4-1
TOWING AND DRIVING
Fig 4-1
TOWING AND DRIVING
REVERSING
It is advisable to have a second person available
when reversing the caravan.
Start practising by choosing a left-hand bend for
ease. Reverse slowly; turning the wheel, initially
the opposite way to the direction you want the
caravan to go.
Now the front of the caravan is nudged out and
is moving the rear in the intended direction. Take
care not to hit the van with the car!
Midways through the manoeuvre, when the
caravan is correctly angled, reduce speed to a
crawl and gradually apply opposite lock. Make the
car follow the caravan round then finally
straighten up.
Please Note: Proficiency at reversing can only
be achieved with practice.
SPEED LIMITS
• Normal road towing: 50mph
• Motorways (including dual carriageways):
60mph
SETTING OFF
(i) Let the clutch in smoothly on the towing
vehicle. Allow more engine speed to
produce the power to move the additional
weight of the caravan.
(ii) Avoid wear and tear on the clutch and
transmission by taking extra care not to
‘ride’ the clutch.
(iii) Change gears smoothly. Try not to jerk the
clutch.
CARAVAN HANDLING
(i) Allow for the caravan being wider than the
car. Ensure you have a clear view to the
rear. This may require the fitting of
extended mirrors for towing your caravan.
(ii) Do not bump the kerb with the caravan
wheels.
(iii) When passing other vehicles, allow more
than the normal clearance for driving solo.
(iv) Allow longer to obtain a fast enough speed
to pass other vehicles.
(v) Allow for the vehicle being twice its normal
length. Do not suddenly swing out.
(vi) Carry out all manoeuvres as smoothly as
possible.
(vii) Use the nearside wing mirror to check the
caravan has clearly passed other road users
when overtaking and changing lanes.
(viii) Adverse weather conditions may affect the
steering and braking characteristics of your
caravan.
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