Before you hit the road with a load in tow, it's a good idea to check what your car and tow bar are actually allowed to pull. This article explains how to check towing weights and why it's important to do so before you set off and lose control of your load.
Which one determines it: the car or the tow bar's towing capacity?
There are specific maximum permissible towing weights for both the car and the tow bar. The lower of these two towing weights is always decisive, as it determines how much load you can legally tow with your car. Exceeding the towing weights can result in a safety risk and possibly also a violation of traffic regulations.
Please also note that the maximum vertical load, i.e. the maximum axle load, of the tow bar is predetermined. The maximum permissible vertical load is indicated on the tow bar itself.
Verification of tow masses
The maximum permissible towing weights for a vehicle can be found in the registration information, for example in the registration certificate or Traficom's electronic services. The information includes:
- The maximum permissible mass of a trailer with brakes
- The maximum permissible mass of a trailer without brakes
The maximum towing weights for the tow bar are indicated on the type plate attached to the tow bar or in the installation instructions. The plate also indicates the permissible vertical load for the tow bar.
If this information is not available for some reason, please contact the experts at Koukkupaja – we will help you find the information you need.
How you drive, your driver's license, and the total weight
When towing a trailer, a heavy load affects the braking distance, maneuverability, and acceleration of the car. Therefore, it is important to drive calmly, maintain longer than normal safety distances, and allow more time for stopping.
Also check your driving licence category. For example, a B category driving licence usually allows you to tow a combination with a total mass of up to 3,500 kg. Heavier combinations often require a BE category driving licence.
It is also a good idea to note the technical combination weight specified by the car manufacturer. This refers to the combined maximum permissible weight of the vehicle and trailer, which may restrict towing even if other weight specifications would otherwise allow it. The combination mass must not exceed the value stated in the registration certificate, even if the maximum masses of the vehicle and trailer would otherwise allow it. In other words, the total mass of the car and the maximum permissible mass of the trailer must not exceed the combination mass.
📝 Checklist:
✅ Check the maximum permissible towing weight for both the car and the tow bar
✅ The lower towing weight value always takes precedence
✅ The car's weight data can be found in the registration certificate or at Traficom
✅ The tow bar data can be found on the type plate or in the installation instructions
✅ Check the permissible drawbar load (vertical load) of the tow bar
✅ Take into account the effect of the towing weight on driving behavior
✅ Check the towing weight limits for your driver's license category
✅ The total weight of the combination must not be exceeded
