4 Essential Tips For Towing a Caravan Like A Pro

If you plan to caravan, you must know all the essential tips to do the job safely and efficiently. The best way to think about the process is to view your caravan as the tail and your vehicle as the animal's body. An animal controls how the tail wags and you need an even greater sense of control over the relationship between the two.  

Essential towing tips  

So, if you want to know how to tow caravans safely, the essential towing tips below are a great place to start.  

1. The 85% rule  

This is a rule caravan enthusiasts have lived by for decades, and it still stands true for safe towing. What is the 85% rule? It is guidance that you should only tow up to 85% of the tow vehicle's curb weight. This is not a legal requirement, but it is strongly recommended, especially if you are new to towing caravans. 

With more experience, you may feel comfortable with 100% curb weight towing, but until then, stick to the 85% rule for safety. It's always a more stable towing situation if the tow vehicle is heavier than the caravan or whatever else you may be towing. Certainly, you shouldn't tow anything that exceeds your vehicle's curb weight.  

2. Tow mirrors 

If you want to know how to tow a caravan safely, you need towing mirrors. Tow mirrors are an essential part of safe towing and travel. These will give you visibility because you can't safely change lanes if you can't see other vehicles. Check your local rules and regulations to ensure your tow mirrors provide the necessary coverage and visibility.  

3. Safe loading  

Many clever storage solutions help you find the space to pack everything you need for your trip but be careful to avoid overpacking. It's easier than you think, especially when you plan to hit the road for a significant period. 

Every caravan has a Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass, which is the most weight it can carry when loaded. A set of caravan scales is ideal for ensuring you don't exceed the maximum permissible weight. 

When packing the vehicle, aim to load heat items as close as possible to the rear axle. When packing the caravan, stow heavy items low, above the axles. When dealing with a fixed-bed layout, you know how much storage is beneath the bed. However, be cautious when using this as storage space because it is behind the axle. It's an excellent spot for lightweight, bulky items but nothing of significant weight.  

4. Triple-check everything

Planning is critical, and so is triple-checking everything before you set off. Ensure you check the tire pressure on the towing vehicle and caravan. Double-check your spares, fuel, oil levels, breakaway system, trailer tow lights, electric brake controller, and tow mirrors. You should also ensure any gas bottles you are carrying are in the off position. 

You should ensure all latches, doors, windows, and loose items are secured and check your battery systems. Fire safety is also essential, so check the smoke alarms, and ensure your fire blanket and extinguisher are safely packed. Finally, be sure to stock your first aid kit. 

You should have made a packing list for your trip, so check it also. It's important that you safely pack everything you put on your list.  

Final thoughts  

It is also worth taking a training course if you want peace of mind and confidence before your first caravan trip. Any competent driver can tow a caravan safely, but it involves learning new skills. So, feel free to book a training course and get a head start in your knowledge before you set out on an adventure.  

So, now you know how to tow caravans safely, you can plan your next major trip. Many campsites provide recommended routes to arrive at the destination safely; you should always check the website to plot your path thoroughly to avoid awkward routes or narrow lanes. 

There's no need to rush. After all, you're on vacation! As tempting as it is to speed, braking distances change with speed, and taking it slow and steady is the safest way to tow.