On the way back home today

[Heethers]

Sorry to fetch this up again but l do believe we need to remind people to tow safely.

On travelling down last Friday on July 24th to Broadway cc site we were listening to radio 2 it took us 3 hours from Macclesfield in that time it was reported that six caravans had turned over that morning, four on the M5 not sure where the others were.

On travelling back today 31st of July on the section just before the last service station of the M5 we came across another caravan overturned it was a bailey twin wheeler and the tow car what was left of it looked like BMW saloon, the car was facing back up the fast lane, it looked like it had got into snake then jack-knifed, it was an upsetting scene and both the wife and l do hope nobody was seriously hurt.

So please all take care as it looks like someone's holiday was sorely spoilt

NigelH

 

[whitetop]

Won't be the first and won't be the last.

I've been to a few caravan rollovers in my time and it is nearly always caused by the driver.....

So remember....your on holiday....whats the rush

 

[SteveW77]

I've been to a few caravan rollovers in my time and it is nearly always caused by the driver....

How can you make a broad statement like that, on what evidence do you base your conclusion.

Steve W

 

[Gumbo]

I've been to a few caravan rollovers in my time and it is nearly always caused by the driver....

How can you make a broad statement like that, on what evidence do you base your conclusion.

Steve W

He probably made that statement because it is True !!!

Don't forget the Driver is responsible for Loading, Maintenance ( Car and Van ) and Anything else that goes with the towing of a caravan.

 

[Heethers]

Gumbo l agree what look like to me was the car was not a good match when l passed it, it was definitely a twin wheel Bailey, look pretty new pageant series and the beamer was definitely a saloon, might even been a Jag S type, which ever it would have to be balanced well.

It looked like he was in the centre lane going south approaching the M42 junction to carry on the M5, if l remember its a down hill stretch he may have got a snake on has it turned him 180 degree's into the fast lane with the van on its side, once again just hope everyone was o/k, upset the wife has she thought children were in the car.

NigelH

 

[SteveW77]

He probably made that statement because it is True !!!

Don't forget the Driver is responsible for Loading, Maintenance ( Car and Van ) and Anything else that goes with the towing of a caravan.

Once again Gumbo, just because you agree, does not make it a fact. Lets see the evidence, or at least a logical reason for making that kind of statement.

Steve W

 

[Parksy]

Going down towards Jn5 of the M5 is a notoriously tricky stretch of motorway with a long downhill followed by a fairly sharp curve just past the junction where the motorway becomes 2 lanes.

I've seen one or two caravans come to grief around there and in my opinion excessive speed for the road conditions when towing is a probable factor in most cases.

A little way further down there is a sign which warns those who are towing to beware of excessive speed but perhaps there ought to be a similar sign in that area too.

Let's hope that no one was hurt this time.

 

[WatsonJohnG]

In France they have caravan warning signs on long descents with a speed limit countdown

I always change down to use engine braking and reduce speed on descents

Its also wise to avoid overtaking lorries when crestin a hill as you are then forced to speed up as the lorry will at the least stable time when descending

 

[Parksy]

I wonder if the two main clubs would consider putting up temporary road signs close to 'towing blackspots' to warn the unwary to check their speed and not to try to overtake?

It wouldn't cost a great deal, would advertise the clubs and it would help drivers who may be unfamiliar with a stretch of road or motorway to identify areas where overtaking might be dangerous.

I am aware of the motorway trouble spots in the Midlands because I live there but most caravanners are passing through towards holiday destinations which is why they may be caught out.

 

[Aberdarian]

I wonder if the two main clubs would consider putting up temporary road signs close to 'towing blackspots' to warn the unwary to check their speed and not to try to overtake?

It wouldn't cost a great deal, would advertise the clubs and it would help drivers who may be unfamiliar with a stretch of road or motorway to identify areas where overtaking might be dangerous.

I am aware of the motorway trouble spots in the Midlands because I live there but most caravanners are passing through towards holiday destinations which is why they may be caught out.

Now thats a good idea also I'm sure that with the knowledge the forum contributors have there could be a thread on here highlighting the hotspots.As for me I'm pretty steady towing but there always something that can catch you unawares.I'm off to York week after next to Naburn lock never been in the area at all so any dodgy parts through the midlands and onwards would be appreciated.

 

[Guest]

Parksy,

That is a very good idea, although it should be the roads authority that does it as we all pay taxes. If the French can manage it, why cannot we? Don't answer as we all know why?? GB for starters

However, my cynical mind tells me that those who would obey the signs are those who are already thinking ahead and slowing down anyway. Those who think they are superior to all forms of advice will carry on regardless. Evidently the presence of a hitch stabiliser apparently gives you the right to ignore common sense.

Accidents do happen but as mentioned above it is usually driver error of some form that is either the cause, or certainly contributory.

 

[Gafferbill]

"Its also wise to avoid overtaking lorries when cresting a hill as you are then forced to speed up as the lorry will at the least stable time when descending".......to quote Watson(JohnG)

I agree and endorse this advice..... the bow wave from the HGV can destabilise any car caravan combination that runs out of acceleration when carrying out this manoeuvre.

It is better to lift off and drop back and pull in behind the lorry if necessary.

That is if you put safety first!

 

[BillD.]

Does anyone have any factual information on these caravan mishaps?

It does bother me a bit as I like to think I am careful in loading,balance,tyre pressures, careful driving (dont we all) etc. I have an ALKO stabiliser fitted. I would be interested to find out just what are the circumstances around people rolling vans.

Bill D.

 

[Parksy]

The section of the M5 mentioned by Nigel H is notoriously bad for towing vehicles.

On the way southbound there is a rather sharp curve where the motorway reduces to 2 lanes after the exit slip for Jn 5, there are frequent crosswinds and a downhill slope but the real danger spot is just underneath the bridges where there are fairly deep ruts in the two carriageways caused by high volume heavy goods vehicle use.

A recipe for disaster for the unwary, the advisory speed limit of 50 mph is frequently ignored by all vehicles but towing vehicles disregard this limit at their peril and it's a limit, not a target. Road conditions along that stretch should dictate caution.

 

[ProfJohnL]

The section of the M5 mentioned by Nigel H is notoriously bad for towing vehicles.

On the way southbound there is a rather sharp curve where the motorway reduces to 2 lanes after the exit slip for Jn 5, there are frequent crosswinds and a downhill slope but the real danger spot is just underneath the bridges where there are fairly deep ruts in the two carriageways caused by high volume heavy goods vehicle use.

A recipe for disaster for the unwary, the advisory speed limit of 50 mph is frequently ignored by all vehicles but towing vehicles disregard this limit at their peril and it's a limit, not a target. Road conditions along that stretch should dictate caution.

Hi Parksy,

I think you are referring to Jct 4A (M5/M42) Not Jct 5 which is for Wychbold.

 

[602]

Hi,

Surely the reduced speed limits for caravans in France are mandatory? Therefore should be HMG funded?

These signs use a pictogram of a caravan. Does that include box trailers s well?

602

 

[Dustydog]

Parksy

There's also the long southbound hill just north of Worcester. At least there is a sign advising caravans to slow down. Seems it's only us old lags who pay attention as I've been overtaken many a time by other caravans rushing to their hols in the west country.

There's a similar curving long decent on the A361 North Devon Link Road near Tiverton heading towards the M5.

Just a thought. Could we start a whole new section on "caravan black spots" throughout the UK?

Cheers

Dustydog

 

[Heethers]

Dam good idea Dusty, would give you presence of mind when approaching said black spots, you could check your route before hand.

Anything positive that would decrease these sorts of accidents would be welcome.

My wife is a manager at present in the NHS she has been an HDU specialist nurse for 14 years as well as a district nursing sister and she is still upset by this accident as she knows the trauma people go through.

I am glad l posted this on the forum, at first l was hesitant but l feel bad driving while towing needs to be highlighted, their have been some great suggestions on this post and maybe PC could help in collating what Dusty has suggested by publishing notorious black spots.

Dusty just after we pasted the accident what made it worse for the wife was that caravans were passing me as though l was stopped, l was doing 55mph l estimate them that pasted must have being doing at least 10mph more, they must have seen what we saw and it still didn't register that speed kills.

Having only been back to caravanning for a couple of years, l can remember 25years ago when we last caravanned we all had to have 50mph sticker on the back as this was the law then, l don't suggest for one minute that we revert back to 50 mph as cars and caravans have moved on, but we still need to be more mindful that traffic as increased 3 fold since the early eighties

NigelH

 

[Parksy]

Hi Parksy,

I think you are referring to Jct 4A (M5/M42) Not Jct 5 which is for Wychbold.

Thanks John, I'm getting my junctions mixed up

 

[Parksy]

I for one am very glad that you started this topic Nigel.

This is the peak holiday period and there must be one or two novice caravanners who might read this topic and remember it.

Those of us who tow more often don't know every stretch of road which might be particularly dangerous for towing vehicles.

I sent an email to Nigel Donnelly to ask if the magazine staff might run an article about towing black spots where we could send our local ones to the magazine.

If they could do an interview with those unfortunate to have been involved in one of these incidents along with advice from police, the clubs and motoring organisations and the highways agency perhaps we could in future avoid some of the more lurid traffic reports that reinforce stereotypes about caravans.

It might prevent ruined holidays, financial loss, injuries or worse but at the very least it might make us all think about road conditions rather than speed limits that we must try to achieve.

 

[Heethers]

Parsksy thank you for your support, lam glad you have emailed Nigel Donnelly and l hope Nigel can do an editorial on the Safeway to tow.

NigelH

 

[Gumbo]

Once again Gumbo, just because you agree, does not make it a fact. Lets see the evidence, or at least a logical reason for making that kind of statement.

Steve W

Once again Steve what are you talking about. It is beyond refute what the poster said. Why do you want to make an issue of it ???. If you don't agree please post what you think causes these accidents. I wait with bated breath for your pearls of wisdom !!!

 

[Dustydog]

Well done Parksy

I hope Nigel and his editorial staff can follow up your proposals. Just be careful though, you could end up working there yourself! LOL.

Cheers

Dustydog

 

[Parksy]

Well done Parksy

I hope Nigel and his editorial staff can follow up your proposals. Just be careful though, you could end up working there yourself! LOL.

Cheers

Dustydog

I wouldn't fancy the commute from Brum to Teddington

 

[Dustydog]

I wouldn't fancy the commute from Brum to Teddington

Parksy

A man of your experience would use video conferencing from the comfort of your caravan!

Cheers

Dustydog