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 Topic: What is it really like towing a caravan
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09/9/2014 at 1:06pm
Location: Barry (Not quite the island)
Outfit: Bailey Platinum 642
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As a quick taster, they do towing under instruction at the Camping and Caravan Show at the end of next month at the NEC if you're going. I know Volvo did it the last time I went, but there are two shows, so it may be someone else. If going, see if you can book yourself on one of these. May give you the confidence you need to do it yourself.
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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
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09/9/2014 at 1:07pm
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When turning you need to position yourself to avoid curbing caravan wheel as you turn, so you need swing out left to turn right, to do this on a narrow road you may need to stop before turning to allow oncoming traffic to pass before you swing out.
You also need to remember opposite rear corner of caravan swings out as you turn & you will sometimes see caravans with damaged rear corners as a result of this. In a tight situation such a coming out of a filling station for example don't be afraid to cause a delay while your passenger gets out & directs you. Its better than hitting something.
Its a style of driving that HGV drivers have to adopt as a matter of course & caravanners have to learn it.
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Freeman on the land.
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09/9/2014 at 4:31pm
Location: March cambs
Outfit: Skoda Superb MK2 SE & abby vogue 460
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The thing I was taught which I stick to is when turning in to a left hand bend/corner keep front of the car as close to the centre line as possible and when turning in to a right hand bend/corner keep the front of the car as far over to the left edge as possible,as far as roundabouts I follow as similar line to HGV's.I have yet to curb the van in over 12 years of towing doing this
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men don't need or read instructions
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09/9/2014 at 7:14pm
Location: Freckleton Nr Preston
Outfit: Autotrail Apache 700
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On gentle A road bends it will almost follow the car, on tight junctions give yourself room. If you cannot find a course why not find a large carpark or waste ground to practice, maybe take an obsticle with you to drive around,with time you'll know how wide to take each corner. Above all drive gently and allow extra stopping distance etc, read the road ahead. You'll be nervous for the first 10mins then everything will slot into place!
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09/9/2014 at 9:33pm
Location: Aberdeen
Outfit: Coachman Pastiche 460 VW Tiguan Moti
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youtube caravan towing
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Robert (BoB)
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10/9/2014 at 8:24pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail
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Load the van well, get the nose-weight right for you car, anticipate well ahead, fit decent towing mirrors and check behind frequently, avoid unnecessary heavy braking, and drive as smoothly as possible. That way the chances of getting into a snake are negligible. Relax, you are not in a race, you are on holiday. Enjoy it!
I have done a lot of towing over the years, and used to tow a car-recovery trailer. With a large car on it, or a loaded van, it weighed considerable more than the tow-vehicle. Following the advice I have given above, I never had any problems. Towing a caravan now is an absolute doddle, but I am still careful to get things right, and I never rush anything.
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Best Regards,
Colin
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14/9/2014 at 8:07pm
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: Bailey Phoenix GT 75
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Oops please excuse grammatical error. Je suis desole´!
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DS-There's more to life than football!!!
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15/9/2014 at 8:45pm
Location: West Yorkshire
Outfit: Swift Challenger 570 kia Sportage
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As we are looking to get a caravan, I have booked both Hubby and I onto the towing course at the NEC, although he will do the majority of the driving I figured I might have to one day so best know what I am doing, also I might want to go away with the kids sometime during the holidays.
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15/9/2014 at 9:20pm
Location: Whitchurch shrops
Outfit: Swift conqueror 480
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Lots of good advice . Maybe too much .
Do you know anyone who has a caravan that can go with you when you first collect it . This will give you the confidence . Also it's nice to have some one with experience and knowledge with you the first time .
Other wise go on a towing course .
Good luck , take care and have fun .
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16/9/2014 at 7:32pm
Location: Newtownards
Outfit: Mondeo Estate & Sprite Major4 SB
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This is actually a fantastic question to ask. There must be loads of people who feel the same but may be embarassed or never even think to ask. The many positive replys show how we (members of the forum) want others to enjoy something new and do it safely. Nosaj, once your five minutes down the road, you'll be wondering what all the fuss was about. Hope it all goes well.
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Michael
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