A Guide to Modern Towing Ep. 11: Tips for Safe Towing
The key to getting to your destination successfully is by taking the right precautions on the road. From road manners to manoeuvring your van, there are a number of things every holiday maker needs to know. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned traveller looking to brush up on their towing skills, these are our top tips for safe towing to help you make the most out of your time behind the wheel.
- Observe the Conditions
Once you’re on the road, you may be surprised to realise you don’t just need to focus on your own van, but on all the vehicles around you, from light hatches to oversize trucks. A good set of extendable mirrors will reduce your blind spots, so you can travel safely. For example, if you see a truck approaching you from behind, you can move over within your own lane, giving them more space to overtake you. - Keeping Safe Distances
Towing a caravan requires you to change your driving style. Keeping safe distances between yourself and the car in front isn’t just polite, it could be the difference between an accident and a close call. Your caravan is weighing you down, and sudden breaks will take you longer to come to a complete stop. One way to make sure you’re far enough away from the car in front is to maintain a five second gap – pick an object like a tree or road sign, and count how long it takes you to reach it after the car ahead has driven past it. - Preventing Trailer Sway
Trailer sway can be scary – and it can happen for a range of reasons. Some of the most common include poorly loading your caravan, a flat tyre or the air from an overtaking truck. With experience, you can learn the best ways to navigate these conditions, and many others.
As you can see, knowing how to best control your caravan, and how it reacts under certain situations, is the best way to ensure you’re traveling with care. Proper caravan etiquette is also important to help not just yourself, but other drivers on the road to drive safely. We recommend undertaking a course or two to learn more about towing a caravan, especially if you’re just starting off.