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| Tips on towing |
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First, make
sure you have a tow bar that is up to the job! If you can afford it, it's
worth paying for a professional installation.
Make sure you're familiar with any laws
that apply, especially if you are travelling abroad. In particular,
make sure you know the speed limits. In some countries you need
a separate warning light fitted in the car to show that the caravan
direction indicator lights are working.
Before starting a journey:
- Coping with the load - are the engine, brakes, tyres and suspension up
to the job?
- Trailer or tow bar weights - check your car's handbook for
the maximum weights allowed.
- Rear view - make sure you can see behind
the caravan using the car's mirrors. Extending side mirrors can be fitted to
most cars.
- Check tyre pressures - unless you are towing a light, unladen
trailer, the car tyres should be inflated to full load pressures (check your
car's handbook).
Check the caravan tyre pressures are correct too.
- Headlight set up - check the aim with the caravan attached, and
have it adjusted if necessary. Many cars these days have an adjuster on the
dashboard.
- Caravan lights - the extra load on the flasher circuit may
cause the indicators to flash too slowly, so you may need a heavy duty flasher
unit. Check brake, side and number plate lights.
- Loading the caravan - refer to the manufacturer's
recommendations. As a general rule, distribute the weight with the heaviest
items as near as possible to the caravan axle. Secure all heavy items so they
can't move. Car manufacturers usually specify an optimum noseweight for a caravan
when loaded. If necessary, move the load to get as close as possible to the
recommended noseweight and do not exceed it.
- Engine - don't put unnecessary strain on the engine by trying to tow an unsuitably
heavy load. The extra load on an engine when towing may mean that the cooling
system is no longer adequate - you may be able to have modified cooling system
components (a larger radiator, etc.) fitted to cope with this problem if you
tow regularly.
- Suspension - Towing puts extra strain on a car's suspension components and
can affect the handling of a car. Heavy duty rear suspension components are
available for most cars to enable to cope with towing.
Next
- reversing...
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