Can I tow my car behind my motorhome in Europe?

Are you heading to Europe in your motorhome and thinking of bringing your car along for the ride?

Towing your car behind your motorhome can be incredibly convenient, as it’s perfect for nipping into local towns and parking up more easily, or just having the freedom to explore without the need to move your motorhome from your pitch.

However, before you hitch up, it’s important to understand that the rules for this often differ in Europe to those in the UK, especially when it comes to the use of A-frames.

Here’s what you need to know about towing your car behind your motorhome in Europe…

What’s an A-frame?

An A-frame is a towing device that attaches to the front of a car, allowing it to be pulled behind a motorhome on its own four wheels when attached to the motorhome’s tow bar.

It’s lightweight, easy to store, and quite popular among motorhomers, as well as being cheaper to buy than a transporter trailer. In the UK, this method is generally accepted as legal - as long as the car being towed meets the various braking and lighting requirements.

However, once you cross the Channel, things do get a bit more complicated...

Can I use an A-frame in Europe?

The short answer to this is, no, not really.

Across Europe, the legality of using an A-frame to tow a car varies a little. Some countries tolerate it, while the majority don’t allow it at all as it's not 'type-approved'. The idea behind it, across Europe, however, often seems to be that you can’t change a car into a trailer just by attaching something to the front of it - which actually makes sense, if you think about it.

If we take France, for example, A-frames are deemed to be not allowed. French regulations state that a vehicle being towed must either be fully on a trailer or have a driver inside it, controlling it. While some UK motorhomers report having travelled through France without issue, others have been stopped or fined by police. It’s a risk, and the enforcement is unpredictable.

Similar to France, Spain does not recognise A-frames as legal for towing a car behind a motorhome. The towed vehicle is considered a vehicle in its own right and must either be driven or transported on a proper trailer. The Spanish authorities are known to take a strict stance on this.

So, how can I tow my car legally in Europe?

If you want to be on the safe side, the most reliable and legally-recognised method is to use a flatbed, car transporter trailer. This way, your car is treated as cargo, and you'll avoid all the grey areas around A-frames. Using a proper trailer with brakes and lights is the safest way to transport your car - we know, it’s bulkier and requires extra space and careful towing, but it’s accepted across Europe and eliminates the risk of any potential bother occurring.

If you’re heading to Europe with an A-frame, for whatever reason, it’s probably not worth doing it if it’s just you in the motorhome, as you’d need another driver to drive the car should the authorities tell you that you must stop using the A-frame. And you might end up having to leave it behind, of course…

Before you travel, always check the latest towing laws in each country that you plan to visit, and make sure your insurance covers your setup. Remember to also check what signage is required for the back of the trailer for the country that you are visiting, too.

It might take a little more effort, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!