So you’ve taken the plunge and decided to buy a caravan where you can enjoy a stress free break to Llandudno as you please. But, before you head off there are a few things you need to be aware of.

Firstly, make sure that your licence allows you to tow your vehicle. No one wants to set off on a break away with the Police knocking on your window.

Once you’ve made sure your licence allows you to tow you will be able to follow our top tips to ensure that you help keep you and your caravan safe when out on the road.

Approved Tow Bars

Make sure that your tow bar is “type approved”. This means that it should meet EU regulations and is designed for your model of car. Not to put you off the whole idea, but make sure you are careful where you buy your tow bar. There are more and more counterfeit products on the market and although regulated, some still slip through the net. It is advised that you purchase your tow bar from a reputable seller as you wouldn’t want yours and others safety in the hands of a bogus product. Better safe than sorry we say!

Take Your Time

Be patient when you are out on the road. It is important that when you are turning corners, especially that you take your time and allow yourself extra space to make manoeuvres. Afterall, your vehicle has now gained extra weight and length so everything you do is going to be a lot more difficult than it would be if you were just in your car.

Know Your Carriageways

When towing a vehicle your speed limit dramatically changes. What you once knew as 70mph will now be reduced to 60mph on dual carriageways and 50mph on single carriageways. A lot of drivers who haven’t had necessary Trailer Training North Wales doesn’t usually realise, which results in speeding fines and worse extra hazards for other road users.

Passengers

It is important to know that you mustn’t carry any passengers in your caravan when you are towing. If for any reason your caravan was to become unattached from the towing vehicle there is little that can be done to ensure the safety of those passengers. So, for everybody’s safety and peace of mind make sure you keep your passengers in your towing vehicle.

Registration Plate

Your registration plate should be able to be seen from both the front and back of your vehicle and this also applies to your towing vehicle. It should also conform to the British Standard and be illuminated at night so you can be identified. Failure to do so can result you being pulled up and potentially fined.

Lights

Your rear light panel on your caravan must also be working at all times and be visible to other road users. It is important to check before driving off and to keep an eye out for any changes during your journey. These are important so that other road users know your intentions on the road so that they can evaluate hazards. Not only does it keep you safe but also other road users.

Weight

Try to keep your caravan as light as possible why keeping the heavier items low down and close to the axle.