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Subject Topic: Towing novice Post Reply Post New Topic
18/5/2014 at 2:25pm
 Location: Barry (Not quite the island)
 Outfit: Bailey Platinum 642
View katycymru's Profile View Profile   Reply to katycymru Reply   Quote katycymru Quote  
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Hi there.

After finally convincing the OH we got a trailer tent, which we're due to pick up next weekend, but this will be my first time towing. So i'm about to ask two inane questions but I hope you can help.

1. It's a normal hitch, and i've got a swan neck/detachable tow bar, but it's been used for a bike rack. So do I need to take the paint off before I grease the ball?

2. Due to the height and length of my car (Renault Grande Espace) and the length of the trailer, i'm not 100% sure i'm going to be able to see it in any mirror. Is this a no-no? How will I know it is not snaking behind me?

Also, is there any other advice apart from taking it steady? Think after the first 10 miles or so, i'll be a lot happier, but just a bit apprehensive.

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2019: Hurn Lane CAMC, Cirencester Park CAMC & Lytton Lawn

2020: Brecon Beacons CAMC, Bladon Chains CAMC, Brecon Beacons CAMC, Les Iles (Normandy), Easter Compton (BOC Rally), Deanwood (BOC Rally), Abbey Wood CAMC


18/5/2014 at 3:55pm
 Location: Near Alton Towers
 Outfit: Bailey Burgundy S7 H
View Pickled Onion's Profile View Profile   Reply to Pickled Onion Reply   Quote Pickled Onion Quote  
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Hi Katy, they are not inane questions at all, if you're not sure always ask. The only silly question is the one you don't ask.

1) I don't think you need to remove the paint unless it has an anti-snake device fitted in which case you would need to, and absolutely no grease.

2) I think I would get some towing mirrors if it was me, and it may well be the law as with caravans, Someone else will say I'm sure.

You will probably not notice much difference on the open road. Allow for the extra length turning corners, especially left, the trailer wheels will roughly follow the track of your rear wheels. Use common sense and you will be absolutely fine. Try not to get into situations where you need to reverse as that does take a bit of time to master.

Dave



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Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day,
Teach a man to fish and you can get rid of him for a whole weekend.


18/5/2014 at 5:48pm
 Location: Ivybridge Devon
 Outfit: Bailey Pageant Burgundy series 6
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Also remember towing speeds on A roads 50mph motorways 60mph


18/5/2014 at 5:56pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
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And unlike many idiots on the M5 every august. Your not allowed in the outside lane of the motorway.

Is the trailer is small consider fitting some small poles to the corners.
They can be a pain to reverse if you cannot see it.

If unbraked make sure its below your cars unbraked trailer limit and dont overload it.



18/5/2014 at 6:31pm
 Location: 
 Outfit: 
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'And unlike many idiots on the M5 every august. Your not allowed in the outside lane of the motorway'.

You are if lanes 1&2(and 3) are closed


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XVI yes?

As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.


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18/5/2014 at 8:02pm
 Location: west country
 Outfit: None Entered
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Paint on the ball should be removed.

Ball must be greased if you have no friction stabiliser. If you do have a friction stabiliser you must not grease the ball.

If your trailer is wider than the car you should fit towing mirrors.

If you cannot see the trailer in your mirrors vertical poles in the front corners may help.

If it is snaking and you cannot see it you will still know it is snaking! You may also see it if the snake is violent but there is no reason why it should snake if correctly loaded and driven within speed limits.


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Steve




19/5/2014 at 9:15am
 Location: LEICESTER
 Outfit: None Entered
View ROG.'s Profile View Profile   Reply to ROG. Reply   Quote ROG. Quote  
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Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 18/5/2014
'And unlike many idiots on the M5 every august. Your not allowed in the outside lane of the motorway'.

You are if lanes 1&2(and 3) are closed



You are if lane 1 is closed and lanes 2 and 3 are open because that makes it a 2 lane motorway



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EX Advanced driving observer (IAM)
EX LGV & B+E instructor



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