After several years of camping we have decided to take the plunge and buy a touring caravan. We know absolutely nothing about how to tow, how to attach the caravan to the car, how to secure it, how to park it up at the campsite, etc etc. Is there a useful book we could buy or a useful guide we can download?
Many thanks and I'm sure this is the first of many posts!
Go on the Caravan Club's Practical Caravanning course. It will teach you all the things you mention, along with all sorts of aspects of safety and manoeuvring practice. Not cheap but I know I found it invaluable.
I have a book Making the most of your Caravan, its an excellent book and I always have it with me when I take the caravan anywhere so that if there isnt anyone to ask i just look it up and follow the instruction. Its idiot proof.
The main things are. Make sure your car is capable of towing the caravan, nose weight and total loaded weight.
Load your caravan correctly, heavy stuff over the axle and low down. Don't exceed manufacturers payload (weight of extras caravan should carry). When travelling keep a good stopping distance so you don't have to jam your brakes on. Approach traffic lights, roundabouts etc. slowly so you don't have to brake sharply and give plenty of time when moving off. Don't drive downhill too quickly, if you have to brake you could jack knife. Drive slowly until you gain confidence. Give extra time for your journey. Concentrate, but enjoy the scenery you missed when only driving a car.
Read the previous posts links for in depth advice.
Fred.
one thing to take into account before any thing else is to check that your driving licence permits you to tow a caravan.
anyone who passed their test after 1997 will have to take another test to get the B+E (car and trailer combination) category entitlement on their licence.
------------- no tin tent outings booked as yet ,just another cruise in Sept' booked so far
If buying used check carefully for damp, and ask if the van has been serviced. They have gas and electrical appiances which should be checked, as well as the running gear.
Fit extension mirrors and use them.
You'll find most vanners are pretty helpful so if you are not sure what to do on arriving at a site ask.
Have fun.
------------- DS-There's more to life than football!!!
See "New to Caravans" advice from the Camping and Caravanning Club, have a look at John Wickersham's Caravan Manual from Haynes, and of course keep asking questions on here!
Quote: Originally posted by realbusdriver on 13/8/2013
one thing to take into account before any thing else is to check that your driving licence permits you to tow a caravan.
anyone who passed their test after 1997 will have to take another test to get the B+E (car and trailer combination) category entitlement on their licence.
This is only necessary if the gross weight of your car plus the MTPLM (maximum technically permissible laden mass) of your caravan is more than 3500kg in total. There are many combinations of car+caravan that can be driven without B+E entitlement.
always double check that the caravan is coupled to the car correctly. it might sound nit picky but it will be worth it in the long run.
Make yourselves a list.
be patient at all times. do not ever rush when getting caravan ready to move.
after you think you are ready to move have a slow walk round the caravan to see if all corner steadies are up. jockey wheel is up. doors are shut and locked.
my wife always does the double check on our van. you will be surprised what i miss and i've been caravanning for a few years now.
it might sound daft but it will save you some pain in the long run.
always check your lights before moving off.
never forget to empty your toilet before you leave site.
AND MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL. ENJOY- WE DO.
Quote: Originally posted by corni on 13/8/2013
always double check that the caravan is coupled to the car correctly. it might sound nit picky but it will be worth it in the long run.
Make yourselves a list.
be patient at all times. do not ever rush when getting caravan ready to move.
after you think you are ready to move have a slow walk round the caravan to see if all corner steadies are up. jockey wheel is up. doors are shut and locked.
my wife always does the double check on our van. you will be surprised what i miss and i've been caravanning for a few years now.
it might sound daft but it will save you some pain in the long run.
always check your lights before moving off.
never forget to empty your toilet before you leave site.
AND MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL. ENJOY- WE DO.
And also don't forget your towing mirrors on your car.
Quote: Originally posted by frederico on 12/8/2013
The main things are. Make sure your car is capable of towing the caravan, nose weight and total loaded weight.
Load your caravan correctly, heavy stuff over the axle and low down. Don't exceed manufacturers payload (weight of extras caravan should carry). When travelling keep a good stopping distance so you don't have to jam your brakes on. Approach traffic lights, roundabouts etc. slowly so you don't have to brake sharply and give plenty of time when moving off. Don't drive downhill too quickly, if you have to brake you could jack knife. Drive slowly until you gain confidence. Give extra time for your journey. Concentrate, but enjoy the scenery you missed when only driving a car.
Read the previous posts links for in depth advice.
Fred.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Complete novice to touring - any advice ?
