How do I tow a caravan?

Before you’ve even attempted to attach the caravan to your car, make sure you’re driving licence allows you to tow! If you obtained your driving licence after 1st January 1997, you most likely will be able to tow a caravan, although it’s important that you check out the weight limits. Before this date, you can most likely drive a vehicle/trailer combination of up to 8,250KG (https://www.gov.uk/towing-with-car). 

 

Now, when you have established that you can tow your caravan, and have the correct insurance in place, you can start your journey. There are a few things to remember:- 

 

You’re towing something BIG. Make sure you’ve got enough time and space, especially when you take corners or you’re parking. 

 

The speed limits are usually lower when you’re towing – 50mph on single carriageways and 60mph on dual carriageways. 

 

You cannot go in the outside lane (or to use the incorrect term – fast lane) when you’re towing, unless you’re instructed to do so i.e. by the Police. 

 

As you need a clear view of the rear of your tow, make sure you’ve got your extendable mirrors on, and that you take them off when you’re not towing. 

Right, now you’ve checked off all the above, plus any other RAC recommended to-do’s (https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/driving-advice/towing-a-caravan/), and you’re on the road. But you don’t have completed control of the car – or you’re snaking. Basically, the caravan starts moving excessively from side to side, dragging the car back with it. Try not to panic. If your car and caravan are a good match, this shouldn’t happen, but if it does, try slowing down without using the brakes (by taking your feet off the pedals) and try to keep steering. Like when a vehicle hits ice, over-steering can cause problems! 

 

So, whilst our team of Personal Injury Solicitors in Lancaster have limited personal experience towing a caravan, we do know how to help if you’re involved in a road traffic accident. Contact our team on 01524 581 306 or online, here.