How to drive safely with a caravan

• 1.
  1.
  Make sure everything is working properly: before starting the trip, you must verify that the operating conditions of both the car and the caravan are optimal. The pressure of the wheels of the car and the caravan is the first point to check. Fuel, water supplies according to the number of passengers, radio and spare batteries are, among others, elements that cannot be missing in the caravan.
• 2.
  2.
  Level the weight between both vehicles: above all, it is important not to increase the weight in the boot of the car, as this would cause the height to drop and, consequently, problems with coupling with the caravan. In this way, you will obtain a balanced centre of gravity that facilitates the turning of the caravan in curves.
• 3.
  3.
  Travel safety: During the trip, all passengers must use seat belts and not go to bed. People who are dizzy with ease should travel in the front seats of the caravan or car. You must consider that a car dragging a caravan, which will have a minimum weight of 750 kilos, loses manoeuvrability. For this reason, the norm determines that the conventional speed limits are not observed. If the trailer weighs 750 kilos or less, the speed limit will be 90 kilometres per hour on motorways and freeways. The higher the weight of the caravan, the lower the allowed speed. On urban roads, for example, the maximum speed will range between 30 and 50 kilometres per hour. Finally, to close this safety section, do not forget to check the emergency equipment on the road, the fire extinguisher, the first aid kit and the signalling tools before leaving.
• 4.
  4.
  Be careful when braking: the extra weight of the caravan modifies the minimum distance that the car requires to brake safely. Try to keep a distance equal to three cars to the vehicle in front of you. When you overtake other vehicles, you should bear in mind that you will need more meters to carry out the manoeuvre.
• 5.
  5.
  Reverse, slopes and side wind: these are three events in which you must pay full attention and demonstrate your expertise as a driver. When taking an uphill road, use the slow lane to avoid stopping traffic. The ascent, however, is not as complicated as the descent.

When you start
the descent, you should try to maintain a constant speed and always have the
engine brake available. You don't know when you will need it in an emergency.

Backing up
requires all your expertise. I recommend that, before starting the trip, you do
some tests in a place where you can manoeuvre without risk. When you back out
with a trailer hooked up, you feel the trailer has a life of its own and
refuses to obey your orders.

After all, the
caravan, unlike the car, does not have a mechanical structure that allows you
to control it. The most advisable thing, apart from having a lot of patience,
is to try to follow the behaviour of the caravan: if she turns to the right,
you do the same.

Side or
crosswind is a big problem for vehicles, or a group of vehicles that have a lot
of height in relation to their width, or that have poorly distributed the
weight along the structure.

To avoid
accidents, return to point two of these tips for safely driving a caravan. The
secret is to maintain a safe centre of gravity and spread the weight
proportionally between the two vehicles.

• 1.
  1.
  Parking the caravan: in many city centres, motorhomes and / or cars with caravans are not allowed, because the streets are narrower or because they have a lot of traffic. In fact, many municipalities only allow caravans to be parked in camping areas designated for this purpose.
• 2.
  2.
  Use computer applications: GPS applications or those that help to find the easiest route or services of interest such as restaurants, medical centres, hotels or the police, will be your best friend when driving with a caravan safely. Some of them can help you predict the weather or the time of arrival at a certain point. Via Michelin or Ruta Map QuestPlanner will show you if you are going to have sun or rain on your way, plan activities at the destination, and even offer games and contests to keep travellers busy and happy.

Have a safe trip!