Towing Check List

Tyres - Check the tyre condition and tyre pressures on the caravan.  If the tyres are more than 4 years old think seriously about getting them replaced.  Every tyre has a manufacturers date code on it, if you can't read it then take the wheels to a tyre fitter, who will be able to read the date code. Caravan tyres tend to become useless because of the effects of sunshine on rubber and because they are often being left with the weight of the tyre on one spot for weeks or months on end. Most will perish long before the tread wears out

Nose weight - Some cars and vans have different nose weight allowances. To ensure that you are fully legal, the loaded caravan nose weight should be the lighter of the maximum permitted by the car manufacturer, the tow bar manufacturer and the caravan manufacturer. You should be able to find all these figures in your car and caravan handbooks. Use a good quality nose-weight gauge such as that manufactured by Milenco. This is one safety issue NOT to be overlooked

Hitching - After raising the steady jacks, hitching up to the car and checking the lights, use the jockey wheel to lift the front of the van a little then lower it gently on to the tow ball. Shake the van firmly using the handles on each corner. This should make sure that you have the hitch correctly secured.  Most modern caravan chassis have a ‘tell tale’ button in front of the hitch handle, this will pop out when the caravan is attached properly. Finally, lift the jockey wheel completely clear of the ground, this may involve undoing a pinch bolt and twisting the whole assembly not just winding the handle

Brakes - With the van hitched to the car apply the hand brake on the van. Gently try moving the van with the car if it moves easily the brakes need adjusting or servicing and it wouldn’t be a wise idea to tow it anywhere.  If the van won't move with the hand brake released then you have a problem. This can often occur if the hand brake has been left on for some time

part 2