Towing the Caravan

UK Speed Limits

WARNING: Local speed limits and restrictions must be observed and adhered to.
These will be clearly signed.
Built up areas: 30mph
Single carriageway: 50mph
Motorways (including dual carriageways): 60mph
Note: Where higher speed limits may apply please note the maximum design speed of the caravan is 80mph / 130kph.

Moving Off
For manual transmissions, let the clutch in smoothly. Allow more engine speed to produce the power to move the additional weight of thecaravan.

Reduce wear and tear on clutch and transmission by taking extra care by changing gears smoothly and trying not to jerk the clutch.

Caravan Handling

• Allow for the caravan being wider than car.
• Do not bump kerbs with caravan wheels.
• When passing other vehicles allow more than the normal clearance for driving solo.
• Allow longer to build up speed to pass.
• Allow for the outfit being twice its normal length.
• Do not suddenly swing out.
• Carry out all manoeuvres as smoothly as possible.
• Use nearside wing mirror to check caravan has cleared when overtaking.

CAUTION:

Take care not to foul or ground caravan chassis whilst traversing ramps or other obstacles.

Motorway Driving
Important points:
• Caravans may not be towed in the outside lane of a three or four lane motorway.

• Reduce Speed:
In high or cross winds, Down hill and in poor visibility

• High sided vehicles cause air buffeting so extra care must be taken when passing or being
passed and as much space as possible should be given.

Reversing
When the towing vehicle is reversing, the overrun device shaft is pushing in, applying the brakes via the overrun lever, brake rod system, bowden cables and the expander mechanism.

The backwards rotation of the brake drum causes the secondary brake shoe to collapse cancelling out the braking effect, allowing the caravan to move backwards.

At the same time the transmission lever swings back and compensates for the entire travel.

When reversing up a slope or on a loose surface the brakes may apply themselves.

Correct maintenance and set up of the brakes will help prevent this. Incorrect adjustment of the wheel brakes or linkages will result in making reversing difficult.

Proficiency at reversing can only be achieved with practice and should be first attempted in a large open area