DON’T judge the towing capacity of a 4x4 by the look of it as there are significant differences between makes and models.

Those differences can mean a lot when transporting horses, so that 4x4s with a lower towing rating could restrict your activities.

The maximum rating that any 4x4 can tow is 3,500kg. Not all 4x4s are rating at this maximum figure. Some are significantly lower, which will surprise many (see Table 1).

The differences between a Land Rover Discovery and a Kia Sorento or Volvo XC90 are very significant.

Many people in the horse sector will aim for a small 4x4 for ease of use and versatility, but be aware of the lower towing ratings. These will dictate just how big a horsebox you can tow. The figures in Table 2 show the difference between these mid-range 4x4s and the larger models.

Among this category, the Land Rover brand comes out on top again with the new Land Rover Discovery Sport coming with a 2,500kg rating. There is a significant difference is ratings among the leading mid-range 4x4s. So the message is to compare the figures and select carefully after considering the size of the load that you expect to tow.

Some horsebox owners will opt for a crewcab as it is a cost-effective means of towing with good load space in a covered pick-up section. These typically use leaf springs on the rear axle for greater towing strength and durability.

The 4x4 pick-up towing ratings are shown in Table 3. The new Nissan Navara, just introduced comes with the highest 4x4 pick-up towing rating at 3,500kg, with its nearest rival in towing terms being the Ford Ranger models.

These towing ratings are important as they are the legal limit that the 4x4 is rated for. They are also important because the 4x4s have been tested for stability and durability based on these figures.

If you exceed the towing ratings, you will be in breach of the law, which in the event of a road accident could mean that you are not covered by the terms of your insurance policy.