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Well, we had our first trip in our folding caravan and it's fantastic! We even got the awning up without getting a divorce....

One thing I am worried about is the trailer 'bouncing' on the motorway. Three times whilst my bloke was driving other people flashed and pointed at trailer and made bouncy hand movements. We pulled over a few times convinced something major was wrong, but could see nothing. I then kept checking for bounce in the rearview mirrors!  I have three theories: 1. Driving too fast- I am aware that the speed limit is 60mph, but my bloke sometimes forgets he has a trailer! 2. He drives 'funny' -tends to pump the accelorater/ drive in surges, rather than easing on and off gradually 3. Tyre pressure- any idea what it should be?

We are going away again in a couple of weeks, so would be glad to sort this out if anyone can help.

Thanks!

Phae

Well, it may not be his driving style that`s causing the bouncing, but it`s a bad idea to tow and do this. 1) It`s illegal to tow at over 60mph on the motorway anyway. 2) Going to fast while towing causes shimmy...the trailer might start to snake. 3) High speed magnifys the effects of uneven road surface, so it possibly IS causing the bouncing.

Pumping the accelerator on and off isn`t a good idea either. Think of the extra stresses on the towball and bar!

My Hubby normally drives like your bloke, but years of towing a trailer have taught him that smooth driving with no sudden jerks is the essence of good towing. Why don`t YOU drive?

Tyre pressure should be in your handbook, or on the tyre rim.

I go for incorrect weight loading and add that pumping the pedal is a bad idea.

I towed my own TT in France driving at 80mph at times with no problem.

Thanks for your replies.

Val- haven't had a problem with snaking, just up and down movement. We usually drive an hour each, I don't mind doing all the driving on shorter journeys, but doing 4 or 5 hrs is a bit tiring. I'll check the tyre pressure- thanks!

blue and Jim- We did'nt really pack anything in the caravan- their is'nt any room left on the floor really when it is folded down. The lockers have light things in them. So, we packed evryhting in our van. Is this the wrong thing to do- have a heavy van towing a light trailer? we also have a Peugot Expert van which got a wooden spoon in the camping and caravanning mag for towing- is this the problem?

Thanks! Phae

Well, if you only get the "bouncing" signals from other drivers when he`s driving, it must be his driving style that`s at least part of the problem, no?.

Okay, I'll have a go at that- thanks everyone!

Phae

Sounds to me like the tyres need close examination .You may have a slight egg in one of them without you noticing it.

 Also if the weight of the trailer has been left on the tyres for a very long time without it being moved then it could have flattened that part of the tyre slightly in one place.

Best to jack up each side of trailer and spin the wheel so you can look and feel around the tyre carefully. I am sure you will find this is the reason for the bounce.

Let us know if you find anything.

  Tom.