Hi guys
Has anyone got any simple tips to remember when reversing your caravan into it’s pitch please
Thank you
Has anyone got any simple tips to remember when reversing your caravan into it’s pitch please
Thank you
Reversing
- Thread starter Rordangamsey
- Start date
Rordangamsey said:
Yes ...
If your car has manual transmission, then as a beginner, I really wouldn’t recommend that you spend too much time practicing, but would suggest that you consider investing in a motor mover instead before you’re forced to pay out for a new clutch.
If your car’s an auto, then maybe you could find some open space where you can practice using some reference markers, although you still may want to consider a mover ...
No doubt many will disagree with my advice, which I fully respect of course
Whoever is guiding you. Make sure you can see them at all times and they understand you need to see them.
Use next to no throttle and gently lift the clutch if manual. Auto is easy.
Hand on bottom of steering wheel. Move to left if you want caravan to go left and move to right for caravan to go right.
Use next to no throttle and gently lift the clutch if manual. Auto is easy.
Hand on bottom of steering wheel. Move to left if you want caravan to go left and move to right for caravan to go right.
If your reversing in a straight line, look for the side of the van in your mirrors as a side fills a mirror turn the wheel gently towards that side and vise-a-versa and remember slowly, slowly. and mind your clutch.
First off,go on you tube and watch motty's towing masterclass parts 3 and 4. Then hook up,get yourself and partner out to an industrial estate or similar and practice.Your partner is your eyes behind so you need good communication,and make sure you can see each other.
When on site try to drive past your pitch with pitch on your drivers side,it's easier to see out of your door/window and you can judge things easier,main thing is DONT Rush ,even if someone wants to get past,hope this helps.
When on site try to drive past your pitch with pitch on your drivers side,it's easier to see out of your door/window and you can judge things easier,main thing is DONT Rush ,even if someone wants to get past,hope this helps.
Don't reverse into a pitch, If
1. Anyone is watching.
2. Don't do more than three attempts, drive of and go to another site.
3. You haven't asked the wife, where she wants the van to be, no matter what the site wardens say.
1. Anyone is watching.
2. Don't do more than three attempts, drive of and go to another site.
3. You haven't asked the wife, where she wants the van to be, no matter what the site wardens say.
Do the hard work going forwards. By that I mean leave the outfit with the best possible angle to start your reverse. You want to start from a position where your car is less angled than the caravan, allowing you to see the back of the van clearly. Dont steer heavily, small corrections and dont be afraid to shunt. The two things you need to try to avoid is jack-knifing the unit in and of course try to avoid a blind side reverse. There will be some occasions that it would be prudent to use a motor mover. I have been driving artics all my adult life and occasionally even I come across an awkward pitch.
Hi all, I’ve tried reversing on several occasions with limited success so have always resorted to having a mover fitted, and it’s been worth every penny, there are times when I’ve arrived on site and it’s looked straightforward to reverse in but I’ve still used the mover, however having read this topic I might and it’s a big might, have a go next time I’m out with van, remembering which way to turn the steering wheel always seems to be my problem so if DD’s tip of holding steering wheel at the bottom works as well as I think it will then I can’t wait to give it a try, I’m also surprised I’ve never come across this tip before as it seems so obvious.
BP
BP
If you are worried I agree a mover is the answer but at a cost. Watch the videos suggested and if possible find an empty car park to practice.
Essentially you drive past the pitch to a point where the axle(s) is a about three feet past where you want the caravan and go from there.
If you can choose a pitch on the drivers side so you can see what you are doing better, particularly if reversing up to an offside peg.
Essentially you drive past the pitch to a point where the axle(s) is a about three feet past where you want the caravan and go from there.
If you can choose a pitch on the drivers side so you can see what you are doing better, particularly if reversing up to an offside peg.
I reverse in if the site road is wide enough, otherwise you can dig up someone elses pitch opposite with your front wheels, if not wide enough to get the angle, then motor mover goes on.
I'm doing the Camping and Caravanning Club manoeuvring course next weekend so will hopefully be able to answer the question by next Sunday evening!
Mel
Moderator
Remember that the object of the exercise is to get the van on the pitch so you can enjoy your holiday. It is not an Olympic sport and there is no implication about the size of your, shall we say, God given equipment, if you use a motor mover.
Having said that, there are times when you have to reverse a van when it is not about getting it on a pitch, and this is when hints, practice and towing courses really help.
Mel
if you use a motor mover.Having said that, there are times when you have to reverse a van when it is not about getting it on a pitch, and this is when hints, practice and towing courses really help.
Mel
Mel said:Remember that the object of the exercise is to get the van on the pitch so you can enjoy your holiday. It is not an Olympic sport and there is no implication about the size of your, shall we say, God given equipment,
Having said that, there are times when you have to reverse a van when it is not about getting it on a pitch, and this is when hints, practice and towing courses really help.
Mel
I think Mel has a valid point, I was taking a caravan down into London and the route my "Caravan SatNav" took me got me into a situation where the road was blocked, and I had to reverse back down the road and round a corner without help. With cars on one side of the road. No motor mover, so basic reversing skills are needed.
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