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How To Tow Caravans And Trailers

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The type of drivers licence youhold and when you passed your driving test determines the type of caravan ortrailer you are allowed to tow. So before you hitch up, check out the rules andregulations online at .

Safety first

?        Don't set off without a safety check.

?        Overloading is dangerous. Make sure youcheck your car instruction manual for the recommended maximum weight before youload up.

?        Secure your load. If you are towing atrailer, ensure your load is securely tied down and nothing is sticking out. Ifyou are transporting animals, ensure that they cannot break free while enroute.

?        Distribute the weight evenly. Load upwith the heaviest items over the axle where the trailer is strongest. Then packyour trailer to ensure a downward load on the tow ball. Check your carinstruction manual for the recommended maximum weight and how to tow ball load.

?        If you load your trailer correctly, itwill be easier to control while driving. It will also help to avoid swervingand snaking. If you do find yourself swerving or snaking, take your foot offthe accelerator and reduce speed until you have regained control.

Check your speed limits

Towing a caravan or trailer meansthat a new set of speed limits apply. For instance if you are driving on asingle carriageway, you must stick to 50mph. The speed limit for dualcarriageways and motorways is 60mph but always watch out for signs on the roadthat indicate a lower limit.

Stick to the left-hand lanes ofthe motorway. Steer clear of the right-hand lane of a motorway with three lanesor more. This does not apply if there are lane closures or the Police directyou to use the right-hand lane.

Roadworthy your trailer

Keeping your trailer inroadworthy condition is just as important as maintenance on your car. Take yourtrailer in for regular services and always check the condition and pressure ofyour tyres and brakes.

Ready tohit the road

?        If the load onyour trailer is too heavy to pull up to your car, reverse your car up to thetrailer.

?        Adjust the jockey wheel so that thecoupling head is two to three inches above the ball hitch on the back of thecar. Get someone to help you so that the ball hitch is underneath the couplinghead.

?        Lower the jockey wheel. Lock thecoupling head onto the ball. Wind the jockey wheel into the outer case.

?        Release the clamp lever and raise thewhole unit before reclamping the lever.

?        Attach the breakaway cable or securingchain to the hook on the tow bar.

?        Connect the electrical plugs to the car.

?        Check that all the lights are undamagedand working. If you are towing another vehicle, you may need to adjust yourheadlights.

?        Make sure all cables are secure and arenot dragging on the ground.

?        Finally, take the trailer handbrake off.

Driving with a heavy load

Driving with a caravan or trailerin tow requires extra skill. Your vehicle will be wider and longer which makestaking corners and manoeuvring more difficult.Keep a watchful eye on both door mirrors and leave as much room as possible.You may think that a small trailer is easier to manoeuvre than alarge one. In fact the opposite is true because a small trailer is moresensitive to steering.

Driving insured

Your trailer or caravan may be coveredunder your policy. Check with yourinsurer whether it is covered and what level of cover you have before you taketo the road. For a car insurance quote or more information about the types ofcar insurance available from Churchill, visit

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