towing a caravan...?

[joko]

how easy is this? what problems are there? is it easy to get the hang of etc?

ive never towed anything before, so tips etc would be great.

its a smallish one

thanks

[jomifl]

1.Take care on tight bends as trailers cut the corner more than the towing vehicle.
2.Make sure that the overun brake disengages reliably
3. Get the weight distribution right, there should be weight pushing down on the towbar, check the car owners manual to get this right otherwise you will have unpredictable steering especially on bends.
4. don't drive into situations that you cannot reverse out of if necessary
5 when reversing in tricky situations it is worth getting out and planning exactly where the caravan is going and then do it slowly.

[sherrardk]

We hod a caravan last year and it was 'tricky' at times to say the least. We went to France and had to un-hitch the caravan at a small petrol station (much to the amusement of the petrol station attendant). Husband also had to reverse th caravan out of a ferry (due to an undeclared dog). Getting the flipping thing into position at the caravan sites was also a trick. Good luck!

[cazzz1975]

1) make sure you get the nose weight correct
2) make sure you get some speed up to go up a hill as this takes pressure off the engine and gear box.
3) if the caravan starts to snake, take your foot off the accelerator and brake, wait for the snake to stop itself. (you can buy an anti snake device, I am not sure how good these are)
4) pack everything at floor height to prevent the caravan being top heavy. (ie, dont hang you clothes in the wardrobe, keep it in a suitcase on the floor)

[Buenchico]

Worth reading:
http://www.haynes.co....10001&catalogId=10001
and
http://www.caravansit...ring/towing-a-caravan

How NOT to do it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgRXi2svWPU

[Hopkirk]

Beware of following Cazz's advice to brake if the caravan starts to snake, as that can lead to disaster.

Certainly take your foot off to slow down, but only use the brakes very gently if you are not slowing. If you brake hard the caravan will overtake you!

[JonnyBoy12]

Driving at under your usual 100 mph would be helpful when towing a caravan.

[welshlibranr]

My OH has a HGV licence, buts he hates towing the caravan, so I had a try!.............hated it!.............over to him!.............lol.....sold the caravan now!.......not for us!......I liked the idea, but not the towing of it, and he could do it easily, but just didn't want to do it!.......he found it a pain!.............

[chas2008]

make sure your licence allows you to tow....

[WELSHYORKIE]

Go and get some lessons - i'm sure that if you contact the caravan club in your area they will be able to assist.

[Graham-W]

IMHO the nose weight is the most important thing. Buy a noseweight gauge or the bathroom scales with a suitable length of wood to check it. The nose weight should be 7% of the weight of the 'van (not exceeding the car manufactures figures.) Our 'van weighs a little over a tonne and we run with a noseweight of 60-70 kg. It is very stable at this weight. As others have said, pack heavy things low down and over the axle if possible. Apart from that, have fun.

[wakeover]

I'm afraid I'm of the of the group that would say that if you have to ask you'd best book a static. Have a nice break.

[Hopkirk]

I'm afraid I'm of the group with more extreme views on caravans.

[joko]

thanks everyone

wakeover - stupid answer

[cazzz1975]

lol, no I meant take your foot off the brake as well, maybe I should have written it differently hopkirk

[razza]

Joko you didnt answer Chas 2008,if you passed your test since 1998 I think you cannot tow on an ordinary car licence.

[joko]

razza, chas didnt actually ask thats why i didnt comment, but yes i will have to take some sort of test for it.

[karimi]

you could visit this site http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/4287677 you will get the top 10 towing tips you need before towing.
http://4wheelonline.com/Towing/Trailer_Hitches.206140