driving.co.uk

Towing a Caravan or Trailer

Keep a check on what habits you allow to develop

If you have passed your driving test since 1 January 1997, your licence entitlement is restricted as to the weight of any caravan or trailer you wish to tow.

Towing a caravan or trailer requires adapting your handling skills and driving techniques, as well as observing lower speed limits. There are also important connecting and loading precautions.

The prospect of towing a trailer or caravan for the first time can be a daunting prospect. It will certainly take you some practice to get used to the extra weight and length.

Be sure that your car can cope with the extra load. In particular the engine, suspension, brakes and tyres need to be in good condition. Car tyres should be inflated to the 'full load' pressures (refer to your Owner's Handbook). At the same time, check the condition and pressure of the tyres on your trailer/caravan. Manufacturers usually specify an ideal nose weight for a trailer/caravan when loaded.

You will need to fit extending side mirrors so that you can see past your load. The tow bar must be in good condition and built to carry the load you want to pull. Professional and factory-fitted bars are recommended with a breakaway cable and stabiliser.

Before driving go through this checklist:

	Loading. Set to the correct noseweight on the towbar
	Hitching with breakaway cable connected to the coupling head
	Lights, including indicators and number plate working correctly
	An approved style number plate must be fitted
	Jockey wheel and assembly is fully retracted and in the stowed position
	Braking system is working correctly
	Windows, door and sunroof are closed
	Tyre pressures are correct
	Heavy items should be loaded as low as possible, over the axle
	Keep the weight low and evenly distributed
	Secure all items
	No part of the load should protrudes dangerously

While caravans and trailers do not currently require an MOT, you will need to ensure that it is roadworthy. Remember it is illegal to allow passengers to travel inside a caravan or trailer.

Speed Limits vary across Europe. In the UK these are:

	Built up areas	30 mph
	National Speed Limit Single Carriageway	50 mph
	National Speed limit Dual Carriageway and Motorway	60 mph

Driving Abroad
Your trailer/caravan lights must work properly. If you're towing abroad you may be legally obliged to fit a separate warning light inside your car to indicate that your trailer/caravan lights are working.

Driving Technique
Allow more time and brake earlier. Give yourself three times the normal distance and time to overtake safely. Take account of extra length, particularly when emerging or turning at junctions; overtaking or manoeuvring.

The extra weight of the load will affect braking and acceleration. Brake gently at first and then firmly to prevent the caravan/trailer wheels locking. If you begin to lose control of the load, ease off the accelerator and slowly reduce speed, especially before going down hills, when driving in bad weather or high winds. The stabiliser bar, in the form of a damping strut can be fitted to your trailer/caravan to help reduce snaking. As a general rule, and reduce speed on downhill roads.

Using the highest suitable gear and keeping the engine revs low will help prevent the engine overheating. If you tow regularly, you may be able to fit cooling system parts, such as a larger radiator or a more effective fan.

Night Driving
By law, if you are towing during darkness your trailer will need to be fitted with two red side lights at the rear; brake lights; number plate light; at least one rear fog light (if the trailer is more than 1.3m wide and two red triangular reflectors.

Web Links
The National Caravanning Council.