As a quick taster, they do towing under instruction at the Camping and Caravan Show at the end of next month at the NEC if you're going. I know Volvo did it the last time I went, but there are two shows, so it may be someone else. If going, see if you can book yourself on one of these. May give you the confidence you need to do it yourself.
------------- 2019: Hurn Lane CAMC, Cirencester Park CAMC & Lytton Lawn
When turning you need to position yourself to avoid curbing caravan wheel as you turn, so you need swing out left to turn right, to do this on a narrow road you may need to stop before turning to allow oncoming traffic to pass before you swing out.
You also need to remember opposite rear corner of caravan swings out as you turn & you will sometimes see caravans with damaged rear corners as a result of this. In a tight situation such a coming out of a filling station for example don't be afraid to cause a delay while your passenger gets out & directs you. Its better than hitting something.
Its a style of driving that HGV drivers have to adopt as a matter of course & caravanners have to learn it.
The thing I was taught which I stick to is when turning in to a left hand bend/corner keep front of the car as close to the centre line as possible and when turning in to a right hand bend/corner keep the front of the car as far over to the left edge as possible,as far as roundabouts I follow as similar line to HGV's.I have yet to curb the van in over 12 years of towing doing this
On gentle A road bends it will almost follow the car, on tight junctions give yourself room. If you cannot find a course why not find a large carpark or waste ground to practice, maybe take an obsticle with you to drive around,with time you'll know how wide to take each corner. Above all drive gently and allow extra stopping distance etc, read the road ahead. You'll be nervous for the first 10mins then everything will slot into place!
Would endorse all the above, with care it can actually be very relaxing and satisfying. If your car is manual you will find you need to rev a little harder from standstill and generally think more about gear selection at low speeds, but after that you will be amazed how easy it is. Enjoy and dont be scared
Load the van well, get the nose-weight right for you car, anticipate well ahead, fit decent towing mirrors and check behind frequently, avoid unnecessary heavy braking, and drive as smoothly as possible. That way the chances of getting into a snake are negligible. Relax, you are not in a race, you are on holiday. Enjoy it!
I have done a lot of towing over the years, and used to tow a car-recovery trailer. With a large car on it, or a loaded van, it weighed considerable more than the tow-vehicle. Following the advice I have given above, I never had any problems. Towing a caravan now is an absolute doddle, but I am still careful to get things right, and I never rush anything.
Take it easy, use your mirrors. Towing mirrors are IMHO essential as you can see that bit further behind.
I set the nearside car mirror down slightly so I can see the wheel of the van, useful on tight corners, to avoid curbing. The towing mirror set normally. (Towing mirrors extremely useful on continent as the nearside becomes offside!)
Remember a loaded outfit can't stop as quickly as a solo car, and some idiot road users will see a caravan outfit and pull out on you
If using satnav, unless it has a truck or large outfit setting, check routes in case it tries to send you down a narrow road!
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
As we are looking to get a caravan, I have booked both Hubby and I onto the towing course at the NEC, although he will do the majority of the driving I figured I might have to one day so best know what I am doing, also I might want to go away with the kids sometime during the holidays.
Do you know anyone who has a caravan that can go with you when you first collect it . This will give you the confidence . Also it's nice to have some one with experience and knowledge with you the first time .
Other wise go on a towing course .
Good luck , take care and have fun .
This is actually a fantastic question to ask. There must be loads of people who feel the same but may be embarassed or never even think to ask. The many positive replys show how we (members of the forum) want others to enjoy something new and do it safely. Nosaj, once your five minutes down the road, you'll be wondering what all the fuss was about. Hope it all goes well.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: What is it really like towing a caravan
