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Subject Topic: reversing a caravan
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09/11/2014 at 4:25pm
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OH wants to learn how to tow just incase for any reason i cant drive whilst away.I suppose it makes sense and one day may happen.So do i get some cones and take our van off raod somewhere or do we go for professional training.We live in mansfield area so whats your thoughts and best way forward


09/11/2014 at 4:42pm
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Reversing a caravan isn't something you can really teach beyond the basic counter intuitive turning steering wheel in opposite direction than you think it should go to get back of 'van in correct direction. After that its just practice so save your money & find a bit empty carpark somewhere to practise in.


09/11/2014 at 5:21pm
 Location: Argyll Scotland
 Outfit: 1997 Bailey Ranger 470 4
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Cones and a car park or an industrial estate.

The main thing is very slow practise.

If you imagine how your front wheels face when you are reversing just the car, then transpose the whole car to face the way the car's wheels are as you reverse the caravan.
This is difficult at first but you will soon get the hang of it.

It's all mirrors and very slow.

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Lobey.


09/11/2014 at 10:21pm
 Location: Midlands
 Outfit: Mondeo Avondale Gram
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If reversing in a straight line steer towards whichever mirror its appearing in.

Slow and small movements of the wheel. If your going past a quarter of a turn your going too quickly and over correcting.

Longer vehicle and longer van can actually be easier to reverse. Small movements can be seen easier.

Short vans can start to wander before you spot it going wrong.

Plenty of time to practice and dont try rushing it.



09/11/2014 at 10:42pm
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got the message,thanx guys.I will have a go at teaching her but i see arguments looming.I may be single again soon


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09/11/2014 at 11:14pm
 Location: Argyll Scotland
 Outfit: 1997 Bailey Ranger 470 4
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Ear Plugs and a Blindfold can work wonders!!!

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Lobey.


09/11/2014 at 11:46pm
 Location: Southport
 Outfit: Adria Adora Premium Yeti 4x4 run about
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Plenty of paper hankies not for her for you


10/11/2014 at 12:11am
 Location: Argyll Scotland
 Outfit: 1997 Bailey Ranger 470 4
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When I was learning to drive (and reverse) an artic, the instructor had a steel ruler and I would get a rap across the knuckles every time I made a mistake.

Go on, I dare you!!!!

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Lobey.


10/11/2014 at 6:29am
 Location: The foot hills of no
 Outfit:  A full biohazard su
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Quote: Originally posted by LobeyDosser on 09/11/2014
Ear Plugs and a Blindfold can work wonders!!!



That's silly advice if you don't mind me saying so! She'll never be able to reverse a caravan wearing a blindfold and will not hear instructions with ear plugs in!   

-------------
David

    

I've stood on Lego and didn't even cry!!


10/11/2014 at 12:37pm
 Location: Lichfield
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 450
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I know many men who can't reverse a caravan to which some have been caravanning for over 10 years or more apart from those who regularly drive articulated combinations and their response is "I can't do it" but they have given up far too easily. Practice makes perfect is the key but to achieve this you need patience and understand out the outfit performs. The easiest solution is to buy a cheap child's car and caravan and practice with it at home first but you need to hold the vehicle exactly where the front steering wheels are so you can see how the trailer manouvres. The shorter the caravan the more difficult the reversing procedure is because of the distance from the towball to the caravan wheels so a longer caravan is easier to reverse. I started with a Coachman caravan that was no longer than 13 feet long in length including the 'A' frame but I was determined to get the hang of reversing without the aid of any tuition. I eventually mastered the art of it but when I bought the caravan we have now which is about another 3 feet longer it made the task so much easier.
Okay, so you eventually master the art of reversing but then you have the task of positioning the caravan adjacent to the next caravan with the correct spacing and the best way to do it is to get one of the yellow ramps out, space the correct gap and then put the ramp on the ground to whichever side you want so that you can see the ramp in your towing mirror. Slowly reverse the outfit by using the ramp as a guide and then you finally achieve perfection.
When people ask me how I do it to such a fine art I tell them that it takes a bit of initiative, understanding, patience and a lot of practice. If you have the determination then you will eventually conquer the art of reversing.


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10/11/2014 at 1:07pm
 Location: West Midlands
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...or start here!   


10/11/2014 at 9:04pm
 Location: LEICESTER
 Outfit: None Entered
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Pity you are not a little nearer to me - Leicester near walkers crisps - because I would assist for free

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


10/11/2014 at 11:55pm
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Hi rog,its not a million miles away.She works at east mids airport.And many thanks all for replies.I have a 3ft long steel rule,so i can rap her knuckles and be beyond slapping distance myself.


11/11/2014 at 6:26pm
 Location: fife
 Outfit: vw t5 adria isonzo
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the only major problem teaching someone to reverse is the clutch if manual.can start to overheat very easily.


11/11/2014 at 6:32pm
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Teaching anybody to reverse will include pointing out they need to clear clutch asap & try to avoid slipping it.


11/11/2014 at 10:59pm
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our car is auto,you cant get a manual chrysler 300



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