Trailering and Transporting Your Car
Safe and legal track car transportation
UK Towing Laws
Check your licence! Licences issued after 1997 have restrictions
Licence Categories
- Cat B (post-1997): Max 3,500kg combined MAM
- Cat B+E: Larger trailer combinations
- Pre-1997: Usually includes B+E automatically
Legal Requirements
- Trailer must have valid MOT (if required)
- Working lights and indicators
- Breakaway cable fitted
- Number plate matching tow vehicle
- Insurance coverage for towing
Choosing a Trailer
Trailer Types
- Flatbed: Versatile, easy loading
- Tilt bed: Low loading angle
- Enclosed: Security and weather protection
- Brian James: Popular UK brand
Key Features
- Gross weight rating for your car + spares
- Winch (electric preferred)
- Tyre rack
- Tool box
- LED lights (more reliable)
- Surge brakes or electric brakes
Tow Vehicle Considerations
- 85% rule: Trailer shouldn't exceed 85% of car's kerb weight
- Check manufacturer's towing capacity
- Consider transmission cooling
- Uprated rear springs may help
- Extended mirrors usually required
Loading Procedure
- Position trailer on level ground
- Chock trailer wheels
- Lower ramps securely
- Guide car on slowly and straight
- Centre car on trailer
- Apply handbrake and leave in gear
- Secure with quality ratchet straps
Strapping Down
- 4 straps minimum (one per corner)
- Attach to suspension/subframe points
- Cross straps for extra security
- Avoid strapping to bodywork
- Check rated load of straps
Weight Distribution
- 60% of load ahead of axle
- Nose weight: 50-100kg typical
- Use bathroom scales to check
- Adjust car position if needed
- Heavy items low and forward
Driving with a Trailer
- Speed limits: 60mph dual carriageway, 50mph elsewhere
- Motorways: No outside lane (3+ lanes)
- Braking: Allow 3x normal distance
- Corners: Wide turns, watch trailer wheels
- Reversing: Practice in safe area first
- Wind: Be prepared for buffeting
Pre-Journey Checks
- Lights and indicators working
- Tyres inflated correctly (including spare)
- Wheel bearings - spin freely, no play
- Hitch locked and safety chain attached
- Breakaway cable connected
- Load secure - double check straps
- Number plate fitted and clean
Alternatives to Trailering
- Drive to track: If car is road legal
- Professional transport: £200-500 typical
- Hire trailer: £80-150 per day
- Car sharing: Split costs with friends
Towing Checklist
- Check licence category
- Test all lights
- 60% weight forward
- 4 straps minimum
- Breakaway cable