Road tactics for secure towing during travel
Embarking on a caravan journey can be an exciting adventure, but it's crucial to approach towing with care and knowledge. Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Firstly, when loading your caravan, be mindful of the weight distribution. The bed area, which is usually well behind the axle, requires extra caution during loading to maintain balance.
Caravan brakes are a vital component for a secure towing experience. For a comprehensive guide on everything to know about them, resources are readily available.
By law, towers must use towing mirrors that allow a clear view of four meters out from the side of the caravan at a distance of 20 meters behind. In wet or windy weather, it may be beneficial to drive at a slower speed for a smoother journey.
The 85% rule is a recommendation for new caravanners to tow no more than 85% of the kerbweight of their tow car. Allowing plenty of time for the journey, including regular breaks every couple of hours, is essential to stay alert.
Investing in a set of scales like the Reich Caravan Weight Control can help with weight management. Maintaining a relaxed and smooth approach to steering, braking, and accelerating is advised to make the journey less stressful.
For beginners or those wanting to brush up on their skills, caravan towing courses are recommended. When looking for caravan sat navs to avoid narrow roads and low bridges during towing, several options stand out.
Garmin's RV GPS, TomTom Go Camper Max, and NaviTruck GPS are all suitable choices. Each offers unique features designed to help navigate safely while towing a caravan.
Planning the route ahead is important, as many campsites may have recommended routes for the last few miles. Speed limits should be observed, and if a queue of cars is building in the mirrors, it's safe to pull over.
Having a pair of the best caravan towing mirrors is essential for a clear view behind while towing, ensuring safety. In the car, load heavy items close to the rear axle, and in the van, ensure heavy items are low down and above the axle or axles.
It's important to check the car and caravan's tyres are inflated to the right pressure, all lights are working, and the hitch is securely gripping the towball before every journey. Experienced caravanners may tow up to 100% of the car's kerbweight, but it's not recommended to go above this weight.
The Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM) is the most a caravan is permitted to weigh when fully loaded. Having a checklist to tick off at the start of every journey can help ensure nothing important is missed. Weighing each bag individually can help ensure the caravan is not overloaded.
Major caravanning clubs recommend this rule for a stable car/tourer match. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable caravan adventure. Happy travels!
Caravan Clubs often offer courses for beginners to learn caravan towing skills more effectively. Adequate attention should be given to home-and-garden lifestyle adjustments when choosing a suitable caravan for travel.
