at the moment we have a trailer tent but are thinking of upgrading to a lunar zenith 6 berth, is there anyone who can give me any advice on the difference of towing the two. thanks
It's bigger -lol! Suppose really it's just like towing a trailer but obviously heavier, longer, wider and generally - bigger!
Go for it, you can always go, with wife on one of those towing courses, (still threatening hubby that I'm going to do that as he still refuses to allow me to do any towing and I am so-o-o keen to do it!), and that might help allay, (probably spelt wrong - where's spell check when you need it), any fears that she may have.
Must be great or there wouldn't be so many of us out there!
Now you're sad blue face will be gone so long as I'm quick enough to get this posted....
As HippyChick says a caravan will be bigger. Longer wider and taller, and heavier.
Longer - allow more room pulling out of juntions etc
Wider - than the car so allow more clearance and drive a little further out from the kerb
Taller - you won't be able to see over the top of it so will need to use your door mirrors more. Remember to get towing mirrors. It will be more affected by wind; lorries, coaches and other big vehicles going past could unsettle it so move over a bit and reduce speeed a bit when you see one pull out to overtake. If it is very windy, go slower.
Heavier - combined with the extra wind drag due to the height, you will find the tow vehicle is not as fast, especially up hills.
Apart from that it is very similar to towing a trailer tent.
Hope this helps.
------------- Caz
If you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, just keep going till you go round the bend.
I was REALLY nervous when hubby first towed our first 'van. It was like a white knuckle ride. All that despite him doing a really good job which I didn't appreciate at the time, I was sooooo nervous.
I soon got over it though and now I forget its there. I can't give you any practical tips on towing as I think that would be one step too far, lol!
Hello Jon and Lisa,
We have just got back from Beautiful cornwall last night, on our first real holiday for 2 weeks with our 'new to us' van,
We used to have a trailer tent and upgraded for this year and I have to say, we all wished we had done it sooner - you get so much more with a caravan.
I towed the TT and that was easy it was narrower than the car so if the car fits the TT will... lol it worked for me!!
with the van it was a bit harder at first but ace fun, the towing mirrors stick out and so does the van, but i just thought to myself, they can wait I'm going to take my time and get there safely.
take up more road straddle both lanes a tricky traffic lights and tight bends,
give your self more time to get past when overtaking to allow for the extra length, most people flash you in anyway to tell you you have room,
really importantly - leave a big gap between you and the car in front for safe stopping distance, and also watch for the hills, watch for the signs that tell you to slow down. slow down approx 15mph and let your outfit do all the work down the hill, just feather your brake just in case, they do pick up speed fast when left to it, bare that in mind when you see the gradient and you are slowing down in preperation.
I spoke to loads of people who share the driving normally but when the 'van is on the back she dont go near it!!!'
Come on ladies your missing out its sooooooooo much fun and you feel so proud when your at the other end all set up thining 'I can do it too!!!'
Maybe you could borrow one and let her practice somewhere quiet - let her get a feel for it and build up a bit of confidence,
anyways Jon If Lisa is anything like me she will soon get bored and be ripping the wheel out of your hand anyway.
Have fun and the very best of luck , i hope you get what your after
Post last edited on 07/08/2005 12:24:25
------------- As one door closes another one opens.. sometimes you need to spend a little time in the room thats all..
Do whats right and right will become of you ;-) Nichola xx
Quote: Originally posted by hippy chick on 07/08/2005
Go for it, you can always go, with wife on one of those towing courses, (still threatening hubby that I'm going to do that as he still refuses to allow me to do any towing and I am so-o-o keen to do it!)
Refuses?????
I hope that said hubby has done a course before he pronounces this superiority of ability!!!!!
Very good advice given so far. Only thing missing ive noticed is that you need to take corners a lot wider. Start off at a speed youfeel comfortable at, and over time you will go a bit faster with experience. A lot of ppl also find the larger the trailer the easier it is to reverse, other than not having a clue where the rear is. My wife has been towing for about 15 yrs now and her mother for about 35 yrs. she was towing when it was unknown for women to tow and not that many women even drove like they do today.
------------- Reality is an illusion created by lack of alcohol!!
Just wanted to let you know that I too was very nervous about towing our caravan recently. I taught myself how to manouvre with a small trailer, then went and bought a tourer and practised with that a bit.
To my shock and surprised of my partner I did remarkably well, and can even reverse and park our caravan into any space required now.
The reason I felt that I needed to is because my partner has only a provisional license and basically I had no option.
Just go for it, and watch all the mens faces when they see its a woman behind the wheel-hahaha :-)
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: wife nervous about towing
Suppose really it's just like towing a trailer but obviously heavier, longer, wider and generally - bigger! 
