Paper values first
Note the permitted gross weights of towing vehicle and trailer, actual load, towing capacity and nose weight. Your driving licence and vehicle documents are decisive – not the statement that the combination “pulls well” technically. Also check tyres, bearings, lighting and securing of the outboard engine.
Check driving licence category
Different weight limits apply to category B, B with code 96 and BE. Sweden, Norway and Finland provide official overviews or calculators. Use the values for your specific combination and clarify special cases with the responsible authority before departure.
Book the ferry using actual external dimensions
For booking, the overall length including drawbar, engine and overhang, as well as the actual height, is what counts. Photograph and measure the loaded combination. A fare booked too tightly can lead to rebooking or a surcharge at check-in.
Access is not fishing rights
A fishing permit or the right of public access does not automatically grant vehicle and trailer access. Ask about ramp width, gradient, surface, water depth, parking, key and local fee. Keep a second launch site as a reserve.
Border-ready checklist
Driving licence, registration documents, insurance, toll or ferry receipts, boat documents and contact details should be saved offline on your phone and kept in paper form in the vehicle. Before every leg, check current traffic and ferry-operator information; weight and route rules may change.
Official sources
This guide was checked against the following primary sources:
Frequently asked questions
Which weights count for a driving licence and vehicle combination?
Depending on the rule, both the permitted gross weights and the technical towing and nose weights. Check your driving licence and vehicle documents together.
Does only the trailer length count for the ferry?
No. The actual overall length and height of the fully loaded combination, including overhangs, are booked.