Great Escape Caravan Hire

What you need to know!!

Everyone who intends to tow a caravan needs to be aware that various tow vehicles and caravan combinations can behave in slightly different ways and certainly differ from just driving the tow vehicle itself.Modern Vehicles (Both four wheel drive and two wheel drive) make excellent towing vehicles. To ensure a safe journey, it is necessary to have a tow vehicle and caravan that are compatible.

Towing Regulation

The national regulations for vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of less than 4,500kg, states, the maximum towing mass (Fully loaded caravan) must not exceed the maximum towing apparatus (IE tow bar) or the vehicle recommendation on maximum towings mass, which ever is the lesser.

The only exception is when the vehicles manufacturer has not specified a maximum towing mass. In these circumstances the limited is stated to be 1.5 times the unladen mass of the tow vehicle. (Please take the time to read the attached link to the RTA web site)

Towbars and Hitch Receiver

There are two types of towbars generally available for towing vehicles. A light duty towbar is made for towing box trailers and boat trailers, whilst a heavier version, normally called a hitch receiver, is made for towing trailers and caravans up to the limit of the tow vehicle's capabilities. Whatever their capacity, all towbars/hitches should have a readily visible nameplate showing their towing capability.

 Towbars are characterized by a ballmount of 20mm flat steel that is attached by two bolts to the towbar. Whereas, hitch receivers have a 50mm square steel tube ballmount that inserts into a similar sized socket and is fixed by a 19mm pin and circlip. This does have the distinct advantage of being easily removed when not required!

 Weight Distribution Equipment

When a caravan is coupled up, the rear of the tow vehicle usually drops and the front rises thus reducing stability and vehicle control. One of the most desirable features of towing is to get the tow vehicle and caravan back as level as possible. The most efficient (and safest) way to do this is to fit a weight distribution system.

Weight distribution bars have the effect of transferring weight from the rear wheels to the front of the tow vehicle, thus ensuring efficient steering and braking. The bars are fitted between the towbar/hitch and the drawbar of the caravan. Great Escape Caravan Hire can loan you a weight distribution bars at no extra cost.

 Electrics

The tow vehicle must have a 7 pin flat connection with a working hot wire. The hot wire, is an active wire that will run the fridge (Fridge selector must be on 12V) whilst travelling. Please note, You must remember the change the fridge selector from 12 volt when stopping for any period of time.

Braking System

All Great Escape caravans are fitted with electric braking system, which consists of drum brakes operated by electro magnets. The electro magnets in the caravan brakes are activated by an electric brake controller fitted to the tow vehicle. It's necessary to have this otherwise the brakes cannot be activated and the tow vehicle manufacturer's maximum towing weight recommendation for an unbraked caravan is usually about 750kg!. If you do not have a brake controller fitted to your car, Great Escape Caravan Hire can loan you a portable control unit at no extra cost. You will need a working 12volt lighter in the front of the vehicle rated at 25A. A wavier liability for will also need to be completed.

Towing Mirrors

Extension mirrors should not be ignored. A driver should have a clear unobstructed rear vision. There are various types of towing mirrors. If you do not have towing mirrors, Great Escape Caravan Hire can loan you a portable control unit at no extra cost.

Techniques for Towing a Caravan

If you have never towed before, then it is worth hitching the caravan up and spending a few hours driving around slowly and getting used to the feel or towing. An ideal location is an empty carpark where you can also practice reversing.

• Towing a caravan will impact on turning pivot point. Be sure to allow extra turning room for the caravans wheel tracking. 
• Be mindful of entrance and exit points, particularly service station and private driveways. The rear over hang is vulnerable in steep exit/entrance points and can be damaged easily if care is not taken. 
• Be mindful of the caravans height, Whilst your vehicle may fit under the low branch, the caravan may not! Great Escape Caravan all have information folders supplied at the time of hire, which provides all the specifications for the caravan being hired.

Moving Off

With a trailer in tow the acceleration rate of a vehicle is drastically reduced. If the tow vehicle has a manual transmission it is usually necessary to stay a little longer in each gear before changing up. With vehicles that have an automatic transmission it is a good idea to use the selector lever manually to control the gear changes particularly when going uphill.

Cruising

Because of the extra length and weight, fast speeds are not recommended. In some states the speed limits are lower when a caravan is in tow. Never drive too close behind other vehicles as it will take longer to stop than when the car is by itself.

When approaching a hill and provided it is safe to do so, increase the vehicle speed slightly so as to make it easier to get up the hill. Always select a lower gear if the vehicle speed drops off noticeably. Once engine speed is lost it is difficult to pick up again. As a result the engine will struggle to pull the outfit up the hill.

Overtaking

Overtaking other vehicles, especially long trucks or other caravans, must be done with extreme caution. Not only is the acceleration considerably reduced but due to the extra length a greater distance has to be covered before it is possible to move back into the left hand lane. Remember to check the mirrors before pulling out.

Being Overtaken

By constantly monitoring the rear vision mirrors a faster travelling vehicle can be readily spotted. If road and traffic conditions permit, move as far to the left as possible without kicking up dust and without increasing speed. There is less chance of sway occurring if the trailer is being pulled rather than it pushing on to the car so do not brake or allow the rig to overrun. When traffic builds up behind you periodically move off the road to allow other motorists to pass safely. Keep in mind, any dust your wheels kick up my affect the passing motorists vision. 

Going Down Hill

On steep hills you can limit heavy braking by backing off the accelerator before reaching the downhill section and changing to a lower gear to use engine braking. Due to the heavy duty construction of diesel engines they are particularly good in this situation.