Anyone who has ever seen a caravan fishtailing along a highway will know that there is more to towing a load than just a bolted-on tow hitch. The first and foremost essential, aside from driving skill, is that the load is stable. Too much speed or high winds and the mobile holiday so lovingly planned will end brutally at the side of the road.
 

Other Factors

A good tow car doesn't have to be fast or sporting, but it does need to possess enough power and torque to cope with a sensibly matched caravan. That means sufficient poke to overtake dawdling traffic and the strength to hold speed on a gradient. Some faith can be attached to the on-board vehicle technology, some of which helps make towing safer. For example, electronic stability control should recognise when a caravan or trailer is beginning to snake and apply corrective action.

It pays to remember too that the car in question has to still meet other needs; being great for towing isn’t necessarily enough unless it is a working vehicle. There’s the family to consider too; they need to ride with space and comfort and the boot needs to be suitable for all the extras that we tote along on vacation. It can’t all be stowed in the ‘van.

Four-wheel drive is great for all weathers but a tow car doesn’t need it to be effective. The most important thing is, especially for newbies, that the rules, regulations and the different weight capacities of towing are thoroughly learned. These days there are plenty of suitable vehicles to choose from, but here’s our representative sample:
 

The BMW XDrive Series

There are various models. The smallest may not be ideal but select any from the X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 ranges, depending upon the weight capacity needed and the holiday should be set fair. Rugged and reliable with AWD, these cars can take the strain.
 

The Volvo XC60

Popular down at the Caravan Club, the tried and trusted Volvo XC60 not only looks good but it can do a great job towing a trailer. The brand continues to maintain a reputation for safety and build quality is second to none. Expensive perhaps, but worth the extra.

Skoda Selection

Not attracting quite the prestige prices of the first two selections, Skoda nevertheless have a few cars that can do the job, not least the mighty Kodiaq. This is a great car that delivers as a family holiday vehicle but there are other options. Once again, choice always has to be balanced against towing capacities (look up the lesser known ‘noseweight’ regulation) and power but cars like the underrated Skoda Octavia Scout can do the job.
 

Land Rover Discovery

The new versions are great but don’t overlook second-hand models either. Many are now very affordable. The much loved Disco has a refined cabin, is stable at speed and blessed with good acceleration, braking and interior space.

When it comes to towing work trailers or industrial appliances a pick-up truck is the obvious solution but, as previously mentioned, there are many cars available from most manufacturers that would fit the bill for towing a holiday caravan. There are plenty of professional after-market tow-hitch suppliers to call on so why not check out our ever-changing stock of SUV-style vehicles, some with four-wheel drive. We might just have the right tow car for you to buy with confidence as it will come with a full AA inspection.