soggy or loose surfaces.

Performance

Good. A 0-60mph time of just over seven seconds means the car feels lively. The 1.5 litre petrol engine may seem small, but add in the power from the battery driven electric motor and you end up with a car that will easily cruise on the motorway and allow some fun on backroads. It’s quiet too – very refined – but if anything it could do with a bit of character being injected into it.

For most folk though, they’ll enjoy the cushy ride and predictable handling. The on-board battery only has a very limited range so you’ll need to recharge on a regular basis. A charge takes around 4 hours.

Day-to-day practicality

Excellent. All Volvos are easy to live with and this XC40 is no exception. It is lovely to drive, very comfortable and, as mentioned earlier, is packed with safety kit. When the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) tested the XC40 it came out with flying colours and rated as one of the safest cars they’d ever had.

There’s a premium feel to the interior and there’s a good level of standard kit. It will happily pile on the miles on a long journey or trundle around town. A great all-rounder.

Value for money

Okay, the Volvo XC40 isn’t cheap, but it’ll hold onto its value like a limpet and comes with an impressive level of goodies as standard including a 360° parking camera (it looks like a satellite is staring down at the car). Auto braking is handy if you are reversing into an obscured spot and the car detects anything crossing behind. There’s a powered tailgate that is also really handy when you’ve got your hands full.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Roof rails come as standard, as do LED headlights, cruise control, tyre pressure monitor, sat nav, air con, a really smart 9in centre display screen, reversing camera, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel, a power outlet in the boot, DAB radio and powered driver’s seat. There’s not much else you could need really.

Verdict

Safe, well equipped, comfortable, lively and with a decent towing limit. What’s not to love? This Volvo XC40 is at its happiest when either cruising along the motorway or using battery power around town. However, if you regularly do long, fast journeys, your mpg will suffer because you’re carrying around a hefty battery as part of your load. As a day-to day car for work commuting, going to the tip, school run, shopping and weekend towing or an outing to the beach, it’ll be perfect. Make use of the hybrid system and it will also be seriously economical. It’s one of our favourites.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk or motorpoint.co.uk

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Isuzu D-Max V-Cross AWD review

Graham Courtney — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 08:13:32 +0000

creditUnknown

Isuzu D-Max V-Cross AWD Auto

Th Isuzu D-Max is a tough, uncompromising, all-wheel drive pick-up that has brilliant towing ability, making it one to consider when looking into the best vehicles for towing horses. It’s surprisingly good to drive, with a decent level of equipment as standard, and feels safe, too.

Details

Seats: 5

Engine: 1898cc (Diesel)

Towing capacity: 3,500kg

Power: 162 bhp

Gearbox : 6-speed auto with all-wheel drive

0-60mph: 12.7secs

Top speed: 112mph

Economy: 33.6mpg

CO2: 220g/km

Economy

It’s a pick-up truck so it’s never going to be brilliant. The diesel engine is designed to develop power at low revs – and it does – but you need to work it quite hard which soaks up the fuel.

Towing ability

Excellent. Anything that can tow 3.5 tonnes and all-wheel drive will always get full marks in this section from us. A powerful engine, plus the ability to carry a hefty load in the flat-bed area really does mean this Isuzu is great for anyone who needs to tow and carry two sizeable horses and a lot of kit.

Performance

As with the economy, it’s never going to be great, but 0–60mph performance isn’t what a pick-up truck like the Isuzu D-Max is really designed for. It’s supposed to be a workhorse. Having said that, it’s reasonably quick off the mark but, as speed builds, it tends to run out of puff. However, for day-to-day work, that won’t be a problem. It will also cruise nicely at 70mph.

Day-to-day practicality

If you need a vehicle to do a job, this Isuzu pick-up is excellent. However don’t be fooled, it will also be a decent alternative to an SUV or estate car. The previous D-Max was a tad agricultural and focussed on the workhorse aspect, but Isuzu has made this latest version much more ‘lifestyle’ focussed. The ride is surprisingly well controlled and, yes, it’s good to drive – fun, actually.

The rear of the pick-up is great for loading up feed and bedding, plus you can get a lockable cover for when you go away (Image credit: creditUnknown)

A lot of pick-ups will never see a field or tow a trailer but it’s nice to know that it has go-anywhere ability if you need it. Oh, and children love riding in a pick-up, too. You can also get a lockable load area cover to keep your belongings secure if you’re going on holiday or heading to a stay-away show.

One minor snag for people who are less mobile is that the Isuzu D-Max is higher off the ground than a car. Rather than flopping down into a seat, you need to climb up and in. Side steps, as on this V-Cross version, will help.

Value for money

If you have a business you may be able to reclaim the VAT. Pick-up trucks, despite being a serious family transport alternative, are classed as a commercial vehicle and are, therefore, taxed as such – hence why they’re becoming popular as day-to-day transportation. In comparison to other pick-ups, the D-Max is well priced.

The version we’ve reviewed here has a lot of bells and whistles included as standard, but if you want the D-Max to be used as a tool and earn its keep, then head lower down the range. Prices start at just over £23,000 before VAT if you can manage without all-wheel drive and with no rear cab. You can spend around £27,000 (ex VAT) for a cab that has rear seats, 4×4 transmission and exactly the same engine and towing ability as the more expensive versions.

The V-Cross version shown here is well equipped and comes with air con, reversing camera (great for hitching a trailer), DAB radio, front and rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, heated front seats, side steps and a 9-inch multifunction touchscreen.

Verdict

UK sales of pick-ups are rising, while a pick-up has been the top selling vehicle in the US for more than 30 years. As vehicles like the Isuzu D-Max become less workhorse focussed and more family and commuter friendly, they are starting to find buyers who simply like the look and versatility of a pick-up.

View used and new now at autotrader.co.uk

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Mazda CX-5 Sport review

Graham Courtney — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 10:02:21 +0000

creditUnknown

Mazda CX-5 Sport 2.2D AWD

The Mazda Cx-5 is a mid-size SUV is powered by a diesel engine and benefits from all-wheel drive. It has a good towing ability and an excellent level of equipment and safety kit as standard.

Details

Seats: 5

Engine: 2191cc (Diesel)

Towing capacity: 2,100kg

Power: 181 bhp

Gearbox : 6-speed auto with all-wheel drive

0-60mph: 9.6secs

Top speed: 129mph

Economy: 42.6mpg

CO2: 173g/km

Economy

Decent, bearing in mind that this is an all-wheel drive car. The manufacturer’s 42.6mpg figure should be easily achievable. Go easily and you’ll get close to 50mpg. Diesel also works well for towing.

Towing ability

Good. With a towing limit of 2100kgs and a powerful diesel engine, this Mazda would easily manage most horse boxes with a decent sized horse on board. All-wheel drive helps you cross muddy fields and improves traction on slippery roads. Reversing camera makes hitching a trailer simple.

Performance

Decent. A 2.2 litre diesel engine will always give you good low-speed lugging power. No need to rev the engine. This is great for setting off when towing a hefty load. All-wheel drive also helps when traction is reduced – for example, in wintery weather, rutted tracks or getting out of a muddy field. The diesel engine sounds a bit gruff when cold or under hard acceleration, but it’s refined when cruising.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Day-to-day

The Mazda CX-5 is one of the best driving SUVs around. If you enjoy driving, you’ll love it. There’s a sporty feel to the car and, although the suspension has a slightly firmer set-up than some of the rivals, the ride is comfortable and the handling very predictable. There’s a surprising amount of interior space and, thanks to the five seats, it ticks the boxes when it comes to sensible family transport. Great for the school run or holiday outings. The boot isn’t the biggest for this size of SUV, but it should cope with most of your day-to-day stuff.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Value for money

Good. If you compare like for like with other SUVs, make sure you check out the level of standard kit. Every CX-5 comes with satellite navigation, LED headlights, DAB radio, front and rear parking sensors, air conditioning and auto lights and wipers. The Sport trim this adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, reversing camera, front wiper de-icer, tilt and slide sunroof, powered tailgate, heated steering wheel, and a head-up display that projects information onto the windscreen. The whole interior has a premium feel and look, and it’s roomy too. If you don’t need such a high towing capacity, take a look at the petrol models.

Verdict

Mazda isn’t a name a lot of people think of when it comes to buying a car for towing– it’s a pity as they don’t know what they’re missing. This CX-5 is a typical Mazda in that it’s good to drive, well equipped and has an excellent reliability record. It’s a handsome thing, too. It’s roomy and, thanks to a good towing ability, it will make for a terrific family all-rounder and workhorse. If you can manage a slightly lower towing limit, you can do without the all-wheel drive – and if you’re prepared to ditch some of the goodies, take a look at the entry level SE-L. The petrol engine is smoother and quieter and you’ll save around £7,000, but there’s no reduction in driver appeal.

View used and new now at motorpoint.co.uk or autotrader.co.uk

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Check your horsebox tyres for safety – and to avoid ‘unlimited’ fine

Lucy Elder — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 20:03:20 +0000

Horsebox owners are being reminded to “be prepared before they travel” as winter approaches.

National Highways, formerly the Highways Agency, has called on all drivers to prepare for the change in seasons, while October is also tyre safety month.

“In an emergency, roadworthy tyres could be the difference between driving away and the unthinkable,” said Stuart Lovatt, chairman of TyreSafety, which runs the campaign.

It is also a timely reminder of the law change last year, meaning it is illegal for vehicles with a gross mass above 3.5 tonnes to use tyres over 10 years old on the front (steering) axle(s).

“There are actually unlimited fines in England and Wales, and fines of up to £5,000 in Scotland, if you are found to be in breach of that rule,” Claire Barker of PRP Rescue Services told H&H.

She added that it goes without saying that there is the safety aspect of why people should be complying with the law, which runs alongside the legal and financial implications of using unfit tyres.

“For us, tyres are by far the most common cause of breakdown of horseboxes leading to call-outs to us,” she said. “Of course there are times something unavoidable happens, but a huge amount of the time it’s due to tyres that perhaps should have been replaced before the point at which something happened.

“Because horseboxes are often not used every day, when they are parked up, the rubber can deteriorate really quickly. So it’s hugely important to regularly check the tread-depth of your tyres and the sidewalls for any kind of cracking or crazing.”

The latest Government figures show that condition of tyres was the top reason for HGV vehicles failing their MOT in January to March this year.

“Coming into winter, a lot of lorries are likely to be standing for longer periods of time, so it’s really important to keep an eye on those tyres,” added Ms Barker. “With the 10-year rule, which can only be a good thing, it’s important to realise that the spare wheel must also fall within that time period. If we attended a breakdown and were asked to fit a spare that was over 10 years old, rather than provide a new tyre, we wouldn’t be able legally to fit it and send the vehicle off on the road.”

Regardless of vehicle size – horsebox or car and trailer – roadworthiness of the vehicle and condition of all tyres is the driver’s responsibility. This also has potential insurance implications, too.

“Having a tyre blow-out can be so frightening and so dangerous, especially with horses on, as it is very difficult to control a vehicle with moving weight on the back,” she said.

Maintaining vehicles through the colder months is key and the work needed will likely depend on whether a box is used more or less frequently through the winter months.

“Even if you don’t plan on using it very frequently, make sure the fluid levels are topped up and that you’ve drained the [leisure] water tanks, keep an eye on your tyres, start it once a week or more frequently and even take it for a little drive,” she said.

“You never know when you might need to do an emergency vet run and the last thing you want is to discover the thing won’t start or the brakes are locked on.”

Lexus RX 450h F-Sport review

Graham Courtney — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 10:17:32 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Lexus RX 450h F-Sport

The Lexus RX 450h is a large self-charging hybrid 4×4 SUV that is powered by a petrol engine and battery-driven electric motor. It has a premium image and decent towing ability.

Details

Seats: 5

Engine: 3456cc (Petrol)

Towing capacity: 2,000kg

Power: 309 bhp

Gearbox : CVT auto

0-60mph: 7.7secs

Top speed: 124mph

Economy: 35.3mpg

CO2: 178g/km

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Economy

Only average figures at first glance, but this is a sizeable car, so they’re actually okay. If you can make full use of the on-board battery that charges itself as you go along, you’d trundle around at town speeds using no petrol so those figures will be achievable. 35mpg will probably be close to your overall average.

Towing ability

Good. With a towing limit of 2,000kgs, this Lexus RX 450h would easily manage most horse boxes with a decent sized horse on board. All-round cameras make hitching simple, while the 4×4 capability is always a bonus.

Performance

Good. At town speeds or setting off from traffic lights, you use battery power only and ride along in near silence. If you need more “oomph”, the 3.5 litre engine bursts into life. The CVT gearbox needs the revs to rise to a high level to produce performance, but once you settle into a cruise, the revs will drop. It’s not noisy… it just sounds a bit odd.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Boot space and day-to-day practicality

You get five seats. Rear seats slide and recline for extra comfort and legroom. The boot is 539 litres, which is okay although other big SUVs offer more. The rear seats flop forward on the press of a handy button in the boot to increase your load area to 1,579 litres. The boot opening is quite high above the ground so care is needed with heavy items. It’s a wonderfully relaxed long-distance cruiser and the ride is super-cushy. You can also choose various driving modes between comfortable and sporty.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Value for money

Lexus models retain their value. Standard equipment is decent with sat nav, air con, parking sensors, LED headlights, heated, ventilated and powered front seats, heated steering wheel, and an electronic tailgate, which handy if you’ve got your arms full of tack. Keyless entry also means the car senses when you’re approaching and unlocks the doors and boot automatically. A really clever device, and useful when attaching a trailer, is a camera system that shows the car’s exterior on the dashboard colour touchscreen. Yes, it’s not cheap, but compared to other luxury cars of this ability and specification, it’s pretty good. Go for the entry level models and they’re even better value.

Verdict

Lexus has been named as the UK’s most reliable car brand in the What Car? 2022 Awards. If you buy new, you can extend the warranty to 100,000 miles or 10 years. The Lexus RX 450h is good to drive, reasonably economical if you’re careful, and well equipped. The all-wheel drive transmission makes towing very assured. If luxurious 4×4 motoring is something you fancy, this is a good place to start.

View used and new now at motorpoint.co.uk or autotrader.co.uk

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Škoda Octavia Estate 2.0 TDi review

Graham Courtney — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 14:50:35 +0000

creditUnknown

Škoda Octavia Estate SE L 2.0 TDi

Details

Seats: 5

Engine: 1968cc (Diesel)

Towing capacity: 1,600kg

Power: 148 bhp

Gearbox : DSG auto

0-60mph: 8.6secs

Top speed: 139mph

Economy: 63.2mpg

CO2: 117g/km

Economy

Excellent. Despite being a sizeable car, as long as you stick with a diesel engine, this Škoda Octavia is seriously economical. Even the petrol versions are pretty good, too. If you go easily, you’ll crack 60mpg.

The Skoda Octavia we tested has a towing limit of 1,600kg, but the 4×4 model boosts this to two tonnes (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Towing ability

Good. With a towing limit of 1,600kgs, this particular Škoda Octavia would easily manage, for example, an Equi-Trek Apollo horse box with a 15hh horse on board. We used that model for our 2022 towing guide. If you like the look of this car but needed additional towing flexibility, you can fork out an additional £1,500 (we would) and go for the 4×4 model. This bumps-up your towing limit to a useful two tonnes.

Performance

Good. The 2.0 litre diesel engine feels really punchy. The power arrives at low revs, which means the car pulls away effortlessly even with the loaded horse box attached. It comes with an automatic gearbox as standard. You can either let the gearbox work on its own or you can have some fun and switch the ratios by using paddles behind the steering wheel. All-wheel drive is an option.

With the seats folded down, the boot capacity is 1,740 litres (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Boot space

Škoda has earned a great reputation for building solid, family friendly cars that are also versatile. The Octavia Estate one of those cars that manages to easily fit the bill as a daily commuter, school bus, holiday express and weekend workhorse. The big bonus is the boot space. Even with the rear seats in place it is still a very useful 640 litres, however flop them into the floor and it rises to a staggering 1,740 litres. It will easily cope with all of your tack or holiday luggage. Taking rubbish to the tip or collecting your feed was never so easy!

The SE L trim includes an infotainment system with satnav, DAB radio and Bluetooth (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Value for money

Good. It’s not cheap but standard equipment is decent and has the sort of stuff that horse owners will find are really handy. How about a storage area within the front doors for umbrellas, lashing hooks in the load area and, flip open the fuel flap to reveal an ice scraper. The SE L trim adds sat nav, DAB radio, Bluetooth, front and rear parking sensors with manoeuvre assist, cruise control and heated front seats. There’s also a 12v socket in the boot and there are roof rails. You can release the boot lid electronically from inside the car. A rear view camera is positioned in the boot lid handle, which is handy for hitching up.

Verdict

The Škoda Octavia Estate car is good to drive, economical, well equipped and with a vast load area. The all-wheel drive model will tow 2000kgs, but even the slightly cheaper version shown here is an extremely capable towing vehicle. Terrific all-rounder.

View used and new now at motorpoint.co.uk or autotrader.co.uk

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‘My worst nightmare’: breakaway cable ‘saves horses’ lives’ after towbar detaches at 50mph

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 11 May 2022 13:19:48 +0000

The owner of a trailer that came loose when her towbar came off her new second-hand car at about 50mph has shared her story in hope it will prevent others suffering a similar experience

Georgia Rodway was taking her horse Flight and Alfie, who belongs to a friend, to cross-country schooling last Sunday (1 May) when the incident happened.

She told H&H she had only owned the Land Rover Discovery for a week but had taken it to a garage for a full safety check before she towed with it, spending over £2,000 to ensure it was safe.

“It was driving as smooth as a nut but when we were about halfway there, I heard an almighty bang and could see the trailer snaking, and tipping from one side to the other,” she said.

“I instinctively took my foot off the accelerator to try to slow down — it felt like it all happened slowly, but of course it was really fast — then the trailer came to a stop because the breakaway cable had pulled the handbrake on. It turned out the towbar had completely come off the car.”

Georgia’s partner has a van with a towbar so was able to take the horses home.

“The breakaway cable saved their lives,” Georgia said.

“I had to do the towing test and I remember from the training the importance of the breakaway cable. You see people just looping the cable over the towbar but I always clipped it on [to the chasis], and I’m bloody glad I did.”

Georgia has since found out there were some issues relating to the operator use and storage of the towbar on this vehicle; a letter was sent to registered keepers in 2014 offering a reminder of the usage instructions in the vehicle handbook and a free check, and repair if necessary, but as she had only just bought the car, she was unaware of this.

“This was my worst nightmare,” she said. “We were very lucky no one was coming the other way as we ended up in the middle of the road. At one point, the trailer was next to the car as it was snaking so badly and if it hadn’t been for the cable, the trailer would have been down a cliff. It doesn’t bear thinking about.”

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Georgia Rodway)

‘The trailer shot past me’: driver’s horror as towbar fails on roundabout

‘I went round the roundabout but the trailer didn’t’

(Image credit: Georgia Rodway)

New trailer towing law finally comes into force three months after test scrapped

(Image credit: Georgia Rodway)

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Trailer theft increase thought linked to towing law change

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 19:01:47 +0000

CHANGES to towing rules are thought to be behind an increase in trailer thefts, as police and insurers urge owners to take precautions.

The car and trailer towing test was scrapped last year as part of Government plans to tackle the HGV driver shortage crisis, so since December, most drivers have been legally able to tow a horse trailer without taking an extra test.

Leicestershire Police and SEIB Insurance Brokers are two organisations that have told H&H of increased numbers of trailer thefts since the law came into force.

A police spokesman told H&H the issue is not just a local one, and that many trailers are being stolen overnight from isolated, rural locations. Owners are also reminded that any delay in reporting a theft to police can cause issues.

Lucie Pritchard’s Ifor Williams 506 was stolen from a livery yard in Nottinghamshire last month. Lucie believes the increase in thefts is linked to the law change.

“It’s too much of a coincidence otherwise; there’s much more demand now and prices have shot up,” she told H&H. “I’ve since upgraded my trailer, and I got £1,000 more than I’d paid for it 11 months before.”

Lucie has urged others to check their insurance policies to ensure their trailer locks meet the appropriate specification, and to consider a tracker — hers meant her trailer was recovered within 24 hours.

“It changes your mentality from ‘My trailer’s been stolen and there’s nothing I can do’ to ‘My trailer’s been stolen, let’s go and find it’,” she said. “The tracker made life a lot easier, and meant the police were more likely to make an effort as there was more chance of recovery.”

“Also to consider is that I had everything on it; hitch lock, wheel lock, postcode on the roof, but the insurers said they may not have paid out as they weren’t approved brands,” Lucie added. “I’ve bought others now, for £600. I’d also only insured it for £4,000 but its value had gone up, and if they had paid out, it might not have been its full worth, so it’s worth getting a valuation.”

Treve Jenkyn, data protection officer at trailer and plant checking company The Equipment Register, said people often park trailers at livery yards, and do not always notice straight away if they are stolen.

“A horse trailer that has been gone for several days could have been sold on, sometimes even twice, before it is reported as stolen,” he said.

SEIB deputy chairman Barry Fehler said: “If a trailer is purchased that is later identified as stolen, the purchaser is liable to return the trailer to its rightful owner. We work closely with police and theft tracking companies and the information they hold on stolen trailers. By reporting the theft of a trailer quickly, it dramatically increases the chance of it being successfully returned to its rightful owner. Having the correct insurance provides peace of mind for our customers.”

Leicestershire Police advised owners to hide trailers from view, block them in if possible, use appropriate locks, and consider postcode-marking panels. Owners should also note the model and serial numbers, keep photos of the trailer, and pass all the above details to police if reporting a theft.

Voluntary Government training scheme to promote safer towing

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 12:16:07 +0000

The Government hopes a new voluntary trailer-training accreditation scheme will help promote safer towing.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced it is working with the driver-training and trailer industries to develop the scheme, which aims to “provide motorists with the skills, knowledge and competencies to tow safely”.

There has been widespread concern over road safety since the Government announced last year the trailer test was to be scrapped, and for the future of driver-training businesses, as well as animal welfare.

But the DVSA said this week the Government is “committed to road safety and encouraging drivers who tow for business or leisure to get professional training before towing or to refresh their towing skills”. The scheme, which is due to launch next month, will provide core training for all drivers, and specific modules for different types of towing.

The DVSA and Department for Transport have worked with the trailer-training industry to form the National Council for Accredited Trailer Training to “oversee the scheme and set good towing practice”.

DVSA chief driving examiner Mark Winn said: “We’re strongly encouraging drivers wishing to tow for business or leisure to seek professional training before they start towing or if they need to refresh their towing skills.

“The trailer-training accreditation scheme will help ensure they have the right skills, knowledge and competencies to tow a trailer or caravan safely.”

The DVSA is also working with trailer and training organisations that have expressed interest in being accrediting bodies. These will accredit trainers and run the scheme, and an announcement will be made on this in the near future.

The Government has advice on safe towing on its website.

New trailer towing law finally comes into force three months after test scrapped

Lucy Elder — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 19:40:52 +0000

The car and trailer towing test has been scrapped as part of Government plans to tackle the HGV driver shortage crisis, meaning most drivers can now tow a horse trailer without taking an extra test under the new trailer towing law.

The change to the towing rules were announced in September 2021 and finally came into effect on 16 December, following three months of limbo and delays.

The decision directly affects the horse world in several ways. It means people who have not shelled out for training and testing, previously a legal requirement for anyone who passed the driving test after 1 January 1997, are able to tow a trailer up to 3.5T maximum authorised mass (MAM).

It also affects equestrians seeking their HGV licence, as the towing test was scrapped to make way for 50,000 extra lorry tests.

The initial response on social media in September was mixed. Those who had already paid for training and undergone testing will not be eligible for refunds, although there were some specific exceptions for people with upcoming tests booked. There is a significant knock-on effect for towing training firms and safety concerns have also been voiced.

The new rules surrounding what size and weight of car and trailer a person can tow will still depend to some extent on when they originally passed your car driving test.

Trailer towing law change: training remains encouraged

The Driver Vehicle and Standards Agency explanation states the change follows a public consultation involving 9,541 responses.

“These changes will not change the standard of driving required to drive an HGV, with road safety continuing to be of paramount importance,” added the DVSA statement, issued on Friday (10 September).

“Any driver who does not demonstrate utmost competence will not be granted a licence. All car drivers will also still be encouraged to undertake training to tow trailers and caravans. We’ve already delivered 50% more [HGV] tests than were available before the pandemic, but today’s additional measures will deliver yet more tests.”

The DVSA’s advice to those who offer towing training states: “Professional training is still important for car drivers who want to tow a trailer, so we will continue to encourage those wanting to tow to seek training before towing a trailer.

“We encourage you to talk to your car and trailer pupils to explain what they will no longer need to take a test and will be able to tow a trailer that’s up to 3,500kg maximum authorised mass when the law changes. You can also signpost your pupils to our towing guidance.”

Read the full guidance on the trailer towing law changes on the Government website

Have you been affected by the Government’s decision to scrap the car and trailer towing test? Let us know about your experiences by writing to hhletters@futurenet.com for a chance to see your views in H&H magazine and you could win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger (please include your name and address; letters may be edited).

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Safety and business fears over trailer test scrapping

Drivers forced to wait a little longer for law change to allow trailer towing

Becky Murray — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 19:03:22 +0000

Changes to the car and trailer towing law, which will allow more people to tow horse trailers without having to pass an additional test, have been delayed.

The new law had been due to come into force on 15 November but in an update published by the DVLA today (11 November) it was announced this is no longer the case.

“The change will be introduced at a later date, and as soon as possible,” read the statement.

Under the new rules people who passed their car driving test from 1 January 1997 will be allowed to tow trailers up to 3.5T maximum authorised mass (MAM) – however different rules will apply if you live in Northern Ireland.

Until the law change comes into effect, drivers must continue to follow the current rules about what they are allowed to tow based on when they passed their car driving test. Drivers can only tow anything heavier, if being supervised by a person at least 21 years old who has had category BE on their licence for a minimum of three years.

“You can be fined up to £1,000, be banned from driving and get up to 6 penalty points on your driving licence if you tow anything heavier before the law changes,” states the Government website.

Decision to scrap car and trailer towing test

The DVSA announced plans to scrap the car and trailer (B+E) towing test on 10 September as part of Government plans to tackle the HGV driver shortage. The reasoning behind the decision was to free up testing capacity for lorry drivers.

The decision sparked serious road safety concerns, with training schools, equine transport rescue service providers and road safety organisations all strongly urging drivers to undertake training before hitching up. Some also felt the change would not help to significantly increase the number of HGV drivers.

Date confirmed for law change on car and trailer towing rules

Lucy Elder — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 18:12:56 +0000

The new car and trailer towing law, which will allow many more people to tow horse trailers and caravans by removing the requirement to pass an additional test, is expected to come into effect on 15 November.

The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) revealed the date of the law change today (19 October). This follows the scrapping of the car and trailer (B+E) towing test in September.

In broad terms, people who passed their car driving test from 1 January 1997 will be allowed to tow trailers up to 3.5T maximum authorised mass (MAM) without undertaking another test from 15 November 2021, subject to parliamentary approval.

“DVLA [Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency] will update your driving licence record to show that you’re allowed to tow trailers. You’ll get category BE added to your driving licence when you get a new photocard driving licence,” states the latest Government update.

“You do not need to contact DVLA for this to happen. It will be done automatically.”

But drivers are also urged to check the small print surrounding the date they passed their test and the MAM of the vehicle and/or trailer they wish to tow before getting behind the wheel. This is because the date they passed their car driving test looks set to still have some bearing on the rules, even after the law changes. There are also specific rules for Northern Ireland.

Drivers are also warned not to jump the gun ahead of the law change.

“Until the law changes on 15 November 2021, you must continue to follow the current rules about what you’re allowed to tow based on when you passed your car driving test,” states the Government website.

“You can be fined up to £1,000, be banned from driving and get up to six penalty points on your driving licence if you tow anything heavier before the law changes.

“You’re only allowed to tow anything heavier if you’re being supervised. When you’re being supervised, you must: display L plates to the front of the car and the rear of the trailer [and] be accompanied by a person who’s at least 21 years old and has had category BE on their driving licence for at least three years.”

Decision to scrap car and trailer towing test

The DVSA announced plans to scrap the car and trailer (B+E) towing test on 10 September as part of Government plans to tackle the HGV driver shortage. The reasoning behind the decision was to free up testing capacity for lorry drivers.

Safety and business fears over trailer test scrapping

Lucy Elder — Sun, 03 Oct 2021 20:31:54 +0000

Scrapping the car and trailer towing test is an “accident waiting to happen” and will not solve the HGV driver shortage, leading industry figures have warned.

The B+E test, introduced in 1997, has been scrapped as the Government scrambles to free up HGV tests. When the law changes, this will broadly mean anyone with a car licence will be able to tow a trailer weighing up to 3.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass.

Yet while the B+E test has ended, there is still no exact date for when the new law will come in, beyond “the autumn”.

The decision has sparked serious road safety concerns, and questions remain over whether it may result in a spike in demand for towing vehicles and trailers.

Training schools, equine transport rescue service providers and road safety organisations are all strongly urging drivers to undertake training before hitching up.

“We are very concerned about the scrapping of trailer tests and the implications for both general road safety and animal welfare,” Claire Barker, of PRP Rescue Services, told H&H.

“We strongly encourage anyone considering towing for the first time to undertake trailer training similar to that which would have been required before a test.”

Every provider H&H spoke to is continuing to offer training, to help drivers build confidence and improve road safety, and all called for some form of mandatory training and certification to replace the test.

“It’s a knee-jerk reaction to what [the Government] thinks will solve the HGV driver crisis and they are not listening to the industry or safety bodies,” said Nick Martin, of Nick Martin’s Driving School.

He pointed out that when the law changes, a new driver would be able to pass their test in a Mini, and legally get behind the wheel of a 4×4 towing a large trailer the next day.

“It isn’t a good thing for road safety,” he said. “It’s an accident waiting to happen.”

While the Government is encouraging drivers to undergo training, Mr Martin said unless this is compulsory, demand will fall.

“Businesses that have always delivered that training will have to diversify to survive. If it isn’t viable, the businesses won’t be there to provide that,” he said.

He explained driver training was shut down for months, owing to pandemic restrictions, putting pressure on many businesses’ finances. The industry then faced a huge backlog when lessons and tests re-started in April, which had other effects. For example, investment in fleets and increased hours to meet the surge in demand, and to rebuild after months of closure. When the Government scrapped the B+E test, this slashed many businesses’ projected incomes overnight.

“They have done this with no thought or consideration to the industry,” he said, adding that he has “clawed back” two weeks of work from three months of bookings.

“It’s unfair to close our industry down with a week’s notice, and it’s unfair on the customers I had booked, who needed to tow in October and now legally can’t.

“It’s to no avail – they haven’t listened to the industry, the HGV test capacity has never been the issue; it’s the candidates they need to take those tests.”

A DVSA update, dated 21 September, stated there were 316 unsold bus and lorry tests in the previous week.

Busier roads

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) expressed “serious concerns” about ending B+E testing to the Government weeks before the changes were announced.

“Drivers will be a risk to themselves and all other road users if they have not been trained and required to reach a defined standard,” it added.

The RHA suggested a solution, whereby authorised trainers should be allowed to conduct the test on behalf of the DVSA, which it states would be “simple, quicker and almost certainly less expensive for the consumer”.

The idea of a certificate, proving to insurers that the holder has undergone towing training, has been mooted from several corners as a way of boosting safety. It has also been noted that vehicles and trainers are often booked weeks in advance for HGV training, meaning a sudden influx of available tests is not the answer.

In 2019, there were over nine million more cars on British roads than when the towing test was introduced in 1997. The number of miles covered on British roads per year in that time frame, by all types of traffic, increased from 297.8 billion to 356.5 billion – a rise of 58.7 billion.

Matt Price, of Matt Price Driver Training, is among those feeling a heavy impact from the decision to scrap the test. He also suggested certification as a way forward.

“From a safety perspective, [scrapping the test] is a horrendous decision,” he said.

The change means Mr Price is now offering more tailored training that can include navigating a person’s own yard, with their vehicle and trailer.

“There are quite a number of people that have decided they do still want some kind of training,” he said. “When you are travelling something worth [a lot to you], the last thing they want to do is to go out, without any formal training, and get into a sticky situation.”

MT Training Services owner Tony Collinson told H&H he was “flabbergasted” by the decision, and agreed some form of compulsory basic training and certification is urgently needed.

He said his firm is continuing to offer training and it is notable that most drivers undertaking their “due diligence” are from the equestrian world.

“The impact on road safety is going to be huge.The average B+E pass rate was around 60 to 70%, with training. Without training, that would have been massively reduced,” said Mr Collinson, adding that this will result in a huge increase in drivers towing trailers without the basic competency level.

“When you are putting livestock in the back, there has to be some sort of welfare issue.”

Responding to the concerns raised, a Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) spokesman told H&H: “The decision to remove the requirement for car drivers to take a B+E test if they want to tow a trailer was subject to a public consultation exercise. The consultation received over 9,500 responses and most respondents supported the proposals.

“The DVSA is exploring options for an industry-led accreditation that could offer a standardised non-statutory training approach. We have met with key stakeholders, including trainers and insurers, to discuss this issue. We have also met with horse associations, including the British Horse Society and British Animal Rescue and Trauma Association.”

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“Although confidence to tow was highly reported amongst those surveyed, there is no substitute for learning the right skills and knowledge with a trained professional,” a DVSA spokesman said.

The results of the survey were released during the National Trailer Towing Association’s Trailer Safety Week, which runs from 5 to 11 June.

DVSA head of vocational policy Jessica Williams said: “The survey is clear that whilst people feel confident about towing, the majority have not been trained by a road safety professional, regardless of when they passed their test.

“If you’re planning to go away this summer, make sure you get training from an accredited provider. Whether you’ve never towed before, or already have some experience, ensuring you have the right skills and knowledge will keep you and others safe.”

Transport minister Richard Holden said: “The Government is committed to supporting the safe use of trailers and helping to keep everyone safe on the roads.

“I am pleased to see DVSA’s support for Trailer Safety Week and know they will continue to work with the National Council of Accredited Trailer Training to promote the accredited training offer to experienced and novice towers alike.

“And more broadly, they will continue to push out key safety messages for trailer users”.

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