Equipment Needed for Outdoor Towing Enthusiasts

Safer, simpler towing for today’s road trips

Choose a vehicle built to tow safely, with the right frame strength, braking power and handling.
Fit a properly rated hitch and have it professionally installed and inspected.
Use quality trailer brakes and a brake controller to improve stopping distance and reduce sway.

It's never been easier or safer to tow. Whether you're looking to take a trailer tent, car behind your motorhome or your boat to the lake, you can find plenty of great towing equipment, such as high-tech brake controllers. The equipment used today is safer and more reliable than ever before. Good thing too, as more people are hitting the road with stuff in tow.

Demand for towing solutions will likely increase in the future. That may spur the development of even safer technologies, although what's already available on the market is saving lives and making roads less dangerous. Let's look at the various things you need for towing.

The Right Vehicle

First, you need to select a truck, SUV, or other vehicle that is capable of towing your trailer or whatever else. Your mind might first be drawn to horsepower and torque. Engine output is also crucial. However, there are other important factors, such as the design and materials used to build the frame. If a vehicle has a strong engine but not the right type of frame, you could quickly damage it if you try to tow something.

It's also a smart idea to select a vehicle you're comfortable handling and that provides a good view of the road. This will reduce the risk of mishaps. Make sure the truck has good brakes as well. With the added weight of whatever you're towing, it'll take longer to slow down and stop.

A Strong Hitch

Your hitch will connect your trailer or whatever you're towing to your motorhome or car. You'll want to make sure that the hitch is rated for whatever you're towing. Also, it's wise to have these professionally installed and regularly inspected. If your hitch malfunctions, it could cause a major accident.

More Equipment to Consider

Beyond the tow vehicle, hitch and brake controller, a few extra pieces of kit can make towing feel smoother and less stressful:

Towing mirrors – If your trailer or caravan is wider than your vehicle, extension mirrors help you see along the full length of your outfit and keep an eye on traffic when changing lanes or reversing.
Weight distribution or anti-sway devices – These systems help balance the load across your axles and reduce snaking, especially at higher speeds or in crosswinds.
Quality tow ball and couplings – Match the tow ball, coupling and safety chains or breakaway cable to the weight you’re towing and inspect them regularly for wear and rust.
Lighting and electrics – A reliable wiring loom and plug connection ensure your trailer indicators, brake lights and fog lights work correctly. It’s an easy win for both safety and legality.
Security gear – Hitch locks, wheel clamps and sturdy chains make it harder for anyone to tow your trailer or caravan away when it’s left unattended.
Basic tools and spares – A jack rated for the combined weight, wheel brace, spare wheel (or tyres), fuses and a torch can turn a roadside issue into a manageable pause rather than a full-blown drama.

The Right Brake Controller

It's also wise to make sure that your trailer is equipped with the right brakes and brake controllers. You shouldn't rely on your vehicle brakes alone, especially with heavy loads. Fortunately, a brake controller helps to manage your stopping distance and control trailer sway by syncing up your vehicle and trailer brakes.

If you're an outdoor towing enthusiast, you'll need premium towing gear, including brake controllers. Before you go out on your next adventure, make sure you have all of the equipment you need. When hitting the road, remember that safety comes first!

Simple towing safety checklist

Pre-Journey Towing Checklist

Before you pull away, it’s worth taking a couple of minutes to run through a quick safety check:

Check tyre pressures and tread on both tow vehicle and trailer.
Make sure the hitch is fully engaged, locked and that the breakaway cable or safety chains are correctly attached.
Test brake lights, indicators and side lights on the trailer.
Confirm that your load is evenly distributed, with heavier items low down and close to the axle.
Secure all doors, lockers and roof hatches so nothing can open or flap while driving.
Adjust your mirrors so you can see clearly down both sides of the trailer.
Take a moment to plan your route and stopping points, giving yourself extra time and space for braking and manoeuvring.

With the right gear, a well-set-up tow vehicle and a simple pre-drive routine, towing quickly becomes a relaxed, everyday part of your outdoor adventures rather than something to worry about.

Most people can tow a small trailer or caravan on a standard car license. However, weight limits apply. Check your vehicle’s towing capacity and the combined Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of your vehicle and trailer to ensure you're within legal limits.
Your vehicle handbook will list the maximum braked and unbraked towing weights. Choose a trailer or load comfortably within these limits, and remember that engine power, braking performance, frame strength and stability all matter as much as the headline towing figure.
Yes, if your trailer or caravan is wider than your car. Extension mirrors improve rear visibility and are a legal requirement if your standard mirrors don’t give a clear view down both sides of the trailer.
Sway happens when the trailer starts to move side-to-side. Proper loading (with heavier items low and near the axle), good tyre pressures, correct hitching, and a quality brake controller or anti-sway device all help reduce the risk.
Ideally before every trip for basic checks (hitch engagement, cables, lights, tyre pressures) and professionally once a year. Look for wear on couplings, electrical connectors and safety cables.
In the UK, any trailer over 750 kg must have its own braking system. Even with lighter trailers, having a brake controller improves stopping distance and stability, making towing safer and smoother.