Towing a Trailer Tent: What You Need to Know Before You Hit the Road

We’ve been using a trailer tent for years now, and I’ll tell you—it’s one of the best ways to camp. You get the convenience of towing something light, the comfort of raised beds and real space, and the freedom to park almost anywhere.

But if you’re new to towing a trailer tent, or if it’s been a while since you last hitched up, there are a few things you really should know before heading out. Towing a trailer tent is easier than towing a caravan, but that doesn’t mean you can just hook it up and go without a second thought.

This guide walks you through the key things to keep in mind—from hitching up safely to reversing like a pro and packing your trailer for balance.

Why Trailer Tents Are Great for Campers

Before we get into the towing side of things, let’s take a moment to appreciate why trailer tents are such a solid option.

• They’re lighter than caravans, so most standard cars can tow them
• You get real beds, off-ground sleeping, and more space than a regular tent
• They're easier to store and cheaper to insure than larger campers
• You still feel close to nature—but with a bit more comfort

If you love camping but want to keep things mobile and manageable, a trailer tent is a perfect middle ground.

1. Know Your Car’s Towing Capacity

This is the first thing you should check before you even think about towing.

Every vehicle has a maximum towing weight, also known as its braked towing capacity. You’ll find this in your car’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door. Make sure your fully loaded trailer tent doesn’t exceed this limit.

Keep in mind that this includes everything packed inside the trailer—not just the base weight. Food, gear, water containers... it all adds up.

2. Practice Hitching Up Before Your First Trip

Hooking up the trailer tent to your car isn’t hard, but it does take a bit of practice to get it smooth—and safe.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Go slow when reversing toward the hitch. A small misjudgment can leave a dent in your bumper
• Use a hitch guide or camera if you have one—it makes lining up easier
• Double check the hitch lock is fully engaged and that your breakaway cable is properly attached
• Don’t forget the electrical plug for your lights—test your indicators and brake lights before driving off

Even after years of doing this, I still do a quick checklist every time. It's the kind of habit that saves you trouble later.

3. Balance the Weight Inside Your Trailer Tent

This part is more important than most people realise.

A poorly loaded trailer is harder to tow, sways more in the wind, and puts extra stress on your car.

The goal is to keep your trailer balanced and slightly nose-heavy. Here’s how:

• Place heavier items (like water containers, cooking gear) over or just in front of the axle
• Lighter items (sleeping bags, clothing) can go to the rear
• Don’t overload one side of the trailer
• Make sure the nose weight (the downward force on the tow ball) stays within your car’s recommended limits—usually around 50–90 kg

Too much weight in the back? The trailer might fishtail.
Too much weight in the front? You’ll feel it dragging the back of your car down.

4. Reversing a Trailer Tent—It’s a Skill Worth Learning

Reversing with a trailer takes practice, and trailer tents—because they’re shorter—can actually be trickier than caravans.

The key rule to remember: turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction of where you want the trailer to go.

Sounds strange at first, but once you try it a few times, it starts to feel natural.

Here’s what helps:

• Take it slow and steady
• Use your mirrors constantly
• Ask someone to spot you from behind—just make sure they know not to stand where you can’t see them
• Practice in an empty car park before trying it on a busy campsite

And don’t worry if you have to correct yourself a few times. Even experienced campers take a few shuffles now and then.

5. Watch Your Speed and Braking Distance

Trailer tents don’t weigh as much as full caravans, but they still affect how your car behaves on the road.

You’ll need to allow for:

• Longer braking distances
• Slower acceleration, especially uphill
• Tighter turning radius—watch those kerbs
• Extra caution in crosswinds or when overtaking trucks

In the UK, if you’re towing, you’re limited to 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways, and 50 mph on single carriageways. And no—you're not allowed in the fast lane on a three-lane motorway.

6. Tyre Checks and Pressure Matter More Than You Think

Trailer tyres often sit unused for months. That’s why it’s so important to:

• Check the tyre pressure before every trip
• Look for signs of cracking, bulging, or wear
• Don’t forget the spare wheel—and check that too
• Replace tyres that are over 5 years old, even if they look fine

A blown tyre on a trailer isn’t just annoying—it’s dangerous and can cause real damage to the unit.

7. Use a Towing Mirror (It’s the Law in Many Cases)

If your trailer tent is wider than your car, or blocks your rear visibility, you need towing mirrors.

They help you see down both sides of the trailer and give you much better awareness on the road. They're quick to attach and make a big difference when reversing or changing lanes.

8. Don’t Overpack—Even If You Think You Can

Trailer tents are roomy, but it’s easy to get carried away when packing. More gear means more weight, more stress on your car, and a higher chance of something shifting around in transit.

Use your car for lightweight or fragile items and your trailer for sturdier, compact things. If you’ve got a roof box or roof rack, make sure you’re not exceeding your overall vehicle weight.

9. Check the Weather—Not Just for the Campsite, but for the Drive

Windy roads, long hills, or torrential rain can change how towing feels. Plan your route with towing in mind.

Avoid narrow country lanes if you’re new to towing. And always leave earlier than you think—you’ll want time for breaks and slower speeds.

10. Get Comfortable With the Setup and Pack-Down Routine

Once you arrive at the campsite, the real fun begins. But the first couple of times setting up a trailer tent can take a while.

Practice at home or a local site if you can. Learn the order of things:

• Chock the wheels and level the trailer
• Unhitch and set the legs
• Raise the frame and unfold the canvas
• Peg everything out securely

The more familiar you are with the process, the faster it gets—and the less likely you are to forget a step.

Final Thoughts

Towing a trailer tent is easy once you get the hang of it, but like anything on the road, it deserves your attention and respect.

Once you’ve mastered the basics—hitching up properly, balancing your load, and taking your time on the road—it becomes second nature. And then? You get all the perks of trailer camping: space, comfort, off-ground sleeping, and a flexible home base wherever you roam.

After years of towing ours across the UK, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s the perfect mix of freedom and comfort.

So take your time, do a few practice runs, double-check your setup—and then hit the road with confidence.

Need more trailer tent tips or setup ideas? We’ve got loads of practical advice over at camplinq.com to help you make every trip smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. Happy towing