How difficult is it to tow a caravan, please?

12sapphire

greenface wrote: »

..... as for your first question "is it difficult to tow a caravan" how do we know what your fears and capabilities are .

Think I was clear in saying that I was capable of towing a trailer tent...just really wanted to know what the difference was in towing a caravan which most people have kindly answered

bunbun2

I don't have your driving experience (22 years only) and had never towed before getting a caravan earlier this year. I haven't found it a problem, my main advice would be (sorry to be obvious) leave plenty of space. I'm sure we've all seen some horrendous examples of people driving too close to the vehicle in front-my wife and I were open mouthed with disbelief at a Transit towing a caravan at 60mph+ no more than 10ft away from the vehicle in front in wind and rain the last time we were out. I haven't really got the hang of reversing yet, but my advice there would be to think s-shapes (sorry you probably know this already). I stick to lower speeds-50mph is pretty much as fast as I go when towing and if somebody else wants to call me a dawdling half-wit for that, then I wish them joy and peace.
I've found the whole business straighforward, and would say go for it.

12sapphire

bunbun2 wrote: »

I haven't really got the hang of reversing yet, but my advice there would be to think s-shapes (sorry you probably know this already). I stick to lower speeds-50mph is pretty much as fast as I go when towing and if somebody else wants to call me a dawdling half-wit for that, then I wish them joy and peace.
I've found the whole business straighforward, and would say go for it.

Thank you bunbun. I didn't know about thinking 'S' shape while reversing but I know what you mean and it's a good tip :T. I'm not a speed freak at the best of times so I'm more than comfortable at doing 50mph

Bigmoney2

The caravan club run 1 day towing courses, so you could try before you buy as it were, they supply the caravans i think, so you would just need a suitable car with tow bar.

http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/expert-advice/getting-started/training-courses/practical-caravanning-courses/

http://www.caravanclub.co.uk/media/1022820/top-twenty-caravanning-questions.pdf

sunshinetours

You have had a trailer tent previously but have you considered maybe a folding camper? A folder of some sort will certainly tow smoother in the airflow and will not significanlty impact your fuel consumption.

If you go for say a 4 berth side entrance one you will almost certainly end up with more room than a 2 berth caravan aswell. Easy up of main unit of around 10-15 mins, and if only 2 of you you may not require an awning.

www.foldingcamperinfo.co.uk

12sapphire

sunshinetours wrote: »

You have had a trailer tent previously but have you considered maybe a folding camper?

Therein lies the problem sunshinetours. We are getting on a bit now (well....not too old but racing towards our 60's far too fast :eek:) and my hubby has developed arthritis in his shoulder so the weight of the canvas has proved a bit of a problem. We both love camping and the thought of having to erect the canvas and awning is putting us off going so often. We thought with a little 2 berth caravan/pop-up/folding we would get more use out of it.

sunshinetours

Totally understand. Newer folding campers often have gas struts for the bed boards so they are easy for even one person to do.
A larger one as I said wouldn't necessarily need an awning unless staying for extended stays.

Even then you have options as you can get lightweight porch awnings adapted to fit them or even use a drive wawy type awning for extra storage.

just another option if you do love the uniqueness of being under (real) canvas rather than inside a tin tent !

Good luck whichever way you go

Sunny_Side_Up

Hi
Would just add my twopenn'oth if that's ok

Think you'll find towing ok if you've already had some experience but I would recommend the caravan club 1 day courses if you're not sure. Travelling during the week when it's quieter to gain experience may be helpful.

Regards making life easier when you have limited mobility we find the following have made things so much better for us
a) a motor mover
b) a battery drill with an attachment to wind the steadies up and down
c) we swopped from a superlightweight awning as we didn't feel comfortable with how insubstantial they felt. We went for a Ventura Marlin porch awning which takes about 15mins to erect and is not heavy to handle at all.

Have fun and enjoy, hope you get something soon!

PasturesNew

Towing it's probably not the major issue.... I'd be more worried about:
- forgetting it was there at all
- struggling to uncouple it and site it and connect it up once I'd arrived at the destination.

katskorner

I have been towing for just over four years now and it is something that you keep learning with.

Advice about 85% kerbweight is spot on and I would be looking at that to ensure your ratios are right. Also don't go above 60mph and drive according to windy conditions! Watch for coaches as they suck you in and you find that if you slightly steer away then it is not so scary so keep and eye on the mirror to spot them before you feel them.

Also in loading the caravan, make sure you balance the weight over the axel to maintain stability.

I love my caravan and will keep towing as long as it means I get my holidays (4 this year so far... with one coming up)!