Towing weight: what the figures on the registration certificate mean

The maximum towing weight is not a single number. It follows from a few fields on the registration certificate plus the type approval, and the outcome can differ per trim. This guide explains which figures count. We give no buying or loading advice.

The fields that determine it

On the Dutch registration certificate (and in the RDW vehicle register) the relevant mass data are listed:

• Maximum mass braked: what you may tow with a trailer that has its own braking system. For passenger cars this is usually between ~750 and ~2,500 kg, strongly dependent on model, drivetrain and trim (factory specification via type approval; RDW shows the registered value).
• Maximum mass unbraked: a trailer without its own brake. In practice often 750 kg or half the unladen mass of the car, whichever of the two is lower (statutory system, indicative; check the RDW registration).
• Maximum combination mass: car plus trailer together. This is the upper limit you may not exceed, even if the braked towing weight and vehicle weight separately appear to be within margin.
• Permissible maximum mass and kerb mass of the car itself. The difference between those two is your payload, and that is separate from the towing weight but counts towards the combination.

Why the brochure may state a different figure

A factory brochure often states the highest achievable towing weight across all trims. The value that applies to your specific car is the one in the RDW registration for that registration number, based on the type approval of that trim. EVs and heavy trims sometimes have a lower braked towing weight than the lighter variant of the same model, or are not towing-approved at all (factory specification, varies per trim). Therefore check the concrete registration number, not just the model.

In our specs catalogue we show the stated braked towing weight per trim where the manufacturer or type approval publishes it. If it shows n.b., a reliable trim-specific figure is missing and we deliberately show no estimate.

Nose weight and the calculation

Besides the masses there is a maximum nose weight (the vertical load on the tow bar), often ~75-100 kg depending on tow bar and vehicle (factory specification). A trailer within the braked towing weight may still not be allowed if the nose weight or the combination weight is exceeded. So always work through three things: braked towing weight, maximum combination mass, nose weight.

Indicative, not technical or legal advice. The registered values for the registration number and the RDW are leading. Always check that.

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