Top selection for transporting a caravan trailer
Top Pick-ups for Towing Caravans in the UK Market in 2023
In the competitive world of pick-ups, several models stand out as top choices for towing caravans in the UK market in 2023.
New Pick-ups
The Ford Ranger, widely regarded as the best pick-up truck in the UK for 2023 and beyond, offers excellent towing capability, a strong payload (up to 1,000kg on all versions), and a rare plug-in hybrid variant providing a quieter driving experience.
The Volkswagen Amarok, closely related to the Ford Ranger with shared engines and underpinnings, also offers strong towing and payload performance, making it a solid choice for caravan towing.
Isuzu D-Max and Toyota Hilux are also noted as top contenders in the UK pick-up market, known for their durability and towing capacity.
Used Pick-ups
Popular used pick-ups mirror the new top models, with the Ford Ranger and VW Amarok commonly favoured for caravan towing due to their proven reliability and towing specs.
Towing Capabilities
These pick-ups stand out because of their strong engines, payload capacities, and towing limits suitable for caravans ranging commonly around 1,500kg to over 3,000kg depending on caravan size. The Ford Ranger’s combination of capability and innovative features makes it particularly recommended.
Notable Models
The Toyota Hilux 2.8 Invincible Auto, with its more powerful 2.8-litre diesel engine, comes well equipped with features like front and rear parking sensors, 18-inch alloys, climate control, heated front seats, and a full-size spare.
The SsangYong Musso 2.2D Saracen, another top choice, comes well equipped, including 18-inch alloys, climate control, and heated front and rear seats.
The Ford Ranger 2.0 TD Ecoblue 205PS Wildtrak is one of the top choices for pick-up tow cars, with a legal towing limit of 3500kg.
Comparisons
Used estate cars like the Ford Focus Estate, Škoda Octavia Estate, and Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer are alternatives if lighter towing needs (~1,500kg) are intended, but they generally do not compare with pick-ups in towing larger caravans.
For very heavy towing (e.g., large caravans or fifth-wheel trailers), larger American trucks such as the Ram 3500 or Ford F-350 offer exceptional towing but are less common in the UK market.
Market Changes
Fewer pick-ups are available in the market compared to a few years ago, with Fiat, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Volkswagen having recently left the UK market.
In summary, for 2023 in the UK, the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok are the leading pick-up models for towing caravans both new and used, supported by reliable performance and strong towing specs suitable for a range of caravan weights.
- Adopting a certain lifestyle, some individuals may choose to own tow cars, such as the Ford Ranger or Volkswagen Amarok, for towing a caravan, as they excel in towing caravans of various sizes and are top choices in the UK pick-up market in 2023.
- For those who enjoy home-and-garden projects, trips to the local garden center, and weekend getaways, estate cars, like the Ford Focus Estate or Škoda Octavia Estate, might be a suitable alternative for lighter towing, but they don't compare to pick-ups when it comes to tow car capability for heavier loads.
- As for enthusiasts who love adventure and sports, large American trucks like the Ram 3500 or Ford F-350 offer exceptional towing capacity for heavy-duty caravan towing or fifth-wheel trailers, yet they are less common in the UK market.
