Released in 2006

Will you get hitched this summer?

You probably will. Be it a boat, caravan, horsebox or trailer, more and more drivers choose to tow. Some motorists have a lot of experience of towing but for most, it's a once or twice a year activity. That's why it's important to refresh your memory about the regulations involved and the skills needed.

These subjects are covered comprehensively in The Trailer Manual published by Haynes. In addition, there are chapters on buying and hiring a trailer, making your own trailer, fitting a towbar, and trailer maintenance and servicing. The manual is written by Brian Bate, a technical consultant to the trailer industry.

As with all Haynes manuals, it has clear diagrams and instructions and many step-by-step photographs. Haynes has an enviable reputation for car, van and motorbike service and repair manuals and is the world leader, with 150 million sold to date.

The Trailer Manual costs £17.99 hardback) and, as with Haynes Car Manuals (£18.99, hardback), is available from all good car accessory retailers and bookshops including: Halfords, Motor World and WH Smith. A comprehensive stockist locator can be found at www.haynes.co.uk.

Below are some of the towing tips from The Trailer Manual.

Towing Tips  

1. Every car has a maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) which must not be exceeded. This is a legal requirement; it is shown on the vehicle identification plate.
2. The maximum nose weight of the trailer also varies from car to car. Although not a legal requirement, this should also be observed.
3. Always try to hitch up on level ground. Unless you have a small, light trailer, it is generally better to move the car to the trailer.
4. Agree a set of hand signals with a helper when reversing to the coupling head of the trailer.
5. Grease the towball, unless you have a friction-head stabiliser fitted.
6. Get your helper to assist you with checking that the trailer lights are working correctly.
7. Use door-mounted extension mirrors if necessary.
8. Practise reversing with the trailer on quiet roads, a large car park or an industrial estate.
9. Read about how to prevent 'snaking' (excessive side to side movements of the trailer) and how to cope with it if it does occur.
10.  Beware of lorries overtaking - they can cause larger box van trailers and caravans to 'snake'.

There are many more things you need to know - the regulations concerning trailer weights and whether or not they must have brakes, for instance. Then there are all the different types of trailer stabilisers. Don't worry, all this information is in The Trailer Manual. And it contains many safety notes and useful tips - such as why you should not reverse into the water immediately upon arrival if you intend launching a boat from a trailer.