Before you head off on your first caravan adventure, there are a few important pieces of information to take into account that will ensure you stay safe, obey the law, and have a good time.
Although many people are unaware of it, there are particular laws which govern a person’s ability to drive a car that is towing a caravan. If you passed your driving test after 1997 and want to tow a caravan, it is necessary to pass a towing test and have an additional clause added to your licence. If you are driving within the UK, you must abide by this legislation – police do conduct checks (particularly in the holiday periods), and you may risk voiding your insurance and receiving fines if you are caught. Luckily there are several companies that offer towing courses so if you are concerned this would be the first place to get in contact with.
It is also important to understand how much weight your car is licensed to tow – each car has a limitation (you should be able to find out from your nearest caravan dealer, online, or in your car driver’s manual), and if the tow weight of your caravan exceeds the weight your car is legally allowed to pull, you run the risk of having an accident, damaging both your car and your caravan, and invalidating your insurance.
If you would like additional information on this particular aspect of caravanning, it is advisable to get in touch with your nearest Camping and Caravanning Club – not only do they supply free advice to members, but they also offer the opportunity to go on group holidays and to special events.
It is important to make sure that you have the right insurance that covers both your car and the caravan. We found that norwich union direct car insurance offer a good policy that will provide you with plenty of cover whether you are travelling in the UK or abroad. They also offer an optional extra of breakdown cover but the aa are hard to beat when it comes to this and you don't want to spend your holiday at the side of the road.
Although many people are unaware of it, there are particular laws which govern a person’s ability to drive a car that is towing a caravan. If you passed your driving test after 1997 and want to tow a caravan, it is necessary to pass a towing test and have an additional clause added to your licence. If you are driving within the UK, you must abide by this legislation – police do conduct checks (particularly in the holiday periods), and you may risk voiding your insurance and receiving fines if you are caught. Luckily there are several companies that offer towing courses so if you are concerned this would be the first place to get in contact with.
It is also important to understand how much weight your car is licensed to tow – each car has a limitation (you should be able to find out from your nearest caravan dealer, online, or in your car driver’s manual), and if the tow weight of your caravan exceeds the weight your car is legally allowed to pull, you run the risk of having an accident, damaging both your car and your caravan, and invalidating your insurance.
If you would like additional information on this particular aspect of caravanning, it is advisable to get in touch with your nearest Camping and Caravanning Club – not only do they supply free advice to members, but they also offer the opportunity to go on group holidays and to special events.
It is important to make sure that you have the right insurance that covers both your car and the caravan. We found that norwich union direct car insurance offer a good policy that will provide you with plenty of cover whether you are travelling in the UK or abroad. They also offer an optional extra of breakdown cover but the aa are hard to beat when it comes to this and you don't want to spend your holiday at the side of the road.