Home

   Log in or Register



Insurance Quotes
forums Campsite Search Comp Directory tips virtual brochure Profile
Tent and Awning Reviews Competitions Caravans and Motorhomes For Sale Shopping Diary Advent Calendar

Advertisement

Message Forums
Welcome Guest Register Login Search The Forum Posts Since Last Visit
 Reception - All Forums
   Caravans and Caravanning -  Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice 		Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email  Printer Friendly Version Print
Subject Topic: Towing lessons Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonRachlN76
12/4/2015 at 2:47pm
 Location: Manchester
 Outfit: Vango Maritsa 700; Isis 600 + canopy View RachlN76's Profile View Profile   Reply to RachlN76 Reply   Quote RachlN76 Quote  
Joined: 05/9/2012

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   740
Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 2
Site Nights 2018: 0
I've just booked some towing lessons before I take the plunge and buy a tow bar and trailer!

I don't actually need any lessons or tests because I passed my test so long ago, but I thought it would be a good idea so that I know what I'm doing, and I can decide if I like it or hate it before I spend a fortune on a tow bar and trailer. And most importantly, so that I'm safe once I do start out on the road!!

The instructor is convinced that her can teach me to reverse. I struggle enough just reversing my car without extra bits attached, so I'm not convinced, but I'll do my best!


Personbilly
12/4/2015 at 4:08pm
 Location: North Essex
 Outfit: Caravelair Alba 400 View billy's Profile View Profile   Reply to billy Reply   Quote billy Quote  
Joined: 19/4/2002

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   4364
Site Reviews Total: 39
Site Reviews 2024: 9  
Site Reviews 2023: 6  
Site Reviews 2022: 7  
Site Reviews 2021: 10 
Site Reviews 2020: 7  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 121
Site Nights 2023: 45
Site Nights 2022: 91
Site Nights 2021: 112
Site Nights 2020: 84
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Reversing a small trailer is difficult because often you can't see it. Reversing technique is to turn steering wheel in opposite direction to nudge trailer back end round. Ie left hand down to back trailer into a turn on your right as you sit in car. You take it off almost as soon as you have turned & then apply a bit more left to gradually push back end around. Its easier with a long caravan than a short trailer.

Once your instructor has taught you the basics you just need to practise. All anybody can teach you about reversing a trailer is the principle, ie how it actually works but its up to you to practise to get it right.

Tbf, plenty can't reverse a trailer & with a small one it might be easier to detach it & push it in place by hand.


PersonFrancais
12/4/2015 at 4:47pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View Francais's Profile View Profile   Reply to Francais Reply   Quote Francais Quote  
Joined: 29/6/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   12115
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 14
Site Nights 2018: 0
Yep, get a Trailer with a Jokey Wheel, far easiar to manover when detached, rather than the faff trying to reverse with it hitched.


PersonOliverDay
12/4/2015 at 5:00pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View OliverDay's Profile View Profile   Reply to OliverDay Reply   Quote OliverDay Quote  
Joined: 11/1/2007

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   2328
Site Reviews Total: 24
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by Billy x on 12/4/2015
Tbf, plenty can't reverse a trailer & with a small one it might be easier to detach it & push it in place by hand.

Not just small ones. Once saw a car and caravan overshot a right turn where they close the road on market days in Sommieres.

He'd only over shot by the length of car and 'van and it was a straight reverse. But the family got out, unhitched, pushed back and then car reversed, rehitched and drover right. All while the traffic queued up behind.

If you are not sure it is best to have lessons and practise in an empty car park. I think the best advice is not to rush, take your time and get someone to be a banksman.


-------------
Ollie

2016
Monplaisir - Provence
Camping Les Gorges du Loup


PersonRachlN76
12/4/2015 at 7:50pm
 Location: Manchester
 Outfit: Vango Maritsa 700; Isis 600 + canopy View RachlN76's Profile View Profile   Reply to RachlN76 Reply   Quote RachlN76 Quote  
Joined: 05/9/2012

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   740
Site Reviews Total: 7
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 1  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 2
Site Nights 2018: 0
Thanks guys, I have heard this about the small trailers.
I'm sure I'll have to find and empty car park and practice a lot!

I think I've also heard people mention putting flags in the bag corner of the trailer so they can see it? Is that a good idea, or fairly pointless?


Advertisement



Personmoppetsdad
12/4/2015 at 8:02pm
 Location: The foot hills of no
 Outfit:  A full biohazard su View moppetsdad's Profile View Profile   Reply to moppetsdad Reply   Quote moppetsdad Quote  
Joined: 29/3/2009

Platinum Member
Platinum Member

Forum Posts:   1032
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Quote: Originally posted by RachlN76 on 12/4/2015
Thanks guys, I have heard this about the small trailers.
I'm sure I'll have to find and empty car park and practice a lot!

I think I've also heard people mention putting flags in the bag corner of the trailer so they can see it? Is that a good idea, or fairly pointless?


That is an excellent idea!

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

    

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


Persontango55
12/4/2015 at 8:16pm
 Location: Lichfield
 Outfit: Coachman Amara 450 View tango55's Profile View Profile   Reply to tango55 Reply   Quote tango55 Quote  
Joined: 15/5/2008

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   9587
Site Reviews Total: 23
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 3  
Site Reviews 2021: 1  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 4  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 11
Site Nights 2021: 3
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 24
Site Nights 2018: 0
If it's a small trailer then it will jack-knife very quickly and very difficult to rectify the manouvre.
The smaller the trailer the more difficult it is to reverse which is down to the distance between the towball to the trailer axle. The longer that distance is the easier it is to reverse so it would be better to start off with a longer unit first and then gradually change down to a smaller trailer as you need to understand exactly how to make the turns at the steering wheel by direction and over-steering.
However, if you can't reverse a car on it's own then I guarantee that you won't be able to reverse a trailer until you master the art of solo reversing first.
Wait till you put it all into practice and you will understand fully what I am saying.
I started off with a small caravan which was 13 feet long and reversing was a nightmare but after 3 years of practice I started to get the hang of it. When I changed my caravan 4 years ago it was 18 feet long (another 5 feet longer) and when it came to reversing it was a piece of cake merely because I mastered the art of reversing with a shorter caravan first without even realising.
People have been towing trailers for years and still can't reverse and their answer is always...."I can't do it".
The answer is...."Yes you can, depending on how determined you are as practice makes perfect".


Personandyd71
14/4/2015 at 9:08am
 Location: Pontyclun
 Outfit: Compas View andyd71's Profile View Profile   Reply to andyd71 Reply   Quote andyd71 Quote  
Joined: 15/9/2011

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   434
Site Reviews Total: 5
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 1  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 3
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
I know artic drivers who can park their lorry trailers cm perfect but cant reverse trailer tents so dont beat yourself up if u cant do it,

as everyone above said, small trailers turn so quickly its vv difficult try with a long one and come down.

-------------
2022
North and West wales grand tour (in T5)
Matlock (in T5)
New forest and IOW (in T5)
New Forest
La tranche sur mer
jevea (Valencia)
2023
Cotswolds
Tenby
(added a Compass Rallye to crew)
Royan
La tranche Sur Mer
2024
royan
La tranche

'Wyrd bith ful araed-Fate will out'


PersonSkoda Bob
14/4/2015 at 10:10am
 Location: None Entered
 Outfit: Swift charisma Skoda Scout 4x4 View Skoda Bob's Profile View Profile   Reply to Skoda Bob Reply   Quote Skoda Bob Quote  
Joined: 19/10/2009

Diamond Member
Diamond Member

Forum Posts:   1837
Site Reviews Total: 4
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
You could also fit a reversing camera , then you can actually see what way the trailer is turning.
either one for in dash or even the rear view mirror, there are even sat navs that can accept them.
SWMBO, has one on her Superb, she can single handed revers right up to the tow ball no problem, for hitching as well


PersonRogietMND
14/4/2015 at 3:13pm
 Location: Rogiet
 Outfit: Bailey and Hyundai View RogietMND's Profile View Profile   Reply to RogietMND Reply   Quote RogietMND Quote  
Joined: 13/4/2015

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   6
Site Reviews Total: 2
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Small trailer - we (wife and I) learnt by taking it to an industrial estate on a Sunday and just practice until you get comfortable. Rather sad pastime I know but only way to gain confidence.

small steering wheel movements are key with smaller trailers (not as easy as pushing though!!)

No to get too disheartened as we all need to practice when changing trailer, caravan etc (we're on our 3rd caravan and it behaves differently because of weight and length).

Don't worry too much if you have to unhitch to push onto drive as even now, some days I simply get flustered and can't reverse the caravan at all despite having reversed it easily the week before.


Advertisement



Personwaterdragon
04/5/2015 at 9:39pm
 Location: swindon
 Outfit: tent View waterdragon's Profile View Profile   Reply to waterdragon Reply   Quote waterdragon Quote  
Joined: 06/6/2005

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   4
Site Reviews Total: 0
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
lesson are the best way to not get bad habits. I have towed most things, from small medium item ie horse boxes with horses. If you take a recognised course it get 10% discount on the insurance for, the tents folding campers and caravans
hope this confirms you are on the right track, hope you have many happy holidays


Personkatycymru
05/5/2015 at 5:59pm
 Location: Barry (Not quite the island)
 Outfit: Bailey Platinum 642 View katycymru's Profile View Profile   Reply to katycymru Reply   Quote katycymru Quote  
Joined: 26/5/2010

Gold Member
Gold Member

Forum Posts:   366
Tent Reviews:   1
Site Reviews Total: 12
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 4  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 9
Site Nights 2018: 0
Went to Bridgewater services on the M5 yesterday, big mistake. Had to reverse into or out of space to get out. But I used a tip I learned on here - if you want to go straight, turn into whichever wing mirror you see it appearing in. Bit of a zig-zag, but got out first time!

-------------
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


PersonMARGARETSWIMMING
03/7/2018 at 7:42pm
 Location: 
 Outfit:  View MARGARETSWIMMING's Profile View Profile   Reply to MARGARETSWIMMING Reply   Quote MARGARETSWIMMING Quote  
Joined: 27/6/2013

Standard Member
Standard Member

Forum Posts:   31
Site Reviews Total: 1
Site Reviews 2024: 0  
Site Reviews 2023: 0  
Site Reviews 2022: 0  
Site Reviews 2021: 0  
Site Reviews 2020: 0  
Site Reviews 2019: 0  
Site Reviews 2018: 0  
Site Nights 2024: 0
Site Nights 2023: 0
Site Nights 2022: 0
Site Nights 2021: 0
Site Nights 2020: 0
Site Nights 2019: 0
Site Nights 2018: 0
Where can I get towing lessons near Glasgow Scotland?



In order to post a reply you will need to register, or if already registered please log in here

Prev       Next
Quick Links - All Forums - Caravan Towcars and Towing Advice - Top of Page

Printer Friendly Version Printable version      Share   Post on X / Twitter  Share on Facebook  Email


Latest News, Discounts and Competitions  see all...

9616 Visitors online !

Free UKCampsite.co.uk Window Sticker  -  Recommend to Friend  -  Add a Missing Campsite

[Message Forums]  [Caravan Sites & Camping]  [Company Listings]  [Features / Advice]  [Virtual Brochure]  [Shop!]
[Reception]  [Competitions]  [Caravans & Motorhomes For Sale]  [Event Diary]  [Contact Us]  [Tent Reviews] 



Please note we are not responsible for the content of external sites & any reviews represent the author's personal view only. Please report any error here. You may view our privacy and cookie policy and terms and conditions here. All copyrights & other intellectual property rights in the design and content of this web site are reserved to the UKCampsite.co.uk © 1999 - 2024


Advertisement
Advertisement


UKCampsite.co.uk
2024 Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar

24 Daily Prizes PLUS a Christmas Day Star Prize worth £999

Request a Reminder