CARAVAN AND TOW VEHICLE
TOWING
Where a lower limit is not in force, caravans
may be towed at up to a maximum of 50 mph
on single carriageways or 60 mph on dual
carriageways and motorways.
Allow more engine speed to produce the power
to move the additional weight of the caravan.
Let the clutch out smoothly.
Avoid wear and tear on the clutch and
transmission by taking extra care.
Change gears smoothly.
Try not to jerk the clutch.
Allow for the caravan being slightly wider than
the car.
Allow additional distance from the kerb with
caravan wheels so that they are not “bumped”.
When passing other vehicles allow more than
normal clearance for driving solo.
Overtaking and stopping distances are
increased when you are towing.
Always indicate in plenty of time before
carrying out any manoeuvre.
Allow longer to accelerate up to speed prior to
overtaking.
Allow for the vehicle being twice its normal
length.
Do not suddenly swing out.
Carry out all manoeuvres as smoothly as
possible.
Use nearside wing mirror to check caravan has
cleared when overtaking.
Proficiency at reversing can only be achieved
with practice and should be first attempted in
a large open area. Consider taking a suitable
training course.
Caravans may not be towed in the outside lane
of three or four lane Motorways (Reg 12(2)
of the motorway Traffic [England and Wales]
Regulations 1982).
Reduce speed in high winds, cross winds,
driving downhill or in poor visibility.
High-sided vehicles such as lorries or coaches
can cause air buffeting, so extra care must
be taken when passing or being passed. Give
as much space as is possible between your
caravan and the high-sided vehicle.
The law requires the driver of the towing
vehicle to have an adequate view to the rear.
If there is no rear-view through the caravan
windows it may be necessary to have
additional exterior towing mirrors fitted to
provide a view along both sides of the caravan.
In some countries these additional mirrors are
a legal requirement.
Any rear view mirror must not project more
than 200mm outside:
• The width of the caravan when being towed.
• The width of the towing vehicle when driven
solo.
Any additional rear-view mirror fitted shall be
of an approved European type and cover the
field of view as stipulated by the regulators.
Passengers are forbidden to ride in a
caravan at any time.
This is a term used to denote an unstable car
and caravan combination where the caravan
“weaves” from side to side often causing a
similar swaying movement in the car itself.
Possible causes are:
• Insufficient tyre pressure on either the
caravan or the tow vehicle.
• Tow vehicle is too light.
• Incorrect loading or weight distribution.
• Excessive speed especially downhill.
• Side winds.
• Overtaking.
• Being overtaken by a high-sided vehicle.
• Erratic driving.
• Mixing radial and cross ply tyres.
• Nose of the caravan is towing too high.
• Insufficient nose weight.
A stabiliser should never be used to try to
improve a caravan/towing vehicle combination
that has poor stability as instability may
appear at high speed.
However, a good stabiliser can make an
acceptable caravan and towing vehicle
combination more comfortable and easier to
handle.
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