Advise on towing

[Paul 1977]

Hi am new to caravaning on had our van a year but I am not finding the confidence on towing I have done it about 4 times now but finding the stress level up to max I really need some advice is this normal because me and my wife are really thinking of selling it it's a lunar ultima 2 berth 410 I had an incident with an impatient driver 2nd time out nothing to serious but all because I wasn't going fast enough for him to take his cut of on motorway I wasn't doing anything wrong I was in left hand lane sticking to towing speed limit but still enough to anger him so my confidence has taken a hit all through that can anyone please help what should I do sell or keep it as I love the van and would be very unhappy to see it go

 

[Mr Plodd]

If you had not been towing this idiot woukd probably have done exactly tge same!
The caravan and Motirhome club offer towing course, tgat might be a good thing for yiu to do to build your confidence up.

 

[Andy Norfolk]

If you had not been towing this idiot woukd probably have done exactly tge same!
The caravan and Motirhome club offer towing course, tgat might be a good thing for yiu to do to build your confidence up.

I agree with the suggestion of doing a towing course. We had a Motorhome for 3 years and switched to a caravan. My wife did a one to one towing course for 4 hours which helped a lot. I found it locally from a dealership. We also plan the route to try and avoid roads that could be tricky.

 

[Paul 1977]

I agree with the suggestion of doing a towing course. We had a Motorhome for 3 years and switched to a caravan. My wife did a one to one towing course for 4 hours which helped a lot. I found it locally from a dealership. We also plan the route to try and avoid roads that could be tricky.

Yes a think that's the way to go we are in the caravan and motorhome club that's at strathclyde park only thing there is it's all England the training courses are just hope we get one in Scotland soon

 

[Andy Norfolk]

Yes a think that's the way to go we are in the caravan and motorhome club that's at strathclyde park only thing there is it's all England the training courses are just hope we get one in Scotland soon

Google caravan towing course Scotland. The clubs are fine but you will probably find something nearer.

 

[otherclive]

Towing is still new to you, and it’s not unusual to get anxious at times as the feel of the outfit is something to get used to. I get flashed sometimes even solo as on a local well used country B road I tend to be at 40-45mph even though it’s a national limit if 60 mph. Why do I drive more cautiously it’s because the road twists and dips between hedges, there are farm and local junctions and it’s used by cyclists and riders; and because there’s been three fatalities to my knowledge. So as said above being flashed isn't something to get concerned about. Would he/she have flashed a 40 tonne artic…..most unlikely. As advised I would sign up for a course as the content covers so much useful information beyond just towing. You would also meet other newbies who undoubtedly will share their experiences too.

It does get easier as you gain experience and you get to recognise the “pressure points’.

 

[borderbilly]

Yes a think that's the way to go we are in the caravan and motorhome club that's at strathclyde park only thing there is it's all England the training courses are just hope we get one in Scotland soon

Ahh strathy Park , remember it when was the doctor's pit , born and brought up in Merry Street Motherwell.

 

[Mel]

Speaking as someone who completely lacks the confidence to tow, I understand your trepidation. I leave it to OH!
However, confidence will come with practice. Don’t let some unfortunate individuals put you off. There are folks out there who object to Caravans on principle and think it is OK to treat them with contempt. We almost came a cropper at a junction when someone clearly couldn’t bear the thought of ending up behind a caravan and cut out right in front of us. OH has developed a foot to brake and hand to horn coordination as a result.
Do go for a course. If you look on the two main clubs websites and try to book one you will find a list of the local providers. There is nothing stopping you contacting those providers directly and seeing if they will offer a more bespoke session for you, targeting confidence building.
Really this is something I should do; although I suspect my OH will also need a course called “managing anxiety while wife is towing” 😀
Good luck
Mel

 

[izzy]

Definitely do a course and meet like minded people.
Not everybody is a Clarksonite and most people are considerate of your limitations.
Stick with it
good luck