Safe is 50, legal max has been raised to 60.
There are other reasons why people tow too fast or roll over.
1. Anti snake devices, such as Alco hitches stabilise the trailer. It is a bit of a oxymoron, as all it does in reality is take away the WARNING that you are starting to snake, until it is too much for the device to take - and that is certainly too much for many drivers to put right!
So remember; Alco hitches will remove the natural movement that acts as a warning - doesn't mean you can go faster....just means you won't know you have a problem until a little later!
2. Caravan ABS systems do lull the tugger into a false sense of security, as they feel the rules don't apply to them as the caravan is fitted with ABS. Yes it will make stopping easier when you need to - doesn't give you open access to drive like there is nothing behind you! Gadgets fail....and you have something like 20k worth on the back of your money!
3. Choice of tow vehicle is a factor - you not only want something with the weight that can tow a caravan, but something with soft enough suspension as not to damage the caravan chassis through vibration, but firm enough to hold its' own when the trailer wanders. Interestingly, 90% of matchstick accidents are towed by Discos! - don't feel you are above though, as the terrano is reknowned for having a soft ride!
4. State of the roads has a lot to do with it. Many of the motorways/dual carriageways under recent governments have been badly maintained. These result in deep ruts from heavier vehicles. When towing, these will throw you about as your trailer dips in and out of the ruts...it effects lorries as much as car/trailers - those weaving drivers are not asleep or drunk - the trailer is dragging the lorry around! Be aware of these, keep the speed down and try to straddle if able. Many roll overs strat of will an uncontrollable weave from ruts!
Thats some 'proffesional' advice from a guy that used to clear up the mess from matchstick martyrs, and tow lorries/trailers all over!
There are other reasons why people tow too fast or roll over.
1. Anti snake devices, such as Alco hitches stabilise the trailer. It is a bit of a oxymoron, as all it does in reality is take away the WARNING that you are starting to snake, until it is too much for the device to take - and that is certainly too much for many drivers to put right!
So remember; Alco hitches will remove the natural movement that acts as a warning - doesn't mean you can go faster....just means you won't know you have a problem until a little later!
2. Caravan ABS systems do lull the tugger into a false sense of security, as they feel the rules don't apply to them as the caravan is fitted with ABS. Yes it will make stopping easier when you need to - doesn't give you open access to drive like there is nothing behind you! Gadgets fail....and you have something like 20k worth on the back of your money!
3. Choice of tow vehicle is a factor - you not only want something with the weight that can tow a caravan, but something with soft enough suspension as not to damage the caravan chassis through vibration, but firm enough to hold its' own when the trailer wanders. Interestingly, 90% of matchstick accidents are towed by Discos! - don't feel you are above though, as the terrano is reknowned for having a soft ride!
4. State of the roads has a lot to do with it. Many of the motorways/dual carriageways under recent governments have been badly maintained. These result in deep ruts from heavier vehicles. When towing, these will throw you about as your trailer dips in and out of the ruts...it effects lorries as much as car/trailers - those weaving drivers are not asleep or drunk - the trailer is dragging the lorry around! Be aware of these, keep the speed down and try to straddle if able. Many roll overs strat of will an uncontrollable weave from ruts!
Thats some 'proffesional' advice from a guy that used to clear up the mess from matchstick martyrs, and tow lorries/trailers all over!
