How to safely tow a caravan or tow a trailer: Caravan tips and tricks

Tail swing and hitch swing need to be understood and measured. Otherwise you may find yourself in a tight corner with no room to manoeuvre. We demonstrate measure and explain them with video of a Land Rover Discovery Sport and a Bailey Unicorn Vigo 7.5 meter caravan. Your vehicle and trailer may handle similarly to ours but you will only know if you try the manoeuvres out for yourself.
SatNav is another topic we cover. They have a deserved reputation for causing problems and should not be your only source of information, but they help in the driver anticipation and aid the reading of the road. This is not advanced driving, it is more like everyday HGV driving. If you consider that advanced then advanced it is. However it is easy when you know how to and I worked in driver education as an instructor for many years. So I know one or two things about teaching driving techniques from the days of the UK Department of Transport to it's new name of the Driving Standards Agency, (DSA).
New to driving or an old pro, we are all learning and I hope to influence others in their techniques and their products, such as Land Rover and it's SatNav systems that needs a software update. That would turn a good tow vehicle into a great product.
So whether you are a beginner or a expert, there should be something in this video for you to test your driving skills.
Good quality of extension Mirrors are so important to safe driving I bought mine from Amazon, please use this link if you want them: amzn.to/2AyAUBt
If you are interested in photography the 4K video camera I use, is a Panasonic 4K video camera, if you want one, the Amazon (affiliated) link is: amzn.to/2RuVhsY
Music from Nero Platinum Video Editing program, copyright free

[@inverblue1988]

What a really informative video, I have found all your videos really helpful as a newbie to touring caravans. Have really missed you posting lately and hope you are both well.

[@paulk1322]

Great informative video, I've been towing caravan for years but still found this useful. Thanks for sharing your skills with fellow caravaners.

[@UsefulWisdom]

Happy to help😀

[@juliemacgregor9289]

Thank you for making this video. I am heading out for a day's towing tuition tomorrow and this is very useful for a novice like me. I was planning on cramming in several days of practice ahead of making a 600 mile round trip to pick up a pop-up camper next weekend. I figured if I learned to tow a 6m box trailer I would find a

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi Julie. By planning and learning in advance of your trip, you show yourself to be a responsible driver. I wish all motorists were as responsible as you.😀

[@edwardcharles9764]

A good sat nav for caravan is the Garmin Camper 660. You can use it for car only or both car and van with width, height, length and weight typed in. It then ensures you stay away from narrow roads, low bridges, cul de sacs etc and is very reliable. There is also a reversing camera with receiver on the sat nav and transmitter in the boot. I also fitted one on the caravan with transmitter in the front locker and I can switch between the two, giving me rear view on motorways and also reversing views from the van. It also pairs with your mobile for hands free. Highly recommended sat nav and when towing replaces my built in Vauxhall sat nav. Good video, learned a lot, subscribed.

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi Edward. Thank you for subscribing. This week I have been trying several android sat nav systems on my tablet. Some of the free systems are better than the payed versions. Some sat nav systems are dangerous because of the total confusion they cause. I have not used the Garmin Camper 660 but it looks like an interesting product, if you can afford it. Thank you for the advice.

[@edwardcharles9764]

UsefulWisdom not much more than a good tablet but I think you'll find optical quality is better and nowhere near as cumbersome as trying to cobble a video camera, especially if you don't have a rear window. The quality is in fact better than the reversing camera factory fitted to my 2017 Insignia.

[@UsefulWisdom]

Thank you Edward. Yes, without a bathroom window I would struggle with my rear view camera system. But I have all the bits I needed to make it work and because of this it cost me nothing. If my system helps others save money, then it can only be a good thing and if it improves road safety by getting people to consider a camera system, I am very happy. I accept it does not work for everybody.

[@edwardcharles9764]

UsefulWisdom Ian don't misunderstand me I'm not criticising your method, I'm just pointing out I did not consider the Garmin much more expensive than others, (including a video camera) but a lot more versatile. It does work in keeping you away from single track roads, cul de sacs etc and places that would cause problems. As a camera the quality is superb and it can used with or without van attached, it pairs with your phone giving hands free making it even safer and life long updates for the whole of Europe are free.

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi edward, technology constantly improves and I would like to review the Garmin system you have, against a free android app I have found and I am very impressed with. Garmin are you up for the challenge.

[@paul-fk7de]

Absolutely brilliant advice liked and subscribed 😀

[@UsefulWisdom]

Absolutely brilliant reply, liked.😀

[@marklittler784]

The examples are terrific, extremely informative, useful and helpful rather like going through the period of enlightenment, thank you.

[@UsefulWisdom]

Thank You Mark😀

[@petermiller1041]

Thank you for this excellent video. About to tow a caravan for the first time down to Devon, and this video was exactly what I was looking for.

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi Peter. It's nice in Devon, enjoy it!

[@stoufer2000]

Well done folks... Enjoyed this and very nicely presented... Was really interested to see the tail swing variations on different steering locks as well. Thanks.

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi stouer2000. Thank you for the compliment.😀

[@DavetheIV]

Thanks for this helpful video, well researched & very well presented. Enjoyed watching & has given me food for thought!

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi Dave. Making this video made me more confident with maneuvering the caravan. I now know exactly how much clearance I need.

[@UsefulWisdom]

Thank you Stuart, I should have added a section on how the passenger can help by getting out and directing the driver. If I am the passenger and the parked cars are causing a problem, as in the video. I get out and stand at the front of the tow vehicle and direct the driver. I can see the kerb, the front wheels of the car and the end of the caravan better than the driver. I can move from the tow vehicles nearside to its offside as I direct the driver, who is watching and following my directions.

[@pradolover]

Excellent tips thank you.

[@UsefulWisdom]

Thank you Stuart, I should have added a section on how the passenger can help by getting out and directing the driver. If I am the passenger and the parked cars are causing a problem, as in the video. I get out and stand at the front of the tow vehicle and direct the driver. I can see the kerb, the front wheels of the car and the end of the caravan better than the driver. I can move from the tow vehicles nearside to its offside as I direct the driver, who is watching and following my directions.

[@ShelliG]

Good video with good diagrams. Need to find one as good for driving on the right as we do here in the United States. Was looking specifically for backing but such good info had to comment!

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi Shelli. If you stand looking away from your monitor and use a mirror to view the video, it becomes the American version.

[@iamtomkills]

This is just excellent. Thank you for such hard work.

[@UsefulWisdom]

Thank you Tom. Making this video helped us to understand the way this Landover and Caravan wiggles around on the road.

[@melaniecruickshank3711]

Such a hugely useful and informative video. Thank you very much! Hubby and I both completed a private towing course prior to picking up our caravan last summer. However, despite lots of outings with the caravan I have yet to tow.... In order for me to gain my confidence we are considering an overnight tow and I can build some confidence with our own rig. I looked on You Tube for towing tips and advice but couldn’t find very much. Any further towing advice would be gratefully viewed!

[@UsefulWisdom]

Good on you Melanie. My wife is a better driver than than me. I am probably too confident. She has more patience as well. Car parks can be very useful for understanding your rig. We used our local collage's car park to film. It is always empty on Bank Holidays. I like to practice revering the rig at the beginning of the season and we spent several hours doing that.

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi Melanie, my wife and I made a KZbin video that you will find interesting. It's on reversing a caravan. It will help you. How to reverse a Caravan or Trailer, Caravan Tips and Tricks

[@theitchywitch]

Thank you 😀

[@UsefulWisdom]

You welcome. Thank you for the positive feedback. My next video will be in reverse. It is taking some thinking about but I like a challenge, so if you likes this video, you should like my next.

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi Emma. Caravan mirrors are a league requirement. You have to be able to see down both sides of the caravan without a blind spot, so they need to be wider than the caravan. Otherwise overtaking traffic can get hidden in the blind spot. They are needed for reversing accurately in a straight line. They help you gauge narrow gaps. If your car and caravan are travelling in a straight line and your caravan mirrors are able to go through a gap, the caravan will also go through the gap.

[@simonbaxter8001]

"Caravan mirrors are a league requirement" ... being able to see the area behind and along side the caravan is the legal requirement. If your existing car width/mirror reach is not sufficient, then extension mirrors are required to meet the legal visibility limits. It is not legal to specifically require mirrors, that is just a by product of complying with the legal view area ... there is a subtle difference! 99% of most car car/caravan combinations WILL require extension mirrors. Great video and hugely informative.

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi @@simonbaxter8001. Mirrors as you correctly printout are very important, so we also made a KZbin video on them, it's called: Choosing Safe Caravan Mirrors: Caravan Tips and Tricks

[@marklittler784]

Unfamiliar people to towing should come out 4am in the summer when it's light and you virtually have the country to yourselves looooool

[@UsefulWisdom]

Good idea, I will give it a try. 😇

[@CaravanningwiththeCoxs]

Nice video. Could you show and demonstrate how to hitch and unhitch a caravan also how to reverse correctly. Happy Caravanning Oliver

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi Oliver, its on the list of things to do.

[@CaravanningwiththeCoxs]

UsefulWisdom thanks looking forward to seeing them.

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi Oliver, you wanted a video on hitching up a caravan. I thought long and hard about this and made one for you. I hope you enjoy it , it is called: What can I tow, what you need to know before buying or towing a Caravan or Trailer in the UK kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5_WoXeEacqZerM

[@CaravanningwiththeCoxs]

UsefulWisdom cheers Ian. It’s very good.

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi Oliver, thank you for the feedback. I worried that it would be too technical for the average viewer but after talking to several car sales staff, who give me advise in regards to what is a good tow car, without asking me when I passed my test, or if I was over 70, have I retained my full entitlement on my old car licence by taking a health test, eyesight etc. To be fair to them, perhaps I look too young for that last question. But on sales manager had me fuming when he quoted the towing law wrongly and when challenged about his dangerous advice said, "I know everything about towing, because I come from farming stock." I said, my father and brothers are pianist's but I cant play the piano. My caravan dealer was very good and quickly checked that I was not going to buy the wrong caravan for my licence or tow vehicle's kerb weight. I respected the man and took his advice seriously because of that. He got a sale.

[@MrMarksupra]

Thank you so much for this very helpful video ,we have just ordered a caravan after years of owning a motorhome. It all seems very daunting at the moment. We were amazed to find you live in our home town as we recognised the familiar roads. We will definitely practice the new car and caravan combination on the car park which I assume is somewhere behind the Nissan garage? Many thanks Mark 👍

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi MrMarksupra. Thank you for your comment. A work to the wise, level carparks are the best to practice in. Pushing a caravan in reverse, up a gradient will quickly heat up your clutch. Please don't tell anybody but the carpark off Bessamer Way is level. Pick your time and you have it all to yourself. Happy camping.

[@neilmcauley7750]

Great Video, exactly what I was after

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi Gavin, it is a good idea to get to know how your rig moves with your tow vehicle. They all perform slightly differently. 😀

[@simracer1256]

Don't know if you noticed, but they have a land rover discovery sport

[@UsefulWisdom]

Well spotted.😃

[@outlaw6421]

Try a large vehicles sat nave,ie lorry

[@UsefulWisdom]

Thank you for your advice.

[@c4sh__828]

All of this great information but still drive on the wrong side of the road. Thanks 🙏 🤣

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi c4sh__. For the medieval swordsmen on horseback, it made sense to keep to the left, to have their right arms closer to their opponents. The same reason everybody offers their right hand to shake as a sign of friendship. You are offering up your sword arm. The British carry on this tradition because it is part of our history. So why do you drive on the other side of the road? 🙃

[@c4sh__828]

@@UsefulWisdom fair play! I appreciate it and was unaware of the history. Well, I had some rebellious American ancestors who thought perhaps they’d make their own rules? Although, I have some Scottish heritage. One ancestor may have led an assault on dumbarton castle. I’m unsure if he was a knight though but pretty sure there’s a few chevaliers ⚜️on one side way back haha 🍻

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi @@c4sh__828 Your correct, your ancestors made their own rules and because they did not hit each other with swords too often, your rules of the road are different. In the United States, many researchers trace the beginning of right-hand traffic to the 18th century and the rise of freight wagons pulled by large teams of horses. Since these vehicles often didn’t have a driver’s seat, drivers tended to ride on the left rear horse to more easily control their animal team with their right hand. As the wagons became more popular, traffic naturally moved to the right so drivers could sit closer to the center of the road and avoid collisions with one another. Yet another major influence was carmaker Henry Ford, who mass-produced his Model T with a left-positioned steering wheel, which necessitated driving on the right side of the road.

[@zarsha4104]

In theory test questions is? Where we can caravan practise ? In empty parking place. Is this answer was right? Tell mi.

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi @zarsha. In a practical setting, when learning a new skill, it is better to have plenty of room around you. So on an empty car park is where I would start. From my experience, parking in a full parking place is quite difficult and very costly. I hope this answer helps to answer your question.

[@stevecampbell7589]

Hi, this is the second of your videos I have watched as I am trying to help my wife understand the handling of a van and horsebox as she has her B+E test next month. However, I have noticed you using your phone for an APP called co-pilot. I have never heard of it before. Do you have a link to that app please? I am a former DVSA/VOSA officer but now driving container trucks around the UK. Although I am experienced and capable of driving the trucks and towing. There are on some occasions when I am making deliveries to small villages such as Broughton in the Lake District. I recognized the area from the video. However, in these small villages, it is usually impossible to do a U turn to reverse from a road into a loading bay on the driving side and have no option to blindside and rely on other drivers to wait and not push through. This copilot app would be a godsend for me. Would I need to have 2 compatible phones to do this? Thanks

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi Stephen, if you want an app like co-pilot, you need to use an Android Tablet or phone, (I think there is an Apple version). Go to the play store and download it with the maps. It is a satnav system. I tried but it did not work very well on my tablet. I use a free Android satnav app and I made a KZbin video about it with all the information you should need, the KZbin video is called: Navigation App With Waypoints, Custom Routes for Caravans and Motor Homes . Caravan Tips and Tricks. I have another free Android app for HGV routes but I have not made a video about it. I use it to find the best route for a caravan. But if you want to see behind you when you are reversing in your HGV. There are many ways of doing this. I have a Panasonic Camera and it has an Android app called The Panasonic Image App: www.panasonic.com/uk/consumer/cameras-camcorders/lumix-g-compact-system-cameras-learn/article/how-to-connect-your-lumix-camera-to-Wifi.html I made a mount for the camera with a mirror to correct the image and fit it in the Caravan's bathroom window. It needed the signal boosting with a router. I even have a screen recorder on the Tablet that recorded our journeys. This may not work on a HGV trailer because the WiFi signal will be interrupted by the cargo density in the trailer. A wired connection would work better for you. There are some very good wired reversing cameras on the internet but I am sorry, I can't recommend one because I have never used one.

[@stevecampbell7589]

@@UsefulWisdom thank you for that information. I will have a look around see what I find. I didn't even think there was such a thing that existed. I drive hgvs as an agency driver as and when. My main occupation since I have left the DVSA is passenger transport. I run a small minibus company in Sunderland. I operate 2 minibuses and we have a coach that is actually owned by one of our drivers but he keeps it stored at our yard and only used on our pcv operators license. I only came across your playlist as my wife was asking about tail swing and head swing. As we only have a small caravan and I only have a tow bar on our minibuses. So can't really tell so much with our out fit. So I did a search on youtube. Shown her some examples of tail and head swings on hgvs, she panicked about towing. So started showing her your play list. which she really finds educational. I have a sat nav somewhere locked away in its box what I got from my mum before she passed away. I not very confident with technology. I always preferred using an atlas. I find some enjoyment in planning my route and alternatives the night before the journey. Although a lot of the times these days I don't bother as I been down a lot of roads. I am south Cumbria at the moment waiting for my group to finish their visit to South Lakes Safari park. We be heading back to Morpeth via the 590, 595, m6, A69, A1. Although some of the group are wanting to go up over the kirkstone pass. There is also last minute change of plans when I am already on the road in the HGV. There has been the odd time where I either head towards a destination by winging it until I find my destination or get to a weight and/or height restricted or a tight road. I pull up and use street view to virtually look down the road or if no signal. I take a walk to work it out. Luckily, container work's don't often go to tight secluded spaces. I do a lot in Barrow in Furness down to docks in Suffolk or Kent. The roads in Barrow are plenty wide enough. It's like having a day off.

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi Stephen Campbell , Wrynose Pass and Kierkstone Pass could give some of your passengers a hart attack. Get them to sign a medical disclaimer before you set off home. I hope your wife can get to grips with towing. I found it best starting in a large empty car park. The one in the video is a College car park. On a weekend (or a Bank Holiday) it is empty. A few plastic cones set out to drive round will give her an understanding of the positioning she needs to take. As for Tail Swing, on my Caravan is only a problem when full lock is applied, so if she is in the correct position before turning, she won't need to apply full lock. Have fun. Even when she is towing the caravan home over Wrynose Pass or Kierkstone Pass but remember, get her to sign that medical disclaimer! 😀

[@emmapaignton4765]

Won't the caravan mirrors make the CSR wider

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi Emma, does CRS stand for? The caravan mirrors will be slightly wider than the caravan but this helps you see down the side of the caravan and helps with tight gaps.

[@fredkenebel5092]

Emma Paignton q

[@emmapaignton4765]

It was Meant to mean car but autocorrect changed that.

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi Emma. These computers have a mind of their own. To answer your question, yes they make the width of the car wider but this is a good thing. I made 2 KZbin videos on caravan mirrors. They will give you all the information you need on this subject: Choosing Safe Caravan Mirrors: Caravan Tips and Tricks How to safely tow a caravan or tow a trailer: Caravan tips and tricks

[@johnjohnson1361]

Greenhood?

[@ramblingrob4693]

Isn't there a Truck satnav you can buy be more useful

[@UsefulWisdom]

Sorry, I thought this video was about towing?🤔

[@ramblingrob4693]

@@UsefulWisdom They were driving talking about Roundabout etc etc an about width of rd, height could be issue to if some country lane, I'm sure there is a Truck satnav or something like it which might help not send you down narrow country lane

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi @@ramblingrob4693 . Yes, there are several apps for HGVs. I have used them to find issues such as low bridges but I use Google Maps to make sure my route is free from all such issues. Good planning is very important.

[@marklittler784]

Yeah its ridiculous the Land Rover Sat Nav not having the option for caravan towing routes must be in the stone ages many do towing with them.

[@UsefulWisdom]

I did write to the Land Rover CEO and complained about it my Discovery Sport. The new satnav systems on my new Jaguar is fanatic, he must have listened.

[@marklittler784]

@@UsefulWisdom Yeah amazing how just a few words can change things so much for the better 😂

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi @@marklittler784, I can't take all the credit, I met many a Land Rover owners who had complained about the old satnav system. If you don't complain, they won't improve it. 😉

[@adriandavie952]

Object clearance. Get your rear car wheel past the object or caravan wheels if you are pulling one, you WONT hit it., dont risk SHOULD NOT

[@UsefulWisdom]

Thank you Adrian. It all depends on the distence you are from the kerb.

[@adriandavie952]

there isnt a kerb in the video..@@UsefulWisdom ..

[@UsefulWisdom]

@@adriandavie952 I was making a stastment. If you have room you can turn early. That is why HGV drivers move to the right before turning left into a narrow road.

[@adriandavie952]

i drive HG everyday......@@UsefulWisdom

[@johnjohnson1361]

Barrow

[@UsefulWisdom]

10 points.😀

[@11seaneen]

Is this gypsy joe

[@UsefulWisdom]

No it is UesfulWidom.

[@emmapaignton4765]

Isn't that a hazard to other road users or pedestrians adding wider things to your car

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi Emma. No, the caravan is usually wider than the car towing it and you will have a blind spot in your car mirrors because of this. There are Road Traffic Laws that cover this issue. Caravan mirrors are also essential for reversing. Please watch the below KZbin video: How to reverse a Caravan or Trailer, Caravan Tips and Tricks

[@michael6692]

dont be a silly billy i have driven far more wide and big down the road

[@millomweb]

Tip No. 2 is at 0:12 - Don't wind or wrap the electrical cord around the front of the caravan's drawbar before connecting it to your car - as this one has been. The cable is that length as it needs to be for going round corners. If you do this and turn a tight corner, you'll have some electrical repairs to make to the cable or connector.

[@UsefulWisdom]

pmaikeey, if the cable is long enough, like it is on the Bailey Caravan, you can. It stops it dragging on the ground.

[@millomweb]

@@UsefulWisdom The cable shouldn't be anywhere near moving parts (hitch brake operation) as there's risk to both the moving parts and cable damage - and it likely leaves insufficient slack for tight corners. Connect it up 'normally' and if it hangs too close to the ground, pull the excess slack up under the A frame. Use a loose cable tie if necessary - so there's slack if more needs to be pulled out.

[@UsefulWisdom]

@@millomweb there is a plastic cover that protects the cable from any moving parts. It is long enough and the Bailey Caravan dealer at Ulverston (they know about their product) advised that this was the way they tow these new caravans. Times change, change with them. 😀

[@allenmclaughlin5283]

would have more respect if you never used motormover

[@UsefulWisdom]

Well spotted. Motormovers have their uses. I park my caravan ouyside the front of my house. The drive is on a hill and the towbar has to angle into the corner of my house and the neighbouring house to fit on my drive. This manuver is only possibe with a motormover. 😀

[@millomweb]

11:22 Looks suspiciously like Piel Castle on the monitor on the left.

[@UsefulWisdom]

pmailkeen, Piel Castle is miles away.

[@millomweb]

9:44 - but you're not driving on unfamiliar roads !

[@UsefulWisdom]

Pmaikeey, how do you know?

[@millomweb]

@@UsefulWisdom It's a bit of word-play. It's not unfamiliar roads to me. Cos like you , we've known the Greenodd junction before it was a roundabout ! 2012-ish

[@millomweb]

Tip no. 1 is at 0:12 - don't leave your jockey wheel down like that. (Jockey wheel is the one near the tow ball). If you do, it'll hit the ground and be smashed. There should be very little of the wheel visible in this shot.

[@UsefulWisdom]

Thank you for that pmaikeey, but you are wrong, the jockey wheel on the Bailey Unicorn is fully retracted. I agree if it was not there would be a problem.🙃

[@millomweb]

@@UsefulWisdom I'm not wrong - it's not clearly high enough - if it won't lift any more, remove it by unscrewing the clamp all the way as necessary - it's why the clamp's designed like that. There's insufficient ground clearance in this shot.

[@UsefulWisdom]

@@millomweb the jockey wheel is wound up into its retaining slots on the shaft and lifted as high as the clamp will allow. I have driven thousands of miles with it in this possession, all over the UK and had no problems with the bumpiest of hump back bridges, sorry, it is you that is wrong.😛

[@millomweb]

@@UsefulWisdom "By the look of the picture the jockey wheel needs to come up further. It normally sits along the side of the A frame cover." - BaileyofBristol (Danny)

[@UsefulWisdom]

​@@millomweb the tow ball high of the Land Rover Discovery Sport is 420 mm or 16.5 inches. The jockey wheel of the Bailey Caravan has over 12 inches of road Clarence. Although the Land Rover is a 4 wheel drive vehicle, we had no intentions of using its off road abilities with this type of caravan attached to it. If we were daft enough to use a caravan that had off road ability to visit the top of Mount Everest, for example, we may then, just for you, consider remove the jockey wheel altogether. However, our trip was from a CL in Cheshire to a CL in Worcestershire, this involved driving down flat motorways and A roads.

[@mr.d7372]

Well, that was 15 minutes of stating the obvious.

[@UsefulWisdom]

Hi Mr D A. I am sorry that I could not teach you anything. But for anybody trying to learn how to maneuver a large caravan or trailer, this video will help them. You are obviously the expert on advanced driving, so why don't you share your knowledge on Road Safety with KZbin. Then the rest of the world can improve their knowledge on this subject and you can save lives.