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We've recently bought an older Sunncamp trailer tent and are going to the Dordogne in France in a couple of weeks.  We've never towed a trailer that distance in France before although we had a good outing with it when we went to Wales at the end of May.  Are there any particular words of wisdom we should listen to about towing in France eg should we service trailer tent chassis and wheel bearings etc, do we need to take spare wheel bearings on holiday, are there any general service guides / procedures we should follow and what tyre pressures should the trailer tyres be? 

Also we found after we got the tent that the zip on the tent needs replacement / repair - I'm struggling to find who might do this.  We live in Worcestershire.  Does anybody know anybody locally who might do this?

Grateful for any advice.

Towing on the main roads in France is a doddle.  As long as you are confident of the handling of your unit, you can drive at up to 130KMH on motorways, 110 on dual carriageways & 90 on single carriageways.  The motorways & other main roads are of very good quality & generally quiet once away from tourist traps.  Beware of RADAR traps on the motorways.  They don't paint the cameras bright colours over there & if you get stopped, the Police expect payment there & then for fines.  Speed limits when towing drop when going down hills (signs are abvious) & the motorway speed limits are reduced when driving in rain or fog.  Beware of the prority rules on towns (Priorité a droite).  This means giving way to vehicles on side roads on your right, ie. the minor roads have priority.  it isn't universal though so watch out for the yellow diamond signs.  Beware of anyone flashing their headlights at you.  This means "I'm coming through" in France - the complete reverse of here in the UK. 

How old is the trailer?  I would get it serviced before going if it is moe than a couple of years old.  I posted a guide to DIY servicing HERE a while ago if you fancy doing the work yourself.  A good backstreet garage or caravan/trailer service centre will be able to help if you don't fancy DIY.  I have used Indespension in the past, but I am sure you'll find lacal people to you.  as for the zip, ask at your nearest caravan service centre.  They will know someone who does awning repairs.  I would certainly carry a spare wheel but I wouldn't bother with bearings.  Get breakdown insurance that covers the trailer as well as the car.  the only cover I found that did this was with the RAC, but ring around.  beware, lots of companies will tow your trailer home if the car breaks down, but very few policies cover a failure on the trailer.  I can't comment on tyre pressures or torque wrench settings for wheels.  Check these out with the manufacturer.  I had a set of wheel studs wrecked by a careless mechanic (me) over tightening the wheel nuts.  The correct torque wrench setting is important as I managed to streach the studs.

Much more advice on the abroad section.

Enjoy the trip.

Also be aware & check roadsigns it is not always permitted to overtake if you are towing. Which can be a right PITA if some numpty is crawling along at 10kph & thinks you can just overtake them  .

Suzi

In respect pf speed limits just be aware of what car you are towing with as to what speed limits you are allowed. Its not necessarily 130kmh if your potential car plus towing ability is over 3500kg REGARDLESS of what you are actually towing

Its a strange rule but one you should be aware of

Check out page 6

Quote: Originally posted by Steve McV on 17/7/2011

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If you are rolling in a 3.4 Tonne unit, I doubt you'd get near 130KMH!

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Thing is Steve you wouldn't have to be. My car is around 1700kg and trailer around 950kg or so but i would be over the 3500kg limit specified due to the funny rules . Saying all that.I have no doubt even if I was towing 1700kg on a 100% match my car wouldn't strruggle on the speed front due to its huge power and torque, but obviously wouldn't be an ideal match ! I do appreciate many cars as you say wouldn't necessari;y be in this category though

Its just a strange rule unfortunately