Caravanning Page
People towing caravans have always had a bad name with other drivers.
True or False? TRUE
This is usually caused by the way some 'Holiday Caravaners' drive the outfit.
Yes a lot (far too many), have had little or no training or experience of towing before they bought their first van and were let loose on the roads.
Some meander along the roads with no thought or consideration to other drivers. Some cannot even reverse their outfit a short distance on a road, into their own driveway or even onto the pitch when finally they arrive at their chosen site.
Cynical eh? Well not really. As a caravaner for many years, a lecturer in agriculture teaching driving skills with large trailed vehicles and recently for three years a Caravan Club Instructor, I have seen it all. (Well maybe not all, but a great deal of it) - Is there worse to come?
How many people would expect to get into a large lorry with a 10m. trailer and drive away with no formal training. None I hope......
But when you buy a caravan, there is as yet no requirement on your license to show you have any towing training.....
What happens when you buy a new caravan? Well some dealers take your money, hitch the van to your tow vehicle and rub their hands together as they wave you goodbye. Others do, as part of the price of the van, offer some simple 'advice' on towing techniques. But very few, tell you about the training schemes that are available throughout the country. See the Caravan Club link Below
Matching your tow vehicle and caravan.
The ideal ratio for the outfit should be that the Actual Laden weight of the caravan should only be 85% of the kerbside weight of the tow vehicle.
What does that mean?
This caravan, when loaded ready to move off is only 85% of the
weight of the car. Therefore it should be easy to tow and quite stable.
This caravan weighs the same as the towing vehicle and will 'take control' of the outfit especially at speed, when being overtaken and in cross winds.
The caravan in this outfit will be difficult to tow, it will 'take control' even at low speeds and when cornering.
Although many manufacturers would disagree, a 'Stabilizer' or 'Anti-Snake Device' as it should be called, is not necessary when the outfit is matched and loaded correctly.
Use one if you must, but do not rely too heavily on it - they do not make up for a badly loaded van, side winds or bad driving.
Loading your Caravan
When loading a caravan a good weight distribution is essential as this will effect the way the outfit tows. Weight distribution within the van should be as follows :
Remember not to overload your outfit.
When you start caravanning you will want to take everything - including the kitchen sink! Take all the bare essentials, no need to carry gallons of water or lots of canned food when you can get them on or near most sites.
Plan your Trip
This can save you a lot of time and fuel! Towing a van can increase your fuel consumption by 25% or more.
Leaving when others are getting going can mean you are held up in queues. Early morning or even overnight travel can be less frustrating and hot - both in the car and under the collar.
On the road
Once the outfit is packed and you have checked round, check again. If you are driving, you are responsible for the outfit when on the road. Do not trust it to someone else to hook up - check up of them, it may save your or someone else's life.
Look up the route and plan an alternative, just in-case, there are hold-ups. Tune into the local radio stations as you travel. They will usually provide the most up to date traffic information.
Other road users
Simple - Let them pass. There is nothing more annoying than being sat behind an outfit for miles and miles. Even for another caravaner.
Speed limits
Local restrictions apply at all times.
Otherwise - 'A' roads and Dual carriageways = 50mph. Motorways = 60mph
Clubs
Joining a club will usually give the benefits, such as; Driving/handling/maintenance courses, cheaper site fees, club magazine and insurance.
If you're interested follow this link www.caravanclub.co.uk or even for the radio amateurs this one ARCC