Have you ever spotted a tiny hatchback trying to drag a trailer the size of a small house? In South Africa, trailer towing has its own set of laws and limits. But knowing what weight trailer you can tow isn’t just about following the rules. It’s about safety and saving your clutch from an early retirement.  

And while we can’t stop your aunt from overpacking, we can help you understand the rules and remind you that dotsure.co.za car insurance has your back when life on the road becomes heavy. 

  

Trailer Towing Basics in South Africa 

What Size Trailer Can I Tow with a Car? 

Small cars can happily tow trailers like Venters and other lightweight models, provided they stay within the legal weight limits. This could carry your groceries, camping gear, or a small load of furniture. But if you’re thinking of moving your friend’s piano across the country in an Opel Corsa Lite… maybe you shouldn’t. 

Understanding Trailer Towing Weights 

Legally and mechanically, you need to know two key numbers: 

  • Gross Combination Mass (GCM): This is the maximum weight your car and whatever it’s towing can weigh in total. It includes your vehicle, all passengers, luggage, fuel, and the trailer with its load. Go over this, then you’re breaking the law and putting massive strain on your engine and brakes. 
  • Towing Capacity: This is the maximum trailer weight your vehicle is rated to pull. It will usually be split into two figures: 
  • Unbraked trailers: These don’t have their own braking system. In South Africa, they’re capped at 750 kg or less, no matter how powerful your car is. 
  • Braked trailers: These have their own braking system, which means they can safely weigh more. The actual limit depends on your specific vehicle’s manufacturer specifications, but the general rule is that the trailer can’t weigh more than the towing vehicle itself. 

 

South African Trailer Towing Laws and Licensing 

Trailer Towing Regulations South Africa 

South Africa’s trailer towing laws are clear: 

  • Unbraked trailers cannot exceed 750 kg. 
  • A braked trailer may not weigh more than the tow vehicle. 
  • A load must always be evenly distributed and secured. 

For a full deep dive, check Arrive Alive’s safe towing guide 

Do You Need a Specific Licence to Tow a Trailer? 

Yes. With a Code B licence (standard car licence), you can tow a light trailer up to 750 kg. If you want to haul anything heavier like a horse trailer or a double-axle camping trailer, you’ll need a Code EB licence or higher.  

 

Vehicle Requirements for Towing 

Best Cars and Vehicles for Towing Trailers 

SUVs and bakkies are favourites for good reason: They’ve got the torque and weight to keep things steady. If you’re shopping around, look for vehicles with factory-rated towing capacities and towbar packages. 

Best 4x4 for Towing a Horse Trailer 

Horse trailers are heavy, sensitive loads. You’ll want stability and torque. Popular choices include the Toyota Land Cruiser, the Ford Everest, and the Land Rover Discovery. 

Towing a Horse Trailer with an Automatic: What to Know 

Yes, you can tow with an automatic, but not all gearboxes are made for it. Stick to vehicles with higher torque ratings and towing modes. 

How Much Torque Do I Need to Tow a Trailer? 

Torque is your pulling power. For light trailers, 150–200 Nm is often enough. For caravans or horse boxes, aim for 350 Nm or higher. 

 

Safety Tips for Towing 

Tyre Pressure When Towing a Travel Trailer 

Check both the car and trailer tyres. Increase your pressure slightly (within safe limits) for heavy loads, and always do a pre-trip inspection. 

Can I Tow a Double Axle Trailer with a Car? 

It depends on the car. If it’s a small sedan, you probably can’t. Mid-sized SUVs or bakkies? Yes, if they meet the legal weight requirements. Always confirm your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity before hitching up. 

 

RELATED: CAR SAFETY INSPECTION CHECKLIST FROM US TO YOU 

 

Matching the Right Trailer to the Right Vehicle 

So, what weight trailer can I tow? The short answer is, don’t ask your car to do more than it’s designed for. A small hatchback and a horse trailer are just a disaster waiting to happen. The longer answer is that it depends on your licence, your car’s specs, whether your trailer is braked or not, and your rulebook and manufacturer’s limits. 

All this talk about towing has reminded us about one of the game-changing benefits of car insurance: We offer emergency roadside assistance! So, if you need a tow, we’ve got you covered. Get a quote online today, or contact us for more info.