Van Towing Capacity Chart: What’s The Best Van For Towing?

When it comes to deciding which van is best for you, there’s a number of things to consider, perhaps none more so than towing capacity. Towing capacities vary considerably depending on the size of the van you choose. Small vans typically have a towing capacity of around 1,200kg, while large vans can normally tow in the region of 3,000kg. That’s why it’s always important to think about what your new van is going to be towing before making a commitment. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you’re trying to tow a load of 2,500kg with a van that can only tow 1,800kg – always opt for a van slightly over what you think you’ll need.

What is the Best Van For Towing?

It completely depends on what you want to use the van for. If you’re someone who mainly transports tools and other equipment with your van and works in towns and cities, then a small van will most likely be the best option. Choose a large van if you regularly transport a substantial number of materials or machinery as you will need the extra towing capacity to pull it along. A medium van may be the perfect choice if you want a mix of manoeuvrability and towing capacity.

To help you out when choosing your next van, Vanarama has created a complete van towing capacity chart. Scroll below to pick out the perfect van for business or personal use, all of which can be found on our van leasing page.

Small Van Towing Capacity Chart

In the past decade, sales of small vans have skyrocketed due to their flexibility and practicality. A small van is ideal if you predominately work in a busy town or city as they provide more than enough towing capacity for most, while also being nimble enough to get around tight corners. Due to their size, they are also the most economical vans on the market, saving money on fuel for businesses up and down the country.

In terms of accessibility, most small vans come equipped with a sliding door on the right-hand side of the vehicle along with the standard barn doors at the rear that most vans use. The likes of Ford, Nissan and Volkswagen produce extremely popular and reliable small vans, ranging from a towing capacity of 750 – 1,500kg. The exception is the Nissan E-NV200, which unlike other electric vans, boasts a towing capacity rating of 430kg, whilst also benefitting from zero emissions.

Medium Van Towing Capacity Chart

Medium vans are the perfect midway point between their small and large counterparts and are extremely popular with tradespeople. They offer a mix of large loading spaces, impressive towing capacities, and efficient fuel economy – the perfect combination for what most in the trade are looking for. Medium vans typically offer more space than small or car-based vans while also being compact enough to be easily manoeuvred in tight situations.

The main advantage of medium-sized vans is the variation they offer. Many specifications can be mixed and matched to find the perfect combination that you’re looking for, and this is perhaps most obvious when it comes to towing capacity. Medium vans can range from a towing capacity of 1,000kg, similar to a mid-range small van, all the way to 2,800kg, which is more than most large vans. The main manufacturers of medium vans include Toyota, Vauxhall and Mercedes-Benz.

Large Van Towing Capacity Chart

If you’re facing the biggest and toughest tasks on a regular basis, then a large van could be the perfect choice for you. With Renault, Maxus and Fiat among the most reputable manufacturers of large vans, they are extremely reliable, versatile and trusted to get the job done. There are several benefits of large vans that small and medium vans struggle to match. It may be obvious, but the larger the van the larger the payload. Large vans enable you to transport a large amount of material in one go, saving you vital time when working through a job. Owners also enjoy the high driving position giving them a commanding view of the road.

Large vans also benefit from substantial towing capacities, meaning you’ll be ready to tackle even the most challenging of jobs. At 3,500kg, the Ford Transit, Renault Master and Volkswagen Crafter boast the largest towing capacities of any other vans on the market

To find out everything else you need to know about towing with a van including licensing and trailer checks, don’t forget to visit our ultimate van towing guide for more information.