Hi all. Have recently purchsed a second-hand Bailey Ranger 500/5 and a Sorento XE auto diesel. I'm completely new to all this and feel i've jumped in the deep end as i've also booked a family holiday to Perpignan in August and never towed anything other than small trailers!! Would appreciate any comments on the above outfit and any advice you can give in the dreaded 'snake' would be most welcome as it's the only thing that worries me. Regards.
In at the deep end.
- Thread starter crispy1
- Start date
If you take care to load the caravan properly, keep the noseweight near the top limit that car and caravan allow (the lower of the two figures) and keep the tyre pressures of car and caravan at the max. recommended, you're unlikely to encounter the dreaded snake so long as you stay at or below UK speed limits (best not to take advantage of the 130kph limit allowed in France). Oh, and on relatively steep downhill stretches, keep going on a trailing throttle, if possible, especially during high crosswinds. If you do notice a 'twitchy backend', such as when being overtaken by trucks or coaches, for example, also take your foot off the accelerator and be prepared to brake slightly if things get worse. If you observe those rules, you shouldn't be in for a nasty moment.
Good advice from Lutz.
The only way to do it, is to do it. you learn more by the little mistakes that you make than if every thing goes well.
A few weekends away befor you go would help.
Now when you buy an awning---- Thats a different tale.
ttfn
The only way to do it, is to do it. you learn more by the little mistakes that you make than if every thing goes well.
A few weekends away befor you go would help.
Now when you buy an awning---- Thats a different tale.
ttfn
I can only echo what Lutz has said. At the end of the day, you have a very capable tow car and a reasonably light caravan. The dreaded snake should not be a problem. I myself have experienced it just the once, while being "naughty" in the wet on a long downhill while passing a large truck on the motorway. The caravan wagged but the car remained in control, no white knuckles and no real drama. Stay within the guidlines and it shouldn't occur.
Good advice from all so far, Chris.
I'd aim for a 75Kg hitch weight any more might slow up reaction of the braking as the hitch head shaft would have to overcome more friction.
As for the buffeting when trucks overtake on the motorway a trick I use is to keep an eye on the mirror, then as the truck is approaching move to the far right of your own lane. Then just as the truck is on your back door, move to the far left of your own lane. This encourages the truck as far away as possible from your outfit and so reduces the buffeting.
One motto I have driven by for the last 30 years is to take your time because the house is on the back anyway, you can always stop for a kip and a bacon butty at anytime. Also if I'm catching a morning ferry, I tarvel the previous day to within an hour of the port so I don't have a 5-6 hour journey of clock watching to get there in time.
Just a few tips to help you enjoy your new found hobby.
Have fun, laugh at your mistakes and learn from them at the same time. We all have been doing that even after 30 years.
Steve Ll
I'd aim for a 75Kg hitch weight any more might slow up reaction of the braking as the hitch head shaft would have to overcome more friction.
As for the buffeting when trucks overtake on the motorway a trick I use is to keep an eye on the mirror, then as the truck is approaching move to the far right of your own lane. Then just as the truck is on your back door, move to the far left of your own lane. This encourages the truck as far away as possible from your outfit and so reduces the buffeting.
One motto I have driven by for the last 30 years is to take your time because the house is on the back anyway, you can always stop for a kip and a bacon butty at anytime. Also if I'm catching a morning ferry, I tarvel the previous day to within an hour of the port so I don't have a 5-6 hour journey of clock watching to get there in time.
Just a few tips to help you enjoy your new found hobby.
Have fun, laugh at your mistakes and learn from them at the same time. We all have been doing that even after 30 years.
Steve Ll
Thanks all for the advice. Have booked up two weekends, both within 2 hours drive to get some practice in before I head off to France!!
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