Do you tow a touring caravan?

[topofbighill]

Just bought a touring caravan after years of camping (although won't be giving that up completely!) and successfully completed our first trip...an hour away from home! Although, I didn't tow it, my Husband did. I had a go on the site and that was ok...nothing to bump into.

What are your top tips or advice? I don't think I'm anxious about towing the van, I'm more worried about other road users? My Husband said once you're on the road it's too late to be anxious.

I am a confident driver and do drive a big car anyway.

Did anyone have lessons?

I am fine with hitching/un hitiching and it comes with a motor mover so that bit is a doddle.

It's a 4 berth single axel if that matters.

Thank you.

Practice, Practice, practice..if you can, do a course.
Watch your packing. Don't put heavy stuff in top lockers. Low and over the axle or even better in the car.
Have fun!

Yes. You can do it. What stops me going away by myself is the hitching etc.

Check your driving licence allows you to tow.

Yes it does, I have all the legal stuff in place. Do you tow? Any tips?

Thank you

Ok, well it's a revelation isn't it. What worries one doesn't worry another. Thank you.

Take it steady. A lot of other drivers will not want to be behind a caravan some will pull out infront of you. Just let them go.
Check before changing lanes on a motorway, it takes longer with a caravan.
**Most important enjoy your holidays

@topofbighill no towing tips, except leave it to someone else. I do drive so I do double check the wing mirrors (you need to get towing mirrors to extend the view past the back of the caravan).
Awnings are known as Divorce in a Bag. Be warned!

Yes, have the mirrors. It's not all the technical/legal stuff I need tips for.

Have camped for years. I can pitch mostly by myself with poled tents and the air tents are an absolute breeze (latest tent is 6 man air tent)

I have an air awning for the tent.

Plan your route so you don't go down any B roads (or tight roads). Don't rely on Google maps.

Do go on a towing course eg www.caravanclub.co.uk/advice-and-training/training-courses/caravan-towing-courses/

(Former motor insurance underwriter who's seen a number of horrific accidents with untrained drivers towing, even if they are experienced)

Not caravans but I did a towing course and test for pulling livestock trailers and I still use the tips my instructor gave me now. I'm not sure if they apply to caravan with the extra mirrors but what stuck with me was that if you've got too much trailer in your mirror you should 'steer at it' to make it level off. I find that much easier than looking over my shoulder although still do that too! It made me a much calmer tow-er knowing that somebody had told me I was doing it all ok.

As you don't need to do the test or anything now you should be able to find someone to give you a couple of hours tuition/reassurance at quite a reasonable cost, the test day was the expensive bit for me!

Take corners wide and slow.

Really practice reversing. It's tricky.

The actual towing is easy

Thank you, I have been looking at that.

Thanks everyone. Really great advice.

A towing course is worth every penny. The CAMC one is reputed to be very good but I believe Boundless (CSMA), AA, RAC etc all offer something similar plus of course there are countless independent organisations running them.

Can you reverse the caravan?
If not then you should not tow IMO as it is a necessary skill. All the route planning in the world will not help if you come up against a blocked road, tight diversion, congested filling-station forecourt etc.