Top 7 caravan towing tips

2. Safety first

The caravan breakaway cable (or safety chain on smaller unbraked trailers) should be in good condition and connected correctly. If you have a caravan or a large box-shaped trailer you will almost always need to fit extension mirrors – these will help make sure you have a good view behind you and comply with the law.

3. Thorough check

Caravan and trailer roadworthiness is just as important as your car’s, and particular care is needed for that first summer outing, as many are parked up and unused over the winter. 

Experts recommend that before you start your trip you make sure you have checked both your car and caravan or trailer. Especially check your tyres as they should be inflated to the correct pressure, have a good amount of tread (no lower than 1.6mm) and be free from damage.

4. Watch out for pinch points

With the south west of England being a very popular place to visit, it is not surprising that the region has some of the highest incident rates for caravans.

Between January 2017 and May 2018 there were 850 caravan or trailer incidents on main roads in the south west, with 460 of those occurring in the summer months of May to September last year – a sure way to put a sudden end to a lovely holiday.

With the majority of caravans only being used over the summer months, this figure needs to be reduced.

Most incidents happen around the weekend. Nearly a third of all incidents occur on Saturdays and Sundays, with Mondays and Fridays not too far behind. 

5. Know the rules

A quick refresher of the Highway Code will remind you that travelling in the right-hand lane of a motorway with three or more lanes is not allowed and your speed limit when towing is 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways and 50mph on single carriageways, unless a lower overall limit is applies.

Be extra vigilant on downhill stretches as your speed can easily creep up and get too high – this is a common contributory factor to your caravan/trailer losing stability. Remember, you will need more room to stop when towing and you should always have a big enough gap to be able to slow down and stop in an emergency.

6. Ready to react

Towing in high winds needs additional care and perhaps a change of route should be considered. However it’s not just windy days you need to be mindful of. Overtaking large vehicles can place you in their “bow wave” and this can cause instability in caravans that are badly loaded and/or being towed too fast.

Martin Spencer, technical manager at the Caravan and Motorhome Club said: “Towing a caravan or other trailer can be unfamiliar, but doesn’t need to be intimidating. By getting the basic setup right, then following straightforward advice over issues such as speed and safety around other vehicles, towing can be relaxed, easy and comfortable. Above all, it will be safe.

"In almost all cases, serious incidents only occur because inexperienced drivers have not taken the right advice, or experienced ones have become complacent. The Club has 15 training centres across the country so anyone just starting out, or those needing some refresher training can receive the best possible guidance.”