HOW TO... TOW FOR THE FIRST TIME

If you're new to caravanning, welcome! Follow Tow car editor David Motton's tips before you hit the road

- 

RE YOU CARAVANNING for the first time this summer? You've just made a great decision that you won't regret. There is so much to enjoy! Before you park your home-from-home on a pitch for the first time, though, there are a few things you'll want to know. You need to get the hang of towing, then the holiday fun can really start.

Meet your perfect match

You may have heard other caravanners talking about the 85% 'rule'. It's more of a guideline than a strict rule, but it's worth following if you want your first experience of towing to be a happy and safe one.

The gist is this: your caravan should weigh no more than 85% of the kerbweight of your tow car. So, if your car weighs 1600kg, it's strongly recommended that your caravan (including whatever you load inside it) should weigh no more than 1360kg (85% of 1600kg).

Now, your car will have an official towing capacity. This may be much more than 85% of its kerbweight, or it could be less. This figure is derived from the car's ability to tow a trailer repeatedly up a slope. It is not a good indication of the size and weight of caravan your car can tow at 60mph without feeling nervous and twitchy.

The 85% guideline is a much better guide to pairing car and caravan so that the outfit (the car and caravan together) will be stable at motorway speeds.

Practice makes perfect

Articles in magazines and YouTube videos can give all sorts of pointers, but nothing beats hands-on experience. The first time you tow shouldn't be when you collect your caravan, or on the first day of your holiday - it's much better to have instruction from a professional.