If you have never towed before - keep your speed down.
Double check you have connected it up correctly (Perhaps have a check list) Check your lights every time you hitch up the van.
Put anything on the floor that may fall on the floor.
Carry most of the weighty things in the car - if you can.
On the motorway just follow wagons Most are governed to about 56 mph.- don't try to overtake them - unless they are going very slow.
Make sure your mirrors on the car look outwards at a wide angle. Then the extra mirrors (Which are compulsory) should look backwards down the side of the van.
The list goes on.
Be aware of air turbulence if following car transporters, keep well back.
Tips for keeping 'van clean.
Lay beach towels on floor carpet, then just shake and chuck in wash on return, also throws on upholstery.
Sew tabs on towels,hand towels for easy hanging and drying.
Milton or equivalent to put down sink drains at end of trip.
Last tip - ENJOY
After hitching up, check jockey wheel is right up out the way, check all lights, make sure the van legs are up, all windows closed, especially roof vents, do not shut blinds or curtains, put electrics to car , so that the fridge runs, make sure gas is off by disconnecting it inside the locker,lock the van door, attach mirrors to car and adjust, just leave extra room for junctions by moving over to the right slightly for left turns, try to keep a steady speed, if you find you have a load of vehicles behind you, pull into a layby and let them pass, or if the road is clear ahead indicate left and they should start to pass, unless they are blond
Thank you all for the advice, It's much appreciated. I'm very anxious about the driving for the first time to be honest, but I intend on keeping it slow, steady and ill keep to main roads as much as possible to start.
Is it better to load my car up with weight more than the caravan? I know i have a powerful enough engine power wise. does it make it more stable to have a higher car to van weight ratio?
Yes put all the weight you can in the car as far forward as you can and all weight in the caravan as near the axle as you can and as low down as you can.
Get yourself a nose weight gauge (some people rig up a bathroom scale and lump of wood) and check when the caravan is loaded that the load on the tow ball is within the car, tow bar and caravan chassis limits.
Yes - nose weight is important - it should be about 60 to 80 lbs but some are different.
If you can lift the van using the towbar but it is a bit heavy - then you are probably about right.
If you can't lift it - it's too heavy and if it lifts easily - it's too light.
Make sure you release the handbrake - add this to the check-list.
PS - The car has to be heavier than the van. There is an 85% "Rule" for new caravanners - Not law but worth sticking to.
Take it easy, use your mirrors, especially turning corners so you do not clip the kerbs.
You have a ton or more of weight and maybe an extra 7 meters, so acceleration and braking take longer.
There are tips on the Caravan Club Website, you may be able to access as non member.
When you first use the van, if you aren't sure of anything, most vanners are friendly and will help!Welcome aboard!
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
Quote: Originally posted by noobcamp on 18/8/2015
Thanks again for all the tips.... I'll be honest I'm a little befuddled by this nose weight concept.... Can anyone simply explain it please!?!!
Nose weight is the weight the hitch places on the tow bar. Place heavy items near the axle. As a rough rule if you can't lift the nose off the ground by hand it's too heavy.
If you want to know how to use a noseweight gauge then this short video explains in detail.
However, you need to know what your vehicle towball weight limit is then aim for that target weight with the gauge.
Great tips, thank you! Especially regarding beef! Regarding nose weight however...... Surely if there's more weight at the back of your van it'll reduce you're nose weight???
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Topic: Virgin caravaner!
