How long in time or distance is your tow per day?

[Dustydog]

We’ve done some weird tows the last four weeks . More later . Just wondered what restrictions or targets others set 😉

 

[Buckman]

We tow or about an hour and have a break. Maximum would be about 3 hours in any one day with breaks.

 

[GUMPY]

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.

 

[Brasso530]

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.

 

[otherclive]

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.

 

[Hutch]

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.

 

[toad a caravan]

Over the recent years I've had several breaks on the M6/M5 stopped at the multitude of road works.Idly passing my enforced delays trying to spot the elusive brightly coloured, helmeted road crew workers

 

[Dustydog]

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.

 

[otherclive]

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.

Amazon.co.uk

 

[Buckman]

Back in the sixties to travel 2000 miles in less than 36 hours was not an issue, but today, no chance!

 

[Dustydog]

. 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.

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.

 

[Guzzilazz]

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...

 

[Buckman]

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.

 

[JTQ]

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.