To-day we were travelling south on M6 around the Warrington area, when ahead we saw this caravan.We were travelling at 70mph. Eventually we caught up with the 'van , and stayed behind for quiet a few miles.His speed was more or less a constant 70 to 75 mph. We did get passed the "idiot" after he pulled into the outside lane, cutting up a row of cars. As we overtook him we noticed he had no extension mirrors, hence his inability to see anything behind him. If this person should read this (which I very much doubt), you were driving a Chrysler Grand Voyager,please buy yourself some towing mirrors, and be aware caravans or indeed anything towing is not allowed in the ouside lane of a motorway.And the speed limit for towed vehicles is 60 mph. It is prats like you who give good caravanners a bad name.
------------- It's not what you take when you leave this world behind, it's what you leave behind when you're gone
This type of behaviour is all too common on our roads today. Maybe a pair of extension mirrors should become standard kit with every new van the same as the steady winder. It might add 20quid to the price but there would be no excuse for not having them. The speed is another issue of course, I don't have an answer to that, does anyone I wonder? Maybe , on reflection the guy that drives like that is probably the one that wouldn't be bothered to put the mirrors on even if he had them............Mick
Hi isacmper - I just knew someone would ask that. We had seen enough and fearing being part of the carnage, we did overtake him at 75 when he slowed a bit to 70, yes it can be done. I think if there had been any police about (where are they when you want one) they would hopefully have been more interested in "idiot man " than us. And before any one jumps to the wrong conclusion, we were not towing. Ironiclly I had just delivered a new car to a motor-way copper.No not a police car I hasten to add.
------------- It's not what you take when you leave this world behind, it's what you leave behind when you're gone
Many folks buy a caravan and tow it yet never join a forum or even read any books on caravanning.
So how are they to know what the restricted speed limit is for them or what lanes they should use?
I am a member of 2 caravan forums, 2 caravan clubs and have numerous books on caravans and caravanning, yet I am still learning about this wonderful hobby.
Until such times as a Caravan Towing Test (gawd forbid)becomes compulsory, our roads will be full of folks that simply do not know how to tow properly or safely.
I was driving solo and was overtaken from the Dartford tunnel the other week on the M25 bloke in a 4 x4 with a big twin axle I was doing 70 and he sailed passed me in Lane 3 and just kept going no idea what speed he was doing but what an idiot and very scary watching him
------------- Live life to the full you are a long time dead
Quote: Originally posted by pee jay on 29/5/2014
To-day we were travelling south on M6 around the Warrington area, when ahead we saw this caravan.We were travelling at 70mph. Eventually we caught up with the 'van , and stayed behind for quiet a few miles.His speed was more or less a constant 70 to 75 mph. We did get passed the "idiot" after he pulled into the outside lane, cutting up a row of cars. As we overtook him we noticed he had no extension mirrors, hence his inability to see anything behind him. If this person should read this (which I very much doubt), you were driving a Chrysler Grand Voyager,please buy yourself some towing mirrors, and be aware caravans or indeed anything towing is not allowed in the ouside lane of a motorway.And the speed limit for towed vehicles is 60 mph. It is prats like you who give good caravanners a bad name.
We saw this muppet last saturday as we headed to bath dog show.he was gunning it in the outside lane in the pouring rain well above 70.
Quote: Originally posted by freeatlast on 30/5/2014Good link Jax.
However, for some towing mirrors are irrelevant, they never bother to see what's behind them anyway whether towing or not.
My Dad has never felt the need... He said that people behind him were not his problem.... until I explained the law to him and bought him some for a present for his caravan. I still don't think he actually looks in them, even though he has some!
He actually stopped towing two seasons ago now, and lets BIL tow the van for him. Thank goodness!
As someone who has done a great deal of driving over the years, recovery-trailer towing, coach driving, truck driving, and bus driving, I am decidedly uncomfortable not being able to see behind me. I couldn't even think of driving with a caravan in tow and not being able to see past it. The fact that some people are quite happy to drive their outfits with such limited rearward vision as they have without towing mirrors is quite worrying.
There is a towing test a for those who only got they licence in the last few years. Or you could take you LGV test which would learn to to tow safely and every year you have to do extra training so it would keep people up to date. What is really needed is some kind of test for everyone who tows.
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: Idiot or wot !!!
He said that people behind him were not his problem.... until I explained the law to him and bought him some for a present for his caravan. I still don't think he actually looks in them, even though he has some!
