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Towing safety tips

Towing is a not a difficult skill, but advice from someone more experienced can save you some embarrassing or even dangerous moments. The Caravan Club offers practical Caravanning Courses that are ideal if you're new to towing.

Most experts recommend the laden weight of the caravan or whatever you're towing shouldn't be more than 85% of the unladen weight of the tow vehicle - otherwise you may find your caravan 'takes control' of your car. You also need to check the nose weight specified for your car. This is the maximum weight permitted on the car's tow hitch. For stability, around 5 - 7% of the caravan's actual laden weight is best.

Check your tyres

Perhaps because it's not on the road as often as your car, it's easy to take your caravan or trailer tyres for granted. But a blowout when you're towing can be scary, so check pressures regularly and change the tyres if they're more than five years old. Take the wheels off if you won't be using the caravan or trailer for a while, and keep them out of direct sunlight which will deteriorate rubber.

Give yourself more room and time

Driving on ice, wet road or damp leaves can be dangerous, and towing increases the risk, so take extra care and, when going downhill or round tight bends, slow down and engage a lower gear to give you more engine braking. High winds can also be a hazard whether you're towing a caravan or a light trailer, so again - slow down and give yourself more time to react.

Your caravan will be your home while you're travelling, and like your home it should have a smoke alarm. Remember, you'll be in a relatively small space, so the sooner you're warned of a fire, the better.

 

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