How to tow a caravan
How to tow a caravan
Can anyone tow
If you passed your driving test before January 1st 1997, you probably won't have to take a further test but some tuition is probably a good idea. If you passed your driving test on or after 1st January 1997 and want to drive a car and trailer whose combined maximum authorised mass is more then 3500kg, you'll need to pass an additional test to gain category B and E on your licence.
Can all cars tow?
Mostly. Towing capabilities vary greatly but don't assume a big car is the only option.
So how do you know which cars can tow what?
The Caravan Club advise that the caravan should weigh no more than 85% of the car's kerbweight. This may sound conservative but their experience shows that this guideline gives safe, comfortable and trouble-free towing. They test lots of cars to find those that tow 'comfortably' and in total they have tested around 1,000 cars. Check out the Caravan Club website for more details www.caravanclub.co.uk.
How do you reverse when towing?
Slowly and very carefully!! It's not difficult once you get the hang of it but it is difficult at first. The Caravan Club teach thousands of people a year on their training courses and the key is modest steering movements, absolute attention to the position of the back of the caravan and understanding that if you hold the bottom of the steering wheel, you can move your hand in the direction you want the caravan to turn.
What is snaking?
If your caravan is hit by a crosswind it will wobble a bit. If this wobble becomes a pronounced sway that doesn't seem to want to stop, you've got a 'snake'. If it happens, ease gently off the accelerator, don't brake, don't steer (unless it is unavoidable) and wait for your speed to drop, which will cure the snake. Better still, avoid it by ensuring that the caravan's noseweight (how much weight it exerts on the car's towball) is high enough and keep your speed within the legal limit.
If you want to know more information, log onto the the Caravan Club website.
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