[PR] RSA Issues Advice for Tourists Towing Caravans or Trailers

Victor

http://www.rsa.ie/NEWS/News/RSA_Issues_Advice_for_Tourists_Towing_Caravans_or_Trailers.html

RSA Issues Advice for Tourists Towing Caravans or Trailers

With the summer holiday season underway Irish roads are becoming much busier with tourist traffic. Many holiday makers at home and those visiting Ireland will enjoy a caravanning holiday this summer.

The Road Safety Authority has, today 25th June, issued advice for drivers towing another vehicle, including a caravan or maybe a boat trailer, to ensure a safe journey.

“Towing a trailer will affect the way the car performs. Caravans increase the fuel consumption of a car, decrease its acceleration and braking ability, and can affect a vehicle’s general control.” said Mr. Noel Brett, CEO, Road Safety Authority.

Tips for towing a caravan or trailer

• The maximum permitted speed limit for a vehicle towing a caravan or trailer is 80km/h.
• Pay particular attention when accelerating and braking, especially when approaching corners.
• Leave more distance than usual between yourself and the vehicle in front, and allow plenty of extra time and space if entering traffic.
• Allow more time and distance when overtaking other road users and ensure you are well past them before moving back to the left hand side of the road again.
• Be careful when driving in poor conditions or in high winds
• Where possible, pull over regularly to allow following vehicles to overtake.
• Never let passengers travel in the caravan or towing trailer when it’s being towed.
• Ensure the load in the caravan is correctly distributed, to reduce the chance of the caravan swaying. Swaying is more prone in high winds, particularly side winds, or when passing approaching larger vehicles.
• Do not attempt to tow if you do not have adequate unobstructed vision in both car door / wing mirrors. Fit extension mirrors if necessary.
• Reversing a caravan is difficult. Practise reversing, but make sure it’s done in a safe location and have someone to guide you.
• Plan plenty of rest stops to avoid driver fatigue.

Mr. Brett added that, “It’s also important that the car or towing vehicle is mechanically sound. So before setting off on a trip you should get the vehicle serviced. The service should check that:

• The tow bar or towing device is strong enough and attached securely so that it does not break or become loose during use
• the wheels, tyres, steering, suspension and brakes are in good working order;
• the battery is in good condition and fully charged;
• all lights and reflectors are clean and working;
• Oil levels are correct

The caravan being towed also needs to be checked to ensure it’s in a roadworthy condition. Specifically it’s important to:

• Make sure the safety breakaway cable is in place, secured and in good condition;
• If more than 1.5 metres separates the vehicles, use some warning device such as a white flag to draw attention to the tow bar;
• Make sure that brakes and external lights work correctly;
• wheels, tyres, wheel bearings and the suspension are in good condition, especially if the caravan has been sitting idle for some time;
• tyres are of the same type and size and have a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm;
• tyre placard has the recommended tyre size, load rating and tyre pressures.
• You should also ensure your caravan has a yearly service by a mechanic.

For more information visit the RSA’s website to download the new leaflet ‘Road Safety Advice for tourists Towing Caravans or Trailers’ or visit www.rulesoftheroad.ie to view the regulations on towing vehicles.

ENDS

peasant

[abuse of mod power] Users asking advice about caravans (or god forbid mobile homes) ...fine (just)
An article from the RSA about bloody caravans ?
This is the MOTORhome & camperVAN forum, ffs ...go away with your engineless contraptions ...thread closed[/abuse of mod power]