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CLOSE YOUR HEIKI ROOFLIGHT BEFORE YOU SET OFF TOWING!!!

I'm fairly new to the caravanning lark owned a caravan for about a year or so now and probably most of you on here are very experienced caravaners so please no one take offence to a newbie passing on some advice!!

I have seen at least two caravans in the last month or so with their big Rooflights (I think they are called Heiki Rooflights as we don't have one!) fully open whilst towing. So just a reminder to make sure you include it as part of your check before you drive off when you are towing!!

I hope that saves a few wet seats/ beds whatever!!

Very well put Bossynix 

May i add Dont forget your MIRROR'S!!!!!!!!!!!!

They are the things that clip onto the car door mirrors if you needed reminding which it seems a lot of you DO!!

Have a nice and safe tow

Niall

Quote: Originally posted by Plossl on 27/7/2009

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I was at the C&CC site at Blackmore in May and a gent turned up there with no roof light It has blown off on the journey to the site The site staff were very helpful lent him a black bin liner to cover the hole

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The Law in the United Kingdom specifies, you must be able to see clearly down both sides of the caravan, and see 4 meters either side of the caravan at a distance of 20 meters behind the rear of the caravan.
This in reality means, if your caravan/trailer is wider than the rear of your tow vehicle, you must fit towing mirrors to comply with the law. You can be fined up to £1000 and get 3 point on your licence for towing blind. (At exhibitions, we have met many caravanners that had received 3 points and £60 fixed penalty notices.)
On tow vehicles conforming to directive 2003/97 EC or sold after January 2007, the towing mirrors may project 25cms further than the widest part of the caravan. On tow vehicles pre dating this directive, the mirrors may project 20 cms further than the widest part of the caravan.
Since 12th of December 2005 it is a legal requirement that you have type approved (e-marked) mirrors on both sides of the tow vehicle.

I can't think there are many vehicles on our roads that are wider than a caravan, so in virtually every case extension mirrors should be in use.

Ali
 

I once followed another unit down the road where the rooflight was wide open. I was hooting my horn and flashing my lights at the driver ahead for about five minutes, but he was completely oblivious. Then he turned right and I turned left, so I've no idea whether he noticed until it was too late with the rooflight was ripped off.

The best tip is to print up what I call an "exit strategy" - a reminder list of things to do before travelling (and before simply leaving the van for the day, too). Things like ensuring roof vents are shut, windows are shut and latched, fridge door is locked, and so on... We have our laminated list over the door. No excuses!

I once recoverd a broken down car that had left his rooflight open once i had got his car loaded and van hitched i asked if he was closing the rooflight  as i would create alot more wind than his car and he may loose it.they were to say the least flabberghasted at my question, whats more there tv was just sat on the center draws micro was on top in kitchen as was kettle still full of water ( i never dared look at portapotti)

they even tried to make a complaint about me after I refused to tow there van until it was correctly loaded (good thing i was my own boss)

god knows what sort of state the van would have arrived home in if they had managed to drive off site.

maybe its me but if it can move i pack it somewhere else or hold it still with something else such as towles etc and i certainly dont leave any fluids of any sort on board ewwww at the mess a week old pora potti could make. 

Quote: Originally posted by snowy747 on 27/7/2009

The Law in the United Kingdom specifies, you must be able to see clearly down both sides of the caravan, and see 4 meters either side of the caravan at a distance of 20 meters behind the rear of the caravan.Since 12th of December 2005 it is a legal requirement that you have type approved (e-marked) mirrors on both sides of the tow vehicle.I can't think there are many vehicles on our roads that are wider than a caravan, so in virtually every case extension mirrors should be in use.