Happy Campers
Is it illegal to tow an untaxed caravan?
Whether or not you pay may depend on when you passed your test
Whether it’s rain or shine, there is one thing the British public can be counted on doing and that’s going on a caravan holiday.
It’s fun for all the family, but do you need to pay road tax? Here’s everything you need to know about taxing your caravan.
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Is it illegal to tow an untaxed caravan?
First of all, a standard UK driving license entitles you to tow.
However, the weight you are allowed to tow depends on when you passed your driving test.
If you passed before 1st January 1997, you can tow a towing vehicle under 8250kg MAM (maximum authorised mass).
After 1st January 1997, you can only tow a towing vehicle under 3500kg MAM.
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But do you need to pay road tax?
If your caravan is below 3500kg MAM and is only being towed, then it does not need to pay road tax.
So if you're planning to take the family camping, any caravan under 3500km MAM is fine.
Can I be fined for towing an untaxed caravan?
You will not face charges for towing an untaxed caravan below 3500kg MAM.
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If it is above this weight, then it is likely that you will have to pay road tax.
It is important to know how much your caravan weighs, but it is unlikely for a modern caravan to weigh more than 3500kg MAM.
What are the laws on towing caravans and trailers?
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It is absolutely illegal for passengers to ride in a caravan while it is being towed.
Caravans are not built to withstand an impact from a car, so these passengers will be in danger.
Also, having people remain in the caravan may affect the caravan’s weight distribution.
Inside the caravan park with an arcade, laser tag, a swimming pool and even axe throwing
You do not need to have an MOT for your caravan but it is recommended by experts.
In the long run, having an MOT can prevent accidents and keep your property safe.
Insuring your van is not necessary either, but speaking to your car insurance provider is recommended too.
Speaking to your insurer will allow them to adjust your premiums and support you in the event of an accident.
What is the difference between a caravan and a campervan?
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Although we often use the words interchangeably, there is a distinct difference between a caravan and a campervan.
A caravan is a towed trailer, which means it requires a separate vehicle to tow them long distances.
A campervan does not need to be towed, since it has an engine and a drivers cabin.
It entirely comes down to preference when deciding which is better.
Campervans are more mobile and easier to park, which means more campsites accept them.
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However, a caravan allows you to simply park up, climb out of your car and head into your caravan to begin your holiday.
It also means that you can leave the caravan behind for the day and head off in the car.
Why caravan holidays are so underrated
CARAVAN park holidays are a British staple.
And with the cost of living crisis wreaking havoc on Britain's purses, more of us are turning to them for an affordable break.
Josie O'Brien, Senior Digital Writer on Fabulous, weighs in on why she thinks caravan holidays are seriously underrated...
WHEN I was a child, my mum used to collect the £9.50 holiday vouchers in The Sun.
She’d use them to book a couple of nights away at a caravan park during the school holidays.
As an adult, I fully appreciate the convenience of a humble caravan holiday.
No faffing about with passports, no luggage limits and no bog-standard hotel breakfast of stale toast and grey eggs.
I still love caravan holidays as an adult.
In a world of doing everything for the ‘gram, a caravan park brings you back to basics.
There’s no obligation to get dressed up, no stress to fit a million picturesque excursions in one week and I don’t find myself flustered in tourist hot spots like abroad.
I love going to coastal caravan parks and strolling along the beach parade.
My highlight is always fresh mussels, ice-creams and classic pubs to grab an afternoon tipple in.
And then, of course, there’s the cost.
Staying in a caravan is definitely way cheaper than my international trips.
With no expensive hotel bills and the ability to cook my own meals, I'm spending hundreds less than I would abroad.
I've had some of my best and most relaxing holidays in caravans. Maybe I'll buy my own one day.