Towing a Van: What You Need to Tell Us

Why a van is different from a car

Weight, length and height are greater, and many vans carry a load. A car-towing vehicle has limits on the weight and length of its loading bed. The payload counts too: a van with a 3.5-tonne gross weight limit weighs significantly more loaded than empty. That's why we ask for more than just the make and model.

The details that help us most

The 3.5-tonne threshold

With a category B licence, you may drive vehicles up to a 3.5-tonne gross weight limit. That's why this threshold is also the point where requirements for vehicle and driver change in everyday use. Vehicles above it, such as larger delivery vans or motorhomes, need a different towing vehicle, see Motorhome or trailer breakdown. In that case, tell us the length, height and weight so we can work out who can take it on.

Towing it yourself? Better not to

A van can only be pulled with a rope with a great deal of care: the towing vehicle's braking power is often not enough for a loaded vehicle behind it, and without the engine running, power steering and brake assist are off. Whether towing is even permitted on your own licence also depends on whether it counts as emergency assistance towing or hauling under the law, which isn't straightforward. A towing service takes that question off your hands. Rules at a glance: Tow rope or towing service?

Load and tools

Whatever stays in the vehicle ends up on the loading bed during transport. Valuable tools, machinery and materials should be removed or secured if possible. Tell us on the phone if the load can't be removed, and we'll plan around it.

After the breakdown

If the van is in an underground garage or car park, our guide Underground garage and car park can help. If it's on a building site or company premises, tell us who can open access and where the vehicle should be collected from.