Towing; Speed Limits; Pulling Away; Caravan Handling - Bailey Motorhomes Owner's Manual

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Caravan & Tow Vehicle
Pick up any levelling pads or levelling boards.
Check round the caravan for anything left behind.
Fully release the caravan's handbrake.
Carry out a second check that the hitch is secure and the secondary braking cable is connected.
Adjust all of the car's driving mirrors from driving seat to ensure good rear wards visibility.
2.3

TOWING

2.3.1

Speed limits

Where a lower limit is not in force, caravans may be towed at up to a maximum of 50 mph on single
carriageways or 60 mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
2.3.2

Pulling away

Allow more engine speed to produce the power to move the additional weight of the caravan.
Let the clutch out smoothly.
Avoid wear and tear on the clutch and transmission by taking extra care.
Change gears smoothly.
Try not to jerk the clutch.
2.3.3

Caravan handling

Allow for the caravan being slightly wider than the car.
Allow additional distance from the kerb with caravan wheels so that they are not 'bumped'.
When passing other vehicles allow more than the normal clearance for driving solo.
Overtaking and stopping distances are increased when you are towing.
Always indicate in plenty of time before carrying out any manoeuvre.
Allow longer to accelerate up speed prior to overtaking.
Allow for the vehicle being twice its normal length.
Do not suddenly swing out.
Carry out all manoeuvres as smoothly as possible.
Use nearside wing mirror to check caravan has cleared when overtaking.
2.3.4

Reversing

Proficiency at reversing can only be achieved with practice and should be first attempted in a large
open area. Consider taking a suitable training course.
2.3.5

Motorway driving

Caravans may not be towed in the outside lane of a three or four lane motorway. (Reg. 12(2) of the
Motorway Traffic [England and Wales] Regulations 1982).
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