Towing laws

[midgeman]

Hi,
My wife and I bought our first caravan last weekend, mainly as it will provide us with better shelter than a tent when away at shows/events.
I have not called the DVLA yet but here's what I am unsure of and wondered if anyone had already confirmed or knew more about it?

I could do with a towing licence and assumed I would need to do one if I wanted to do any towing, looking up the licence classes on DVLA website surprised me as they seem to have changed recently? I passed my test after 1997 and before 2013 (2007) so it seems I could tow a caravan or trailer (over 750kg) as long as it and the towing vehicle don't exceed the 3.5T gross weight limit on a category B licence.
https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car

Also that the laden trailer must not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle.
https://www.gov.uk/towing-rules/y/car-or-light-veh...

Seems a good excuse to start looking for a Land Rover! I believe the van weighs 900kg

[midgeman]

That would be more sensible weight wise. Considering a 90 though. A mondeo doesn't get the caravan out of a muddy field when it's rained all week..

[midgeman]

Around £500 to do B+E tempted to get it done and save the hassle of what vehicle and weights etc.

I wish I still had my old Series 3. Defenders seem a better investment than gold at the moment! £££

[midgeman]

Our little megane went pop this week, getting a replacement next week an '01 Focus hatch. 1.8 16v zetec (not sure on trim level yet) it has a tow bar though and I'm wondering does anyone think it would be up to the job of towing the caravan? I think it might be tight for the laden/unladen weight rules? But if it would be ok then we might be sorted for a towing vehicle!

[midgeman]

I believe the laden trailer/caravan has to weigh less than the unladen towing vehicles weight though. I think the van is 900-1000kg not sure what the focus weighs (1200?) but add clothes, some food, water barrel etc and it could be tight if not over unless the car carries it all.

Edited by midgeman on Sunday 11th May 16:41

[midgeman]

I have the opportunity to buy a Mondeo, 2002 2.0 ltr petrol, I'm guessing that would be more suited than the focus but I haven't found any details on weights etc and not been able to have a good look at the car/manuals. Would anyone know what the kerb and MAM weights are please?

Also got the small problem of no plating on the caravan.. sent pictures to Swift to try and get an age and more details of weights but there's definitely no plate or signs of one that's been removed, too early for marked windows too.