Rameder provides helpful tips for driving with a caravan (EN)

Camping is booming – and this has also been noticeable at Rameder. Europe’s leading supplier of towbars is currently experiencing an above-average level of demand for these products. Ultimately, a caravan has to be connected up somewhere. However, anybody who is on the road with a caravan attached to the towbar for the first time should pay careful attention to a few fundamental things. The team at Rameder has collected together the most important tips so that you stay safe and relaxed on the road during the tourist season.

Rameder and www.rameder.be can supply a towbar for (almost) all cars, SUVs and transporters without any problems. On request, it is often even possible to find a solution for rare, exotic models that are not included in the comprehensive database. Yet not all car drivers have a lot or even any practice driving with a caravan. Nevertheless, there is no need for you to be too intimidated. Anyone who pays close attention to the following tips will quickly have their caravan fully under control.

Before starting a journey and especially before parking the caravan, it is important to adjust the wing and wide-angled mirrors. The driver must have a good view of both the bottom edge of the caravan and also its rear end and the surrounding area. It is important that you always keep an eye on both wing mirrors. You can, of course, get help from another person when maneuvering. However, one rule is particularly important: If you steer the car to the left, the caravan will move to the right – and vice versa. This also applies to the significantly larger vehicle dimensions in comparison to driving the car on its own. It is thus crucial that you take care not to turn the steering wheel too soon. Otherwise, the tires could hit the curb, or the caravan could come into contact with parked cars. It is also important to avoid moving over too far when turning because otherwise there is a danger of hitting oncoming traffic. Also: The longer the caravan, the more attention you should pay to the rear of the caravan swinging out behind you. In the worst case, there is a risk of completely losing control of the caravan. If you are unsure, it is advisable to take a driver safety training course.

However, the following applies in all cases: If the caravan starts to sway, it is important to brake immediately. What about accelerating to bring the caravan back on track by pulling it straight again? This is a dangerous tip that should be dismissed as an old wives’ tale. Do not follow this bad advice! It is not only important for drivers to avoid major catastrophes but also to pay attention to the small details. For example, a high or wide caravan can quickly come into accidental contact with branches or traffic signs. In addition, the blind spot is much larger when towing a caravan than it is when driving the car on its own. Extending wing mirrors will help you to keep this issue under control. However, always dismantle the extending mirrors when you have parked up. You don’t want an inattentive pedestrian to run into them later on or for one of the mirrors to be hit by another car. To really be on the safe side, it is advisable to practice as much as possible in advance.

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