Advice to ensure you’re towing properly
Controlling two vehicles might sound daunting, but all it takes is a little extra preparation and precaution. and now, with the summer holidays well underway, The Caravan Club has compiled a list of towing tips and advice for those who are planning a road trip this summer.
The Caravan Club recommends the following advice to ensure the perfect getaway:
Planning
- Before setting off make sure that the caravan is correctly hitched up to the towing vehicle, also check the lights, tyres pressure, caravan wheel fixing torques and breakaway cable.
- Use extension mirrors when towing to ensure a good rear view. These are a legal requirement for most car-caravan combinations.
- It is important not to panic if the caravan being towed begins to swing slightly, this can happen especially in cross winds or if a large vehicle is alongside. Gently slow down without braking or trying to steer and the sway should disappear.
Weight considerations
- Check the weight of the vehicle being towed to ensure that your car is capable of towing it. You can get more advice on towing safely on the Caravan Club’s ‘experience freedom’ website.
Braking distances and manoeuvring
- When controlling two vehicles, it is important to allow more time and space.
- Brake earlier than normal and allow more time to accelerate. Also, due to the size of combination, it is important to make sure that corners are taken more widely.
Legal Requirements
- It is a requirement for the towed vehicle to display a legal number plate which matches the car towing it.
- Legal speed limits are often lower when towing, therefore it is important to check before beginning your journey.
- Do not carry passengers in the caravan when towing, it is illegal and dangerous.
Don’t forget, if you’re taking to the road with your caravan for the first time or need to brush up on your towing skills, The Caravan Club offers a number of towing courses across the UK.
Also, remember to follow the advice given above and take extra care when towing.
It is also important to check the legal requirements of the destination country if towing abroad.
What other piece of towing advice would you provide to those less experienced than you?
