When you’re towing a caravan, you need to make sure that your vehicle is up for the task. There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to safely and legally tow a caravan. Luckily, we have 8 tips from our experts that will help you tow with confidence.
1. Check That The Car And Trailer Brakes Work Well Together Before Towing
To ensure that your car’s brakes are in good working order, you should always check before setting off. Make sure the car is in top condition before starting your journey.
To test this out it is recommended that one do a shortstop by placing both feet firmly on the ground and pressurising with their leg muscles fully extended while doing so until there is no response from either pedal – if something isn’t responding then chances are high meaning they need maintenance or repair.
2. Make Sure That All Lights And Signals On Your Vehicle And Trailer Work
Make sure you have all of your lights and signals in working order. You might not realise that your lights and signals are out of commission until you’re driving on the road. Ensure all brake lights are working on the car and trailer when towing. Makes driving on the road safer for everyone!
3. Keep The Weight Distribution Between The Front And Rear Axles
Position the load to keep six tires on the road. Make sure that your caravan is securely hitched and attached, but not too close so that it will kick up dust from all of those passing cars or trucks. Make sure that your caravan is securely hitched and attached, but not too close to the vehicle’s tow ball.
If you tow with only one stabiliser down, make sure it’s securing something important (such as your water tanks). If you tow with only one stabiliser down (or none at all), make certain whatever big asset(s) are being pulled behind aren’t going anywhere without this extra safety measure!
4. Be Mindful Of Any Curves Along The Way So You Don’t Flip Over!
Keep a safe distance behind other vehicles and always leave enough space for emergency manoeuvres. Ensure the car’s load is distributed evenly between the front and back car axles when towing. Make sure you know your vehicle’s stopping distance when towing a caravan before setting off.
5. Slow Down When You’re Towing – Even If Your Car Can Go Faster
When towing your caravan, it is crucial that you only exceed the speed of travel for any terrain to maintain control and safety. Towing cars and a caravan should not exceed 55mph.
Caravan stability is affected at speeds above 55mph so it’s important to keep below this speed when towing long distances on freeways or highways. You should only tow the caravan at speeds that match your car’s towing capacity, just as if it was not being towed.
6. Watch Out For Other Drivers Who May Not Expect A Caravan
Once you’re on the road, be extra careful. The added weight of a caravan will limit its manoeuvrability.
Follow these tips to maintain your safety when you are towing a caravan. By making sure all lights and brakes on the car and trailer are working, as well as staying within your vehicle’s stopping distance.
7. Always Have Someone In The Passenger Seat To Help With Directions And Watch For Hazards
If you’re going on your first drive with a friend, they must help and watch the road. If there’s something more than one person can do then let them take turns so no one gets bored or frustrated while driving!
8. Have An Escape Plan In Case Of Emergency
You can’t be prepared for everything, but you should at least try. Emergency response plans are one way of doing that; they allow people in case anything goes wrong and make sure no one has forgotten their emergency equipment like first aid kits or antibacterial hand gel!
Summary
The process of towing a trailer is not as simple as it seems. For example, you need to make sure that all lights and signals on your vehicle and trailer work before starting. You also need to check that the car and trailer brakes work well together before hitting the road – this will help prevent accidents from happening in case there’s an emergency stop or if someone cuts you off while driving!
Once you’re ready for tow duty, take precautions like slowing down when towing (even if your car can go faster), watching out for other drivers who may not expect cars with trailers attached, and always having someone in the passenger seat who can assist with directions.
Finally, have an escape plan in case anything goes wrong during travel time.