As we head into summer we’re all itching to get out there on the road but, as eager as you might be, it’s important to be prepared before you head out. Accidents involving caravans peak in the summer months and we’ve all seen the news headlines about runaway caravans, snaking caravans, or caravans overturning.
Hitching up your caravan correctly is an important part of safe caravanning, after all, it’s the point of contact between your car and your caravan so you need to get it right. Taking the time to do it properly, and getting into a good routine, will make sure every trip is a safe one; for you, your passengers, your caravan and other road users.
It can seem tricky at first – all those levers and cables! – but don’t worry, we’re here to help and we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to make sure you hitch and unhitch your caravan smoothly and safely.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO HITCHING ON
It helps to have someone else with you when you do this.
- Bring the rear of the car as close as possible to the caravan’s nose to see if the hitch is at the right height – the hitch head needs to be higher than the tow ball.
- Adjust the hitch by using the jockey wheel. Once it’s in the right position you can start hitching on.
- Make sure the caravan’s handbrake is on and the caravan legs are up.
- Lift the hitch handle and the stabiliser handle up.
- Wind the jockey wheel so that the caravan goes down onto the tow ball, there’s usually a green indicator that shows you when it’s all the way down.
- Put the stabiliser handle down, if it’s hard to push then try pumping it. There will be arrows on the stabiliser to show it’s all the way down.
- Lift the jockey wheel up, there’ll be a handle on the side to allow you to do this. Most jockey wheels have a space to slot into so it’s out of the way while you’re driving.
- Next, plug in your electrics, there should be a little square on your electric plug that will line up with the socket on your car – push it in and turn it 90°.
- Put your breakaway cable on; this is the cable that will put the brakes on if your caravan comes off the car. Most cars have a hook you can clip it onto, or you can clip it back on itself. Make sure you keep this cable as straight as possible and always check that it’s not so slack it can drag along the ground, the same goes for your electric cable. Bungee clips could help keep them out of the way.
- Lastly, take the handbrake off by giving it a good push towards your car.
..FINAL STEPS
- An easy way to make sure your caravan is attached safely is to try to lift the caravan up with the jockey wheel while it’s attached. If the car comes up too then you know you’re connected.
- Ask someone to help check the lights, on both vehicles – including brakes, hazards, indicators, side lights and reversing lights.
- Make sure everything is secure in and around your caravan before setting off; windows, doors, service flaps, cupboards etc.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO UNHITCHING
- Make sure the handbrake is on.
- Undo the jockey wheel and lower it to the floor so the caravan has something to go down onto when you take it off the car.
- Undo the electric plugs and breakaway cable.
- Lift the stabiliser handle up as you wind the jockey wheel to raise the caravan off the car.
- Make sure the hitch head is completely clear of your tow ball before driving away.
IF YOU’RE MORE OF A VISUAL LEARNER…
Check out this video.
TIPS FOR SAFELY TOWING A CARAVAN
- Don’t overload either the car or the caravan and be aware of the 85% rule which recommends that the weight of the loaded caravan shouldn’t be more than 85% of your car’s kerb weight. The towing capacity of your car should be in your V5C log book, or on a plate on the inside of the driver’s door frame. The weight of the caravan is also usually on a plate near the door frame.
- With all that extra space at your disposal, it’s tempting to just throw everything in, but try to keep it as light as possible and distribute the weight evenly, with heavy items low down and over the axle.
- Drive in a lower gear than you would if you weren’t towing a caravan and check your speed; remember that acceleration will be slower, and you’ll need more space if overtaking.
- Some people recommend making sure all the tanks are full when towing your caravan; driving with a full tank of water could help keep it stable but bear in mind it might also affect fuel consumption too.
- Check the suspension of both your car and your caravan; your caravan should be level, or even slightly nose down.
- When towing a caravan, you need a good view of the rear of your vehicle, and down the sides of your caravan. If your caravan obstructs the view from your rear-view mirror, or is wider than your towing vehicle, then you’ll need additional mirrors.
- Remember the 7 Metre Rule – the length of the caravan shouldn’t exceed 7m in length (not including the A frame).
- Keep an eye on your caravan tyre pressure, particularly if it’s been stood for a while over the winter.
- Remember, it’s illegal to tow a caravan with passengers inside.
Hopefully this has helped to put your mind at rest when it comes to hitching and unhitching your caravan this summer. We’re spoilt for choice here in the UK, with so many great campsites on our doorstep, the sooner you can get out there, safely, the better.
Another way to put your mind at rest is to have a look at touring caravan insurance. You can choose from 3 policy types to get you started, then tweak it with a range of additional Optional Benefits, such as Extended New for Old, and Gadget and Mobile Phone cover. For more information take a look at the website or give us a call and get a free, no-strings quote today.
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