Hi all, I am new to caravanning and towing but I have been driving for 18 years. I think I have got my head around manoeuvring the caravan etc. but I was just wondering if paying the £90 fee to the Caravan Club for the two day training course is worth it. Has anyone else done this course? What did you think of it? I feel confident about towing but there is a niggling feeling that I would like to have a practice before picking up the new van next month and taking it on the road. Any views?
Hi Fozzer, I was planning on booking one of the courses as I really struggled with reversing and my hubby was even worse at directing me but after having a really good chat with an uncle with plenty of experience I have managed to crack the reversing. If you have Sky there is a caravan channel and from what we saw the other day they are giving some excellent tips. Last one we saw was how to reverse straight which I must admit I find hard as the caravan seems to have a mind of it's own lol. I suppose it depends on how confident you are as a driver. I know there are other people on here who have done the course and heartily recommend it.
------------- -x- Diane -x-
May 13 - Cala Gogo, St Cyprien (didn't go, hubby too ill to travel)
May 14 Ranc Davaine
August 14 Les Sablons
August 13 - Camping Playa Brava, Pals
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I did the course - would fully recommend it. I too have been driving for many years (and hold an HGV licence) but would really recommend doing the course.
As well as all the practical bits - reversing etc, there was some really useful theory about loading, weights etc, and lots of tips which you just wouldn't get elsewhere - and it was really good fun.
I did the Caravan Manoeuvring Course after getting our caravan earlier this year. I've been driving for 30 years so have more bad habits than a Nun's Rugby team . Thought it well worth the money especially as I did it on a weekday. Only four of us there so we had two per caravan and all day to play. Apparently the weekend courses can be a bit cramped and therefore your time actually towing is not a lot. If possible try and book a weekday (not a public holiday) to get the most out of it. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Ray
I am still thinking about doing it even though I towed my van home having never towed a a-frame in my life (sweated buckets though) then went away in it (only 50 miles) he next wekend, although I would like to avoid reversing I would like to know how to do it
Apart from the reduction in insurance if you use CC's insurance, there is also the increase in self confidence and awareness of various situations so you are better prepared should the worst happen.
I did the one day course last year and Mr Ulti-mates did the course when we first took up caravanning.
It really is excellent. The course is focussed on manoeuvring onto pitches, rather than road-towing and is full of useful tips as well as the practical work. My weekend course wasn't full and we had two vans between about 6 students, so we had loads of practical time.
The students on my course all had many years of driving exerience and varied towing experience too, but all felt they had enjoyed and benefitted from it.
We also claim the CC's insurance discount for having completed the course, which helps to offset the cost of the course.
We have both done the course about 6 years ago even though I don't tow I would recommend it, at least I feel confident I could reverse the van if the situation ever occurred, Like when Mrs Gazmister runs to the Loo leaving the car and caravan obstructing somewhere - not that that ever happens!!! lol
------------- Never take life seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway.
Most people would gain something from the course, just how much depends on what you know already. A year ago, I would certainly have taken one if it had been local merely to boost my confidence. I am modestly happy with my reversing, which I actually find easier with the caravan than I did with the trailer tent I had previously as the caravan is more visible in my mirrors. However, a years experience later and I feel pretty confident. Yes, I would still learn from the course without a doubt, but whether I would learn enough to justify spending the £90 plus cost of getting there I am sceptical about.
Of course, I may be underestimating the content of he course, but I am now quite happy towing without having done one and not being insured with the club means I won't get the benefit of the insurance discount either.
I did the C&CC one and it was great - good 1-1 instruction and picked up some good tips. £90 isnt a lot of money for being safer. You cant get anough good advice - after all many of us are towing in access of £10000!!
Thanks everyone - I am booked on the CC course in Preston on 2/3 Feb. Looking forward to it at least I can practice on someone else’s vans and in a wide open space.