STAY SAFE
OUT THERE
WORDS: MAX TAYLOR
ESSENTIAL ‘RULES’ TO AVOID AN ON-ROAD CALAMITY…
It’s every caravanner’s worst fear: a sway that
quickly gathers steam until, like an unpredictable
double pendulum, it jerks out of control. However,
sticking to some cardinal rules – from loading the
van to towing it properly – will greatly reduce
the chances of jack-knifing and overturning a
caravan.
THE TOW TUG
This one is obvious: make sure your tow vehicle
is legally able to tow the trailer, as per the terms
detailed on page 8.
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But in our experience, it is not wise to take a
vehicle manufacturer’s claims about ‘towing
capacity’ as gospel. While some vehicles have no
problems towing what their manufacturer claims
they can, other vehicles are simply too light or
don’t have the wheelbase to be a stable towing
platform to haul heavy trailers, regardless of what
the manufacturer’s glossy brochures say.
Some judgement and common sense will go a
long way here.