Whether you’re looking for a van to tow your trailer or a means of transport for your fleet, it’s important to find a van that not only meets your needs but also complies with the law. Here you will find the best vans for towing and what you need to know before going off on your way.
How to Find the Best Van for Towing
Power and Torque
It might be possible for any van to tow a heavy load, but it isn’t advised. Using a van that is underpowered can lead to strain that is avoidable and costly issues further down the line from an over-exerted engine, gearbox and clutch.
Van Towing Capacity
For safety reasons, the towing capacity of your van cannot exceed 85% of your van’s kerb weight. This is how much your vehicle weighs with all its standard equipment, oil coolant and a full tank of fuel.
The law stipulates the maximum weight your vehicle should carry and its combined weight (the sum weight of your van, trailer and goods being towed). This is known as the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and the Gross Combination Weight (GCW). To avoid legal consequences we recommend considering these factors when looking for the best van for towing.
What is the Best Van for Towing?
The Best Medium Van For Towing
The Ford Transit custom pulls out all the stops as the best medium van for towing - which is why it was nominated as one of the best commercial vans of 2021. With its robust towing capacity of 2.8 tonnes, there isn’t much to consider when looking for your ideal mid-sized tow van. Especially as 800kg stand between the Ford Transit Custom and its competitors. If you’re looking for a similar capacity among competition makes, expect to upscale to a large van and pay a higher price. This makes the Ford Transit Custom the best medium van for towing caravans and domestic use. Avoid shelling out on a large van and get ready to enjoy your sunny, seaside holidays
The Best Large Van For Towing
Large vans are our personal recommendation. The bigger a van is, the more power it has. You can easily transport large volumes without exhausting your vehicle. Given this, the best large van for towing is the Iveco Daily. A van known for its heavy-duty use and class-topping payload of 3.5kg. Half a tonne more than what most of its rivals have to offer.
The rear-wheel-drive versions of the Vauxhall Movano and Renault Master are close contenders. With heavy-duty twin-wheel rear axles, towing capacity is raised to 3,500kg.
The Best Small Van For Towing
While towing weight of up to 1,250kg is manageable for most small vans, the Volkswagen Caddy and Fiat Doblo Cargo really set themselves apart from the rest of the class when it comes to the best small vans for towing. Both vans are eerily similar with a towing capacity of 1,500kg, but their payload sets them apart. The Volkswagen Caddy carries a smaller load of 752kg while the Fiat Doblo Cargo boasts a one-tonne payload capacity. A mere 348kg separating the two.
Before hitting the road with a heavy load, remember to drive cautiously, check to see if your vehicle is overweight and stick to speed limits. For single carriage roads, this is reduced to 10mph. Always be observant of your surroundings and fit extended mirrors if you need to. Here’s to safe towing!
