30
CARAVAN HANDLING
REVERSING
When the towing vehicle is reversing, the
overrun device shaft is pushing in, applying the
brakes via the overrun lever, brake rod system,
bowden cables and the expander mechanism.
Fig. A Reversing
The backwards rotation of the brake drum
causes the secondary brake shoe to collapse
cancelling out the braking effect, allowing the
caravan to move backwards. At the same
time the transmission lever swings back and
compensates for the entire travel.
When reversing up a slope or on a loose
surface the brakes may apply themselves,
Correct maintenance and set up of the brakes
will help prevent this. Incorrect adjustment
of the wheel brakes or linkages will result in
making reversing difficult.
Proficiency at reversing can only be achieved
with practice and should be first attempted in
a large open area (Fig. A).
SPEED LIMITS
Normal road towing: 50mph
Motorways (including dual carriageways):
60mph
CARAVAN HANDLING
Allow for caravan being wider than car.
Do not bump kerb with caravan wheels.
When passing other vehicles allow more than
the normal clearance for driving solo.
Allow longer to get up speed to pass.
Allow for the outfit 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.
WARNING: Take care not to foul or ground
caravan chassis whilst traversing ramps or
other obstacles.
MOTORWAY DRIVING
Important points
1. Caravans may not be towed in the out-
side lane of a three or four lane motorway.
(Reg. 12(2) of the Motorway Traffic
[England and Wales] Regulations 1982).
2. Reduce Speed:
i) In high or cross winds
ii) Downhill
iii) In poor visibility
3. High sided vehicles cause air buffeting so
extra care must be taken when passing or
being passed. As much space as possible
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