A Guide to Towing Caravans
Caravanning is a popular British pastime that’s been enjoyed by families for decades. It’s become so common that people have taken to buying their own caravans and pitching them up in locations across the country in a bid to see more of it.
But in order to move it from place to place, it needs to be towed. In order to do this as safely as possible, there are some rules and guidelines that need to be followed and we’ll be outlining those for you in this article.
Check your driving licence
You need to make sure that it states on your driving licence that you can tow a caravan. Drivers who received their licence before 1997 will have a B+E on it, which means they can legally tow a load weighing up to and exceeding 3500kg, unless their licence has been revoked, for whatever reason. If in doubt, contact the DVLA before attempting to tow a caravan.
Load the caravan properly
Before you hitch and tow your caravan, you first need to make sure that it’s loaded correctly and safely. Place heavy weight at the bottom of the caravan, towards the middle. Then place medium-weight items around that and light-weight items on top of, around around, that. This will help to maintain centre of gravity to avoid tip overs.
Attach a breakaway cable
Before hitching up the caravan, make sure the brake will be applied should a mistake be made. This will help to protect you from harm as well as others in the vicinity. Put the caravan hitch on the tow ball and lower it down.
If a hitch is connected properly, a button will pop up and turn green. After this, wind the jockey wheel up and, if connected adequately, it’ll pull the back of the car up. If this doesn’ happen, then you know it’s not been connected right.
Make sure everything is secure before towing
Ensure all the windows, doors, skylights, lockers and even cupboard doors are locked or tied down. Attach and implement a lock on the fridge and freezer doors also. This helps to protect the integrity of the caravan, your own belongings and your safety as it prevents anything from falling out or tipping over whilst in motion.
Inspect the tyres
Just like how you’d look at your tyres before embarking on an average road trip or long car journey, you need to look at the tyres on your caravan. The age, pressure and condition of the tyres need to be inspected. If the tread is worn or flat or if you can see any cuts or bulges, then it’s time to have those tyres replaced, much like you would if you spotted any problems with your car tyres.
Fit towing mirrors for added safety
We’ve all seen caravans being towed on the motorway, because the drivers who are towing them have wing mirror extensions which enables them to see round the sides and towards the back of the caravan they’re transporting.
It’s not only an aid, but it’s also a legal requirement. You need to be able to see 20 metres in a backwards direction and four metres across either side. Read more about caravan towing equipment required by the UK government here.
Travel at a safe speed
Whether you’re towing a caravan or another vehicle or object, it’s important that you’re travelling at a safe and responsible speed for your own safety as well as that of other road users. When towing a caravan, a driver is limited to 60mph (96km/h) on the motorway, the same goes for dual carriageways.
On a single carriageway, where the speed limit for vehicles that aren’t towing anything is 60mph (96km/h), if you’re towing a caravan, the maximum speed you can do becomes 50mph (80km/h). Read more about speed limits for towing caravans here.
Regal Furnishings are pleased to provide caravan owners with sterling customer service and first-class upholstery for their caravans, motorhomes, boats, campervans, horseboxes or static caravans. We have restored and transformed a wide range of recreational vehicles, breathing new life into otherwise old and tired decor. For more information, get in touch with a member of our professional, friendly and creative team today – we’re always happy to help.
