Hi thinking of going down to near Gibralta with the caravan as my son lives there but doing france and Portugal on the way . any thoughts on this as i have not towed abroad before . driven lots but with left hand drive , but not so sure with right hand would be glad of any advice . Cheers Bob
--------------------------------------------------------
driven lots but with left hand drive , but not so sure with right hand would be glad of any advice . Cheers Bob
--------------------------------------------------------
what do you mean "left hand drive"
british cars are right hand drive.
do you mean you've not driven on right hand side of the road?
stu
Most road signs are the same or similar to ours. Suggest you get a decent road atlas like Michelin which will show the different ones. Just acquaint yourself with the speed limits in the various countries you visit. It's often a pleasure to tow on the Continent given the lack of traffic outside of the big towns and cities.
You are over the biggest obstacle most visitors to the continent face, driving on the wrong side of the road.
I found no issues between driving with a local hire vehicle or taking my own, just overtaking is more difficult sitting in the wrong seat.
But realistically other than on Autoroutes and similar open vista roads, with a van in tow that rarely happens.
I am sure given getting through the first 45 minutes you will wonder why you were concerned.
Generally, you will find like for like, their roads are pleasingly less cluttered and better surfaced, both making towing more relaxed.
Edit: if your tow vehicle is plated with a train weight over 3500 kgs, then with any trailer on tow you are limited on an unrestricted two carriage road to 50 mph, and on barrier divided dual carriageways just 56 mph, or keep an eye out!
No driving problems ... there are even times when I find a right hand drive beneficial ... i.e. judging really tight proximity to your driving side obstacles.
OH provided a second pair of eyes for overtaking when necessary.
On the whole, the reduced number of cars per mile on the roads (bigger country per population of vehicles), makes driving on the continent far easier and more pleasurable than the UK
Used a Garmin Camper sat nav ... which seems pretty good ... plus an atlas, of course.
Just got back from 5 months abroad where I covered 4000 miles, it's a doddle. I have travelled through France, in and out of Portugal, up and down Spain and never encountered a traffic jam or pot holed roads. Drove from Plymouth to Clacton last Friday, roads are potholed badly across the country and the dartford tunnel was horrendous, traffic jams everywhere, driving abroad is a far more pleasant experience. Go for it and enjoy it
Dogs to be microchipped and rabies vaccinated, passport issued.
Prior to return, visit vet up to five days before, they do health check and give worming tablet, then stamp Passport.
It is up to you to ensure they stamp it in the right place, otherwise you will be refused return boarding. I have seen it happen, not nice.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
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: towing abroad
