New research has found that 83 percent of motorists who had not towed before would not be confident to do so for the first time. Law changes were introduced in December 2021, with drivers now being able to tow a trailer or caravan up to 3,500kg without additional training.
Despite the new rules being introduced over a year ago, only 14 percent of survey respondents admitted that they were aware of them.
The new rule change means that 18 million extra drivers can now tow trailers, caravans and horse boxes.
Almost four in 10 had experience towing a trailer, with more than half (55 percent) saying the biggest problem when doing so was reverse parking.
Many seasoned drivers admitted having difficulty with parking, as well as general reversing manoeuvres, citing them as a particular issue.
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A number of drivers admitted that when towing, they had issues adjusting to the needs of a larger towing load.
This included hitting items when towing including gate posts, corners of buildings and even a lamp post.
Drivers can still face fines of up to £2,500 if the correct tow bar is not used, as this can lead to dangerous situations where they could become loose and disconnect.
All towbars must meet EU regulations and be designed specifically for the vehicle, with manufacturers urging drivers to adhere to these rules.
Meanwhile, extended mirrors should be fitted for an unrestricted view of the road to avoid an additional £1,000 fine.
A statement for Škoda, who commissioned the data, highlighted the Škoda Kodiaq, which drivers can customise to add an optional “trailer assist” and a folding tow bar.
It added: “It is able to automatically steer a trailer or caravan to a chosen point when reversing, while also displaying a clear area view on the vehicle’s central touchscreen to give the driver an overview of the manoeuvre.
“As well as Trailer Assist, other key assistance features on the Kodiaq can help drivers to tow safely and confidently.
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“Blind Spot Detect uses sensors to monitor the area around the car, allowing it to detect other vehicles up to a distance of 20 metres for safe manoeuvring.”
The five-seater SUV has a maximum towing weight of between 1,800kg and 2,300kg (depending on trim and specification) on gradients up to eight percent.
Another popular Škoda model, the Karoq, was named as the Towcar of the Year at the Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year Awards 2023.
In addition, the Karoq and Scala were ranked highly in the What Car? Tow Car Awards last year.
The Karoq was named best in the 1,550 to 1,699kg weight category and the Scala in the sub-1,400kg category.
Škoda’s electric models are also touted for being able to tow caravans, despite driver hesitation about the strain on the battery live.
The Enyaq iV and Enyaq Coupe iV both come with a tow bar as an addition, setting them apart from other popular electric vehicles.
The research found that the most common item towed by drivers was a caravan, with more than 50 percent of people towing one.
This was followed by a trailer for equipment such as boats and jet skis, and then hauling a trailer tent with their vehicle.
