50 VEHICLE
TOWING AND
CHECKS
TOURING TIPS !
GIVING THE VAN AND VEHICLE A ONCE OVER WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS YOUR SAFETY AND THAT OF OTHER ROAD USERS . TIPS 28 TO 34 ARE JUST SOME OF THE AREAS OF CONSIDERATION .
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CARAVAN LIGHTS
Obviously , the drivers behind you need to know when you ’ re about to change direction or when you are slowing down . But if you ’ ve forgotten to check your lights after hitching up , you ’ ll be leaving them in the dark and possibly land yourself a fine if they don ’ t work . It ’ s easy enough to check your indicators when travelling solo , but always get a spotter to give your brake lights the thumbs-up or down .
TOW VEHICLE LIGHTS
Just as you ’ d check the van ’ s lights for proper operation , you should check your vehicle ’ s . A problem might not be as simple as a failed globe ; if the brake switch has failed , for example , the trailer brake lights won ’ t work , either .
And because electric trailer brakes are activated by the tow vehicle ’ s brake light switch , they will also be inoperative .
Tip : if you don ’ t have a helper , backing up to a wall in the dark will help you see from the driver ’ s seat if the taillights are working or not .
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