Caravan Transportation in the UK: Permits, Escorts & Safe Loading

Lauren Belkevitz

Key Takeaways

  • Legal Compliance is Critical: Moving a caravan often involves navigating complex "abnormal load" regulations, including movement orders and police notifications for units over 2.9 metres wide.
  • Safety First Protocols: Proper preparation—from securing internal loose items to checking tyre pressures—is essential to prevent damage during transit, whether for a static or touring model.
  • Specialist Equipment Matters: Using dedicated low-loader trailers ensures height compliance and stability, while professional escort vehicles provide necessary safety for wide loads.


Transporting a Caravan

Transporting a caravan is rarely as simple as hitching up and driving away. Whether you are a holiday park owner moving a fleet of static homes or a private individual needing a touring caravan recovered after a breakdown, the logistics involved can be surprisingly complex. The size, weight, and width of modern caravans often push them into the "abnormal loads" category, triggering specific legal requirements that must be met to ensure a safe journey.


At CMG, we understand that your caravan is more than just a vehicle; it is a significant investment and, for many, a home away from home. With over 40 years of experience in the recovery and transportation sector, we have established ourselves as the calm authority in the industry. Our role is to navigate the regulatory landscape on your behalf, providing a seamless, compliant, and stress-free transport solution.


Our guide explores the intricacies of caravan transportation in the UK, from understanding when you need a wide load permit to the critical safety checks required before loading.


Static vs. Touring: What Are the Transportation Differences?

The approach to moving a caravan depends entirely on its classification. While both share the same basic purpose, their transportation requirements are worlds apart.


Touring Caravans

Touring caravans are designed for the road. Legally, they can usually be towed behind a standard vehicle, provided the width does not exceed 2.55 metres. However, there are scenarios where professional transport on a flatbed or low loader is the safer, or only, option:

  • Following a Breakdown: If the tow vehicle has failed, or the caravan itself has suffered suspension or tyre damage.
  • Long-Distance Relocation: Owners may prefer to have their caravan delivered to a holiday site in Europe or across the UK without the stress of towing it themselves.
  • Repatriation: Bringing a caravan back to the UK from abroad after an accident.


Static Caravans and Mobile Homes

Static caravans are not designed for regular towing on public highways. They are significantly wider, heavier, and often lack the braking systems required for standard road towing.

  • Width: Most statics exceed the 2.9-metre width threshold, immediately classifying them as an "abnormal load."
  • Transport Method: They must be loaded onto a rigid flatbed truck or a specialist low loader.
  • Legal Implications: Their movement almost always requires advanced planning, route surveys, and specific movement orders.


When Does a Caravan Become a 'Wide Load'?

One of the most common questions we receive at our 24/7 Control Centre concerns the legal definition of a wide load. Understanding these dimensions is vital for compliance with UK road laws.


In the UK, the standard maximum width for a trailer towed by a car or light goods vehicle is 2.55 metres. Once a load exceeds this, it falls under "Special Types" regulations.

  • 2.9 Metres and Above: Any load exceeding 2.9 metres in width is legally classified as an abnormal load. You are required to notify the police in every district through which the vehicle will pass at least two clear working days before the journey.
  • Between 3.5 Metres and 4.1 Metres: For loads in this bracket, you not only need to notify the police, but you also require an attendant (a mate) to travel with the vehicle to assist the driver.
  • Over 4.1 Metres: Loads exceeding this width are significant logistical operations. They require police notification and, in many cases, a dedicated escort vehicle to ensure the safety of other road users.


Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to the vehicle being impounded and the operator facing severe fines. At CMG, our compliance team handles all necessary notifications and movement orders, ensuring every journey is 100% legal.


Do I Need an Escort Vehicle?

The sight of a flashing amber light atop a van leading a heavy lorry is a familiar one on British motorways, but when is it actually required for a caravan?


Escort vehicles are not just a precaution; they are often a legal necessity or a condition of the movement order. Their primary role is to warn other road users of the approaching hazard and to assist the transport driver in navigating tight bends, roundabouts, and narrow lanes.

You will typically require a private escort vehicle if:

  • The Width Exceeds 4.1 Metres: On standard roads, this width makes passing traffic difficult, requiring an escort to manage the flow of oncoming vehicles.
  • There is a Significant Overhang: If the caravan projects significantly beyond the rear or front of the trailer (over 3.05 metres), an escort is required to protect the "swing" of the load when turning.
  • Route Constraints: Even if a load is smaller, a specific route with narrow bridges or complex junctions may trigger a police requirement for an escort.


CMG’s fleet includes fully equipped escort vehicles, driven by trained professionals who are in constant communication with the transport driver. This ensures that even the widest mobile homes can be navigated through the UK’s road network safely.


How Should You Prepare a Caravan for Transport?

Whether you are a private owner or a commercial partner, preparing the caravan for transit is the single most effective way to prevent damage. A caravan is a flexible structure, and road vibrations can cause internal issues if not properly secured.


We recommend the following pre-transport checklist:

1. Secure the Interior:

  • Lock all cupboard doors and drawers.
  • Remove or secure loose items like TVs, microwaves, and glass plates.
  • Ensure the fridge door is locked and contents are emptied.
  • Close and latch all windows and roof vents.

2. Check the Exterior:

  • Retract and secure any awnings.
  • Remove wind deflectors or loose aerials that could be damaged by high winds during transit.
  • Ensure the door is double-locked.

3. Utilities Management:

  • Gas: Turn off all gas cylinders and, ideally, remove them. If they must remain, ensure they are strapped upright, and the valves are closed tightly.
  • Electricity: Disconnect all mains cables and stow them away.
  • Water: Drain down water systems, including the toilet flush tank, to reduce weight and prevent leaks.

4. Tyre Inspection:

  • Even if the caravan is being carried on a low loader, its tyres may still be used during the winching process. Check they are inflated and not perished.


What Is the Safe Loading Procedure?

Loading a caravan onto a transporter is a precision operation that requires skill and patience. At CMG, our technicians follow a strict safety protocol to maintain the structural integrity of the caravan.


1. Site Assessment

Before a wheel turns, the driver assesses the ground. Is it level? Is it firm enough to support the weight of the truck and the caravan? Soft ground can cause the ramps to sink, creating a dangerous angle for loading.

2. Winching, Not Forcing

We use hydraulic winches to gently pull the caravan onto the truck's bed.

  • Steady Momentum: The key is a smooth, continuous pull. "Snatching" or jerking the winch can damage the caravan’s A-frame or chassis.
  • Alignment: The caravan must be perfectly aligned with the ramps to prevent tyre damage.

3. Securing the Load

Once on board, the caravan must be tied down. We never strap over the bodywork, as this can crush the panels.

  • Chassis Ties: Straps and chains are attached to the chassis manufacturer’s designated strong points.
  • Wheel Chocks: Wheels are chocked to prevent rolling.
  • Steadies: Corner steadies are often lowered onto blocks to provide extra stability, preventing the caravan from rocking on its suspension during the journey.

4. Height Checks

Standard caravans can be tall. When loaded onto a truck, the total height can pose a problem for low bridges. CMG utilises specialised low-loader trailers with a lower bed height. This maximises overhead clearance, allowing us to take the most direct routes without falling foul of bridge restrictions.


Why Choose CMG for Caravan Logistics?

In an industry where reliability is paramount, CMG stands out as a partner you can trust. Our reputation is built on decades of operational excellence and a commitment to doing things the right way, not just the easy way.


  • Comprehensive Capability: From a small 2-berth tourer to a 40ft twin-unit lodge, we have the fleet and the expertise to move it. Our low loaders are specifically designed for high and wide loads.
  • Certified Expertise: We are an IVR (Institute of Vehicle Recovery) Training Centre and hold ISO 9001 accreditation. This means our staff aren't just drivers; they are trained technicians who understand the mechanics of what they are moving.
  • 24/7 Dependability: Breakdowns and transport needs don't stick to office hours. Our control centre is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ensuring that we are always available when you need us.
  • Nationwide and European Reach: We don't just cover the local area. We operate across the entire UK and into Europe, offering a complete repatriation service for vehicles stranded abroad.


CMG Caravan Transportation

Moving a caravan is a specialist task that demands professional attention. By understanding the legal requirements for permits and escorts and following a rigorous safe-loading protocol, you can ensure your property arrives at its destination safely.


Whether you are a haulier requiring a reliable subcontractor or a family needing help getting your caravan home, CMG provides the calm, capable support you need.


Do you have a complex transport requirement? Contact our team today.

Our team is ready to assist you 24/7.


For more information on our specialist services, visit our caravan transportation page.