Towing a caravan presents added risks to driving, and should only ever be undertaken responsibly. The following tips will help reduce these risks:
- You should allow yourself extra time and space for everything you do. Whether it be braking earlier than normal, or turning wider to prevent catching a curb or cutting a corner.
- Bear in mind that speed limits are often lower when you are towing. You shouldn’t exceed 60mph on dual carriageways, and 50mph on single carriageways.
- You must not tow in the outside lane of a motorway that has 3 or more lanes, unless explicitly instructed to do so.
- Ensure you have a clear view to the rear of your caravan. You will probably need to use extension mirrors.
- Never carry passengers or animals in the caravan when towing.
- Your number plate must conform to British Standards, it must show your registration number, and must be illuminated during the hours of darkness.
- Check you rear light panel before every time you drive off.
- If traffic is building up behind you, make sure you pull over at a suitable place to allow it to pass.
- Make sure you park sensibly and don’t cause an obstruction. And don’t park in parking meter bays.
- Don’t ever dispose of your caravan’s waste water on the public highway.
A lot of these tips are plain common sense, but by following them you will make your experience and those around you safer and more pleasurable. You will also of course be doing yourself a favour in terms of your caravan insurance, by reducing the risk of needing to claim.