Common Caravanning Questions Answered

By: Ross Hinton
Submitted: 2009-11-04 18:00:12
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher |

Rating:

 

Is towing difficult?

Becoming skilled at towing a caravan can be picked up quite quickly on your own. But there are special courses available which can be a great help in giving you a head start and making you aware of good habits. These are held at various locations countrywide.

How will I know if my vehicle is suitable for towing?

A very quick rule of thumb is to take a look at the side of the car. If it has a reasonably long wheelbase and the distance between the centres of the rear wheels to the towball is short, that’s a good start.

I’m nervous about my caravan swinging about. What causes it?

The first way to minimise the chances of trailer-swing is to have the heaviest possible tow car for a given caravan. Aim for a towed load that is 85% of the car’s kerb weight (KW), or the vehicle manufacturer’s towing limit, if lower. The towed weight that the car is asked to pull is classified as the actual laden weight (ALW) – which means the empty weight of the caravan plus what you add to it.

• Actual Laden Weight – The total weight of the caravan together with all the items of luggage and extras inside or attached. This is almost impossible to gauge without the use of a weigh bridge.
• Gross Vehicle Weight – The weight of the vehicle which is fully loaded up to the maximum limits specified by a manufacturer
• Kerbweight – The weight of a car or vehicle that is empty. This is defined by the vehicle manufacturer and can usually be found towards the back of the car handbook.
• MTPLM – Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass. This is the maximum weight that the caravan can be fully loaded. Exceeding this will mean that you are breaking the law and are at a higher risk of having an accident.

Do I need a stabiliser?

If you follow the weight ratio guidelines above, a vehicle that’s well-matched with its caravan shouldn’t encounter many stability problems. However, all caravan and car designs are different and therefore some will always be more stable than others. If you want to play safe, then extra assistance from a stabiliser can lead to a more comfortable tow – particularly in very wet and windy conditions or when an overtaking vehicle’s ‘bow wave’ causes ‘wobbling’.

Do I need a warning device in the car that tells me the caravan indicators are working when it’s in tow?

Yes. This is a legal requirement.

I’ve heard about Noseweight. What is it exactly?

Basically it means the weight of the caravan pushing downwards on the towball. Towbars are tested to tolerate a maximum downwards force and if this is exceeded they could fail. Obviously this would be extremely dangerous when on the move. Your car handbook should quote a maximum permitted Noseweight for your vehicle, but if not, consult the manufacturer and they will advise you.

How should I care for my caravan tyres?

Any tyre over five years old should be ideally replaced. High-pressure tyres (50psi and above) are slightly more prone to damage from impact, cutting or puncture and they should always be regularly inspected. And as they tend to carry higher loads, their life expectancy may also be shorter. If your caravan is unused for long periods, it is good practice to remove the tyres and wheels and store them at normal pressure in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.

What are the main differences between Propane and Butane gas?

The main difference is that they have different boiling points at atmospheric pressure – i.e. the temperature at which they change from being a liquid to a gas. Butane will only readily become a gas above 0°C (32°F), so is most suitable during spring and summer. Propane becomes a gas down to -40°C (-40°F) and therefore is perfect for use in winter, or all year round if desired. In the UK, Propane can usually be found in red cylinders, Butane in blue.

What fire precautions should I take in my caravan?

Firstly, don’t ignore the risk of fire – it is very important to take adequate protection. Fit a battery-powered smoke detector, preferably made to the British Standard (BS 5446 pt 1) or one that has American UL (Underwriters Laboratory) approval. We recommend always carrying a portable fire extinguisher, and placing a compact 1m x 1m fire blanket near your cooker is ideal for small kitchens.

Why do I need a Leisure battery instead of a car battery for use in a caravan?

Car batteries supply a high current for a short time – to start your engine, for example. It is not designed to supply a few Amperes over a longer period of time, which is what you need in a caravan. Car batteries can be used if you have a way of keeping them charged, but leisure batteries are better. They can be discharged and recharged many times but, remember, battery life is enhanced if it has little work to do – so use a charger if a mains hook-up is available.

How can I keep the battery life high?

Switch off all appliances when they are not being used; avoid using high drain appliances such as televisions; keep your battery regularly topped up; consider a battery charging device; never totally discharge a battery – ideally, don’t let it go below 60%.

How can I keep my refrigerator cold on a ferry crossing?

The content of your fridge should remain cool on ferry journeys for a couple of hours or so, providing the refrigerator was pre-cooled sufficiently beforehand. To pre-cool the food compartment before taking to the road, load up some non-perishable items like bottles of water and run the refrigerator for four hours or more on either mains or gas. Other tips include using frozen freezer blocks to keep the fridge temperature low, and filling the fridge to capacity so it runs at maximum efficiency.

Is a cover a necessity in winter?

Trapping a caravan under polythene or a tarpaulin can cause condensation and mould growth. If you believe you must have a cover, buy one in a breathable material.

What anti-theft security devices are available?

Having made sure you have a good insurance policy, it’s also essential to make sure you take precautions against theft. Not only does this protect against heartache, it helps you maintain your no claims discounts if you can avoid theft. At the very least, it is worth investing in a good wheel clamp or hitchlock, but if you have more to spend look at electronic vehicle tracking systems.

I have trouble parking. I’ve seen someone using a motorised mover?

Motorised movers consist of two powerful electric motors that drive the road wheels of the caravan via rollers. Once the drive rollers are engaged, you can manoeuvre the unit via a remote control in any direction with inch-perfect accuracy. Shifting a caravan is reduced simply to pushing a button – even on muddy or difficult, sloping pitches.

Article source: Expert Articles