new caravan

[clivvy]

hi guys,

i just bought a new caravan! well, my other half did. by new, i mean used. its our first caravan. its an old Elddis Wisp 380. its very small, but comes with lots of stuff, and is in excellent condition as far as we could see. I pick it up next Sunday, and will drive it straight home about 30 odd miles.

What are small caravans like to pull? its my first time towing, but i feel reasonably confident. anything I shoudl watch out for? I understand max speed 50 mph, and I understand breaking should be a bit more forward thinking, but any other tips for towing these small caravans?

thanks guys!

[zippy656]

get yourself some nice towing mirrors.
take your time. if you can go to a BIG car park with a few cones.. when reversing do it SLOWLY

open all windows so you can hear any one thats helping. if your still not sure GET out and look yourself



just remember its there!!! mine tops out at 1241KG, and some times i dont remember its there.

[Paul]

As above, have somebody check your van lights before to set off home, also when you go to turn start to turn abit later then you would do, without your van on the back.

You will get loads more advice later on when..

[Deleted account DD]

Have fun clivvy good friendly site for info without being anal (can I say that???) is http://caravanningamigos.co.uk/forum/index.php

[jims-terrano]

Hi Clivvy, sounds good mate. You really wont know it's on the back. If you want some help learning to reverse your more than welcome to get in touch and I'll spend a couple of hours with you if you want as we are not too far away in Huddersfield are we. I totally agree with zippy when he says get yourself a PAIR of towing mirrors.

Jim T

[Thomas-the-Terrano2]

60 max still on mways or unrestricted dual carriage ways.
50 on single carriage way unless lower applies.

hmm t2+ 12' van = no prob, just keep reminding yourself
its there in mirrors.

[zippy]

Originally Posted by clivvy

hi guys,

i just bought a new caravan! well, my other half did. by new, i mean used. its our first caravan. its an old Elddis Wisp 380. its very small, but comes with lots of stuff, and is in excellent condition as far as we could see. I pick it up next Sunday, and will drive it straight home about 30 odd miles.

What are small caravans like to pull? its my first time towing, but i feel reasonably confident. anything I shoudl watch out for? I understand max speed 50 mph, and I understand breaking should be a bit more forward thinking, but any other tips for towing these small caravans?

thanks guys!

Your T2 will have no porblem pulling this at all.

However remember to load the caravan correctly - heavy items over the axle and light stuff at the ends. Make sure the noseweigth of the van is not over its limit.

To be legal, you will need towing mirrors.

Speed limit is 50mph on single carriagewat, 60 on motorway/dual cw.

I have never done a towing course and never needed to, though practice does make perfect. If it is your first time then take it easy until you get the feeling of the outfit.

Most importantly, enjoy the van - best hols ever.

Regards
Lee