Many people research the whole area of caravanning and sensibly decide to take as much onboard as they can. This includes taking part in training courses to ensure they are fully aware of all the aspects and safety issues.
- The courses will often include;
- Defensive Driving D
- Driving exercises with Instructor critique
- General principles affecting the larger type vehicle
- Maneuvering exercises
- Driving advice
| Useful Words and Phrases |
| Actual Laden Weight |
The total weight of the caravan and the user payload. |
| Mass in Running Order |
The weight of the empty caravan. |
| Maximum Permissible Towing Weight |
The maximum weight that the vehicle is allowed to tow. |
Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass(M.T.P.L.M)
|
The maximum laden weight of the caravan. |
| Nose weight |
The weight exerted on the tow bar. |
| Train Weight |
The maximum combined weight of tow car and caravan allowed. |
| User Payload |
The total weight if all items carried in the caravan. |
| Vehicle Kerb weight |
The weight of the towing car often indicated in the manufacturers specifications. |
Factors to consider when Wild Camping; Wild camping is what many people consider to be the whole point of escaping to the great outdoors rather than pitching up in a hotel room. To make sure you don't upset anyone here is a list of things to remember;
- Make sure you have the correct permission to be there in the first place.
- Do not block any access gates.
- Keep noise levels low.
- Is that monster bbq really appropriate.
- Be mindful of your parking position – don't cause dents or indents if not appropriate to your location.
- Never leave litter around.
- Don't use any incompatible toilet chemicals.
- Don't dispose of any black water.
Factors which must be considered for safe towing:
- The actual laden weight of your caravan should be as low as possible. This improves safety.
- Make sure your car has enough power to tow your caravan safely, this is extremely important.
- Your loaded caravan should be no more than 85% of your car's kerb-side weight.
- Make sure you do not over load the back of the caravan as this can cause problems with balance. If you find yourself in a snaking situation, the caravan will take control. Alternately, putting too much weight at the front of your caravan will add to the nose weight. The heaviest items should be packed over the wheels of a single-axled caravan.
- Exceeding the noseweight will put additional strain on the car or caravan chassis and could cause expensive damage.
- Invest in a good set of extended mirrors. Make sure they do not project more than 200mm outside the width of the caravan when being towed or the width of the towing vehicle when driven solo.
- For beginners - Practice towing, reversing and parking.
- Speed should be built up gradually to get used to the different handling and braking characteristics.
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