Maximum trailer weight: what are the rules?

Buying or using a trailer starts with one important question: how much weight can my car tow? Not every vehicle is suitable for towing every type of trailer. The maximum trailer weight depends on several factors, such as the weight of your car, the type of trailer, the driving licence you hold and the technical specifications of your vehicle.

In this guide, we explain how to check your car’s maximum towing capacity, what the difference is between a braked trailer and an unbraked trailer, and why it is important to always respect the technical limits of both your vehicle and trailer.

This helps you avoid overloading, unsafe situations and unnecessary fines.

Frequently asked questions about trailer weight

How do I know how much my car can tow?

Your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity can be found in the vehicle registration documents or through the official vehicle registration authority in your country.

By entering your vehicle registration number, you can access important vehicle information, including:

• the kerb weight of the vehicle (the weight of the car without any load);
• the maximum authorised mass of the vehicle;
• the maximum towing weight;
• the technical specifications that determine which trailer is suitable for your vehicle.

This information is essential when choosing a trailer that can be used safely and legally with your car.

Braked or unbraked trailer: what is the difference?

When determining the maximum weight of a trailer, the trailer braking system also plays an important role. There is a significant difference between a braked trailer and an unbraked trailer.

Unbraked trailer

An unbraked trailer does not have its own braking system. This means the towing vehicle must handle the entire braking force of both the trailer and its load.

Unbraked trailers have a maximum authorised mass of 750 kg. This total weight includes:

• the empty weight of the trailer;
• the load being transported.

Please note: this does not automatically mean that every car can tow 750 kg. The vehicle’s own maximum towing capacity may be lower.

Braked trailer

A braked trailer has its own braking system, which is activated when the towing vehicle brakes. This allows these trailers to transport heavier loads more safely.

Depending on the technical capabilities of both the trailer and the towing vehicle, a braked trailer can have a maximum authorised mass of up to 3,500 kg.

How much weight can my car tow?

The answer depends on several factors. Your driving licence determines which vehicle combinations you are allowed to drive, but the vehicle itself determines how much weight you can actually tow.

For example, if you have a BE trailer licence, you may be allowed to tow a heavier trailer than with a standard car licence. However, this does not automatically mean that every car is suitable for towing a heavy trailer.

Your vehicle must be technically capable of towing the weight you want to transport.

Always check:

• your car’s maximum towing capacity;
• the maximum weight of the trailer including the load;
• the authorised weights listed in your vehicle documents;
• the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Checking the technical maximum weight of a trailer

In addition to your driving licence and the weight of your vehicle, the technical maximum authorised mass of the trailer is also important.

This information can be found in the trailer registration documents or through the official vehicle registration authority in your country.

For example:

An unbraked trailer may technically be designed for a maximum weight of 600 kg. Even if your driving licence allows you to tow a trailer weighing up to 750 kg, you must not load this trailer above its technical limit of 600 kg.

The technical limits of both the car and the trailer always take priority.

Can I tow any trailer with a BE licence?

No. A BE trailer licence determines which vehicle combinations you are legally allowed to drive. However, this does not mean that you can tow any trailer with any car.

The following factors always remain decisive:

• the vehicle’s maximum towing capacity;
• the trailer’s technical maximum authorised mass;
• the total weight of the combination consisting of the car, trailer and load;
• the specifications and recommendations of the vehicle and trailer manufacturer.

It is also important to distinguish between the weight of the trailer including its load and the total weight of the complete combination: car + trailer + load.

The table below provides a general guideline. Always check the current regulations that apply in your country.

* Actual limits may vary depending on the vehicle, trailer and national legislation. Always check the current regulations and the technical specifications of your vehicle and trailer.

Buy a trailer?

Have you gathered all the necessary information and are you ready to hit the road?

Use the EDUARD online configurator to build a trailer that perfectly matches your needs. Thanks to this practical tool, you can quickly select the right dimensions, equipment and configuration for your transport requirements.

You can then request a no-obligation quote directly.

Personal advice from an EDUARD dealer

Are you still unsure which trailer is best suited to your vehicle? Do you have questions about maximum trailer weight, towing capacity, payload capacity or the ideal trailer configuration?

Visit an EDUARD dealer near you. Our dealers are happy to provide personal advice and help you choose the trailer that best fits:

• your vehicle;
• your driving licence;
• your required payload;
• your professional or private transport needs.

This way, you can be confident that you choose a trailer that is safe, practical and perfectly adapted to your situation.