KEEP YOUR DISTANCE >>> KEEP YOUR HEAD >>> KEEP YOUR TRAILER SAFE

We are now getting to the time of the year, when many Caravans and Trailers will be touring the lanes and by ways of Suffolk and Norfolk…so perhaps a few hints to help us on the way.

Before towing check all around, make sure Electrics are ok, the breakaway cable is in good order, brakes are working. Has the handbrake seized during winter months?

A VISUAL CHECK is not really enough. How can you guess tyre pressures? So make they are correct look for any bulges, splits, and anything which may cause a real calamity, remember major accidents can result by tyre bursts, leading to very expensive costs.

Check the Trailer is slightly nose heavy onto the towbar…never let it get nose light or you will lose both steering and braking control.

The ideal downward weight is between 30-50 kg ( 60 lbs ). Caravaners it’s good to use a spring balance to check nose weights.

When turning corners or taking bends always allow extra width, the trailer tyres always follow a tighter pattern than the tow vehicle.

Always keep your speed down.

With very light trailers or empty trailers it is so easy to forget they are there and possible to run out of control.

Check speeds of the roads, go slower if the road surface is not good, pull in to let other drivers pass.

Regards speed limits DON’T FORGET you are NOT ALLOWED in LANE THREE of Motorways when towing.

Your braking distances are doubled and sometimes trebled when you are towing…

ALWAYS CHECK YOUR SPEED.

ROADS WHERE THERE ARE STREET LIGHTS IT’S  30mph UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED.

SINGLE TRACK ROADS 50mph.

DUAL CARRIAGEWAYS // MOTORWAYS 60mph.

Try and get a feel when towing and suspect any ‘trailer swing’ this can occur when you are towing a laden trailer and trying to slow too quickl

Always slow down gently and avoid any need for harsh braking.

SNAKING this is where the trailer starts to swerve or swing from side to side…so ease off the accelerator gently, in order to reduce speed until the snaking is reduced and stopped.

In some cases it is possible to cure snaking by gentle accelerating in order to control the movement of trailer. I must admit professional training and advice can prepare you well for this and decisions to be made. However once stopped in a safe place RE-ADJUST your trailer weights which was the initial causes of the problems.

Safe Driving

MIKE DANIELS


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