We’ve done some weird tows the last four weeks . More later . Just wondered what restrictions or targets others set 😉
Last edited:
How long in time or distance is your tow per day?
- Thread starter Dustydog
- Start date
Often do 250 miles or 6 hours in a day, usually with a quick pit stop halfway.
Rarely do less than 2hrs in a stint.
That is motorway milage.
Rarely do less than 2hrs in a stint.
That is motorway milage.
Usually we tow about 300miles for a main holiday in one stint,although we did tow diagonal across France at about 500 miles in a day, that was a needs must and won’t be repeated as it was a stretch. Most tows are about the 100mile mark for weekend or Easter breaks.
Used to do 400 miles a day in France, but nearer 300 miles per day in Britain. I had a DVT coming back from Scotland in 2017 so now even not towing any longer I make sure I stop for a 10 minute leg stretch at least every 2 hours. Almost long enough to charge a decent EV. So although I’m on anti coagulants for life I don’t want to push my luck and risk another DVT, as amongst other things it wacks up overseas travel insurance, or could kill me. ☹️
PS quoting motorway or autoroute distances.
PS quoting motorway or autoroute distances.
Last edited:
Nothing written in Clay, I always estimate on 50 mph with another 30 minutes. it all depends on the roads, I am quite happy to do a 6 hour tow including in that a 30 minute break, for fuel and a pee. But, if it is a twisty or rising and climbing tow, that drains you mentally. So 4 hours.
In the UK with no time or ferry time restraints, just go with the flow.
In the UK with no time or ferry time restraints, just go with the flow.
Back in the early 60s my old dad drove to St Ives Cornwall from Wimbledon in one go. We left at 3.00 am , mum armed with a staples AA leaflet style route planner. No M4 or M5, At 1.00 pm we arrived . Nine hours! And Dad was not a good driver.
I asked the question out of curiosity and how ageing is affecting us.
For years we have done the long 6;hour hauls. On a motorway that is clear , no conjestion or slow downs , set the CC to 58 -60 and cruise. No stress, stay alert, plenty of water and some home made rolls.
The last two days we towed from Gairlock to near Cirencester with an overnighter Hoddom castle Lockerbie. Two 6 hour non stops. We have good bladders and alertness.
This will be the last long non stopper. We are a bit tired now. . Ok we saved a day but I feel age is creeping up,now. Next one will be no more than 5 hours non stop.
We are also considering driving over night, eg leave home at midnight and drive into the sun.
I asked the question out of curiosity and how ageing is affecting us.
For years we have done the long 6;hour hauls. On a motorway that is clear , no conjestion or slow downs , set the CC to 58 -60 and cruise. No stress, stay alert, plenty of water and some home made rolls.
The last two days we towed from Gairlock to near Cirencester with an overnighter Hoddom castle Lockerbie. Two 6 hour non stops. We have good bladders and alertness.
This will be the last long non stopper. We are a bit tired now. . Ok we saved a day but I feel age is creeping up,now. Next one will be no more than 5 hours non stop.
We are also considering driving over night, eg leave home at midnight and drive into the sun.
I think you may be pushing your luck on even five hours continuous, or do you share the driving. HG V drivers or those in vehicles above 3.5 tonne are required to take a break of at least 45 minutes every 4.5 hours. My wife holds the water bottle if I need a drink but I wouldn’t contemplate eating sandwiches whilst driving. If I’m on my own I have a Blue Desert bottle adapter so I can drink using a tube into a standard cap bottle, rather than hold the bottle, which could be deemed illegal.
Last edited:
As far as I am aware there are no laws prohibiting driving with one arm , hand or shoulder in a sling. Some people only have one arm from birth or because of accident.
I can’t find anything in the Highway Code that restricts driving time in a private car. HGVs and PSVs are as you say restricted.
Before my caravanning days I had a week long trip to Rome on a motorbike: ferry from Dover at 0630 (stayed overnight in Dover), Nancy first overnight stop, through Switzerland to Como two day stop then on to Rome in time for the Hotel booking. The thing that was absolutely apparent was that more relaxed speeds (even on motorways sticking to 60) increases my daily range. Fuel up on departure, fuel stop two hours in, a good stop at lunchtime (at least an hour), fuel and possibly coffee & cake two hours in meant a daily range of over 500 miles.
The concentration required at 60 is exponentially less than at 80.
Relevance to caravanning is that keeping to 60 & 50 speed limits means that I've done to and from Land's End (378 miles each way) is an 8 hour trip, and a comfortable day drive... However, it doesn't mean I don't like a shorter trip...
The concentration required at 60 is exponentially less than at 80.
Relevance to caravanning is that keeping to 60 & 50 speed limits means that I've done to and from Land's End (378 miles each way) is an 8 hour trip, and a comfortable day drive... However, it doesn't mean I don't like a shorter trip...
Strangely I found driving in France more relaxing than on UK roads and could travel further before needing to take a break. Same in Spain when using toll roads. On the toll roads in Spain they had rest stops where there was a picnic bench and trees.
It does not boil down to "how long in time or distance" as factors including the terrain, roads, tow vehice used and the circumstances why a particular tow is happening vary greatly.
Basic rules are firstly only for as long or far as remains safe and secondly as fits why we are towing. Why ruin a short break with two or three fatiguing days?
Now sixty years into towing the situation is also significantly different to what met the criteria through my youth and middle age.
Three hours now is quite long enough.
Basic rules are firstly only for as long or far as remains safe and secondly as fits why we are towing. Why ruin a short break with two or three fatiguing days?
Now sixty years into towing the situation is also significantly different to what met the criteria through my youth and middle age.
Three hours now is quite long enough.
For my age 2 hours is enough in one stint then at least decent break before starting again. This is usually about 90 miles a time.
We use to tow roughly 90 mins and then have a break but now i find after 1 hour enough and stop to stretch my legs . and then continue where we are stopping .
You are right about driving with one arm but the car will probably have been adapted to cater for that situation. There’s nothing in the Highway Code about driving time but 148 gives general advice about distractions. If you search the web there are plenty of hits relating to drivers receiving a FPN or offered a driving awareness course due to being seen eating or drinking at the wheel. Those that object and opt to go to court generally seem to receive a decent fine plus points
University of Leeds did a lot of research into driver fatigue and distractions and performance took measurable dips in concentration and/or response time. Both facets that are also age affected.
Would my car have to be adapted because at present my right leg is in infected and i have zinc paste bandage from my toes to my knee i can still drive but in small does so my wife learning how to drive with been automatic she thinks the brake peddle is the clutch but slowly it coming but it will take time.
Would Motobility be able to advise. I guess it all depends on how long your right leg will be a restriction to your driving.
I can understand your wife’s uncertainty driving an auto. You could ask her to tuck her left leg back under the seat. Or teach her left foot braking. I once had a work colleague want to drive a hired Mercedes 190 en route to Newcastle. So he took over at Bristol and things were going fine until we wanted to use Tamworth services. He went up the slip road and eased off the throttle. Then it happened. He braked for the island with his left foot. The car stood on its nose. Fortunately there were no following vehicles.
Why not ask the DVLA as they are in the best position to give to the correct advice?
I should know more how long my leg going to be like this got appointment at a tissue clinic on Thursday next week but at present it very painful . That it clive she never driven a auto the left foot under the seat might be the way and just her use right foot . i have said to her when you start up put your foot on the brake and put it in drive and slowly put your foot on the throttle .Thanks for your help in this matter .
if it going to be long term with my right leg might have to contact DVLA and see what they suggest
Beachball
Here is a link to a specialist company that fit adaption aids. Within it there is a link to Motability who may fund such changes. But obviously much will depend on the nature and permanency of your leg condition. Hopefully it can be made to clear up. But having you wife driving the auto is still a sensible move.
www.mobilityinmotion.com
Here is a link to a specialist company that fit adaption aids. Within it there is a link to Motability who may fund such changes. But obviously much will depend on the nature and permanency of your leg condition. Hopefully it can be made to clear up. But having you wife driving the auto is still a sensible move.
Frequently asked questions | Mobility in Motion
www.mobilityinmotion.com
Generally DVLA do not give advice on driving aids, but it is a requirement for the driver to inform DVLA if a vehicle has been adapted to incorporate a driving aid. Also the nature of the disability must be disclosed. Motability are the go to organisation especially if it concerns a Motability vehicle.
Facebook
Twitter