TRAILERS AND CARAVANS NEED PRE-TRIP ATTENTION TOO
Most caravans, boats and trailers don’t see much action during the year. In fact, it’s often only around holiday time that they are rolled off their patch of grass and hooked up to go – but after standing so long, chances are their wheels are no longer in good shape.
Lize Hayward, Goodyear Brand Communications Manager recently issued a list of pre-trip tips that will help you avoid roadside frustration and enjoy a hassle-free, safe journey.
“When caravans and trailers stand in one place for an extended period, their tyres will probably develop a ‘flat spot’ from the prolonged slight pressure. Ideally, one should remove the wheel and tyre and put the caravans and trailers on stands while they’re not being used. If it’s ‘too late now’, I would strongly advise owners to have their tyres’ condition checked at a reputable service centre,” saidHayward.
“Wheel bearings, particularly those on boat trailers which are exposed to salt water, should be checked for corrosion. Tyres need to be checked for cracks and penetrations, and the technician will check that there is still sufficient tread depth on the tyres. Don’t forget to get the spare tyre checked too!”
Make sure your tyres’ pressure is correct. This will save on fuel and ensure a safe, comfortable ride. All wheel elements should be tightened and, while you’re at it, make sure you have the relevant jack and wheel spanner for your trailer or caravan. They may require different tools to those of your car tyres.
By law, all trailers require the correct chevron tape to be wrapped all the way around the body for better visibility. Make sure your lights are all working properly and that your licenses are up to date.
Free Vehicle Safety Check Countrywide
According to Goodyear, motorists should have their vehicles and caravans inspected at professional tyre and service outlets.
Hi-Q, which has an extensive national footprint in both big cities and small towns, offers a free 10-point safety check on vehicles and caravans. This entails checking all tyres plus the spares for tread depth and pressure, the front and rear shock absorbers, the brake pads, discs and fluid, as well as the battery, exhaust and wiper blades. Should any of the checks highlight a warning or faulty part, the technician will recommend the correct course of action.
“We strongly encourage South African motorists to have their vehicles, caravans, trailers and tyres checked before taking off on their journeys. They can put their trust in Hi-Q’s free safety check as one way of enhancing their vehicle safety,” saidHayward.
Fit to Tow?
A safe, enjoyable camping trip begins with a car and caravan that are properly serviced and ready for the journey. Only choose a car and caravan that are compatible, use the best towing equipment and practice some of the skills that are needed to cope with any situation that might arise.
“Drivers need to be aware that driving a car and caravan combination still requires practice and skill. A well-prepared driver, car and caravan are a precondition for a safe and enjoyable trip,” addedHayward, who offers the following road safety advice.
Check your Tyres’ Health
“Tyres should be checked for minimum tread depth, flat spots, uneven wear, impact fractures as a result of perhaps hitting a pot hole and objects caught in the tread pattern.
“The tyres should be suited to the maximum weight of the caravan as well as the maximum permitted travelling speed. When buying new tyres, look for C-rated (Commercial) or XL-rated (Extra Load) tyres, to add some reserve to its load capacity. Make sure to inflate the tyres according to recommendation of the caravan manufacturer. Properly inflated tyres not only provide best handling performance, they will also help you save fuel,”Haywardsaid.
Pack Wisely
“Packing the caravan correctly is crucial. Many of the problems associated with towing a caravan are a result of it being badly loaded and/or overloaded. Try to put all the heavy items as low as possible in the caravan, preferably over the axle, and make sure they are secured to prevent any movement when turning corners or braking sharply. If possible, always put heavier items in the car and larger, lighter items in the caravan.
“Before setting off use a towing checklist to ensure the caravan is fit to travel and you haven’t forgotten anything. Is everything connected and working properly? Pay close attention to the lights, brakes, tyres, hitches and safety ropes,” she said.
Expect the Unexpected
“Setting off well prepared also helps minimizing the stress of an unexpected and unpleasant emergency situation. Don’t forget to invest in a well-equipped spares and tool kit. Spare bulbs, a warning triangle, a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit are legal requirements in many first world countries. A spare tyre or quick repair kit is also essential. Nearside and offside extending mirrors are a must, to see what is happening behind you,”Haywardsaid.
Tow Responsibly
Towing a caravan can be a daunting task at first.
“One of the most important towing tips: take it easy! Anyone towing a caravan should be calm and relaxed. Being aware of the surrounding traffic conditions, limiting your cruising speed to 80km/h or 100 km/h, depending on what your caravan is legally limited to. And of course, you have to respect the speed limit where you are travelling. Keeping a safe distance will give you enough time to react and stop if necessary and will help you stay calm and in control. “
These few towing tips will contribute to an enjoyable, relaxed and safe journey:
- Keep enough following distance to anticipate traffic ahead.
- Only overtake other vehicles, particularly trucks, when you are certain there is ample space and time to do so. Never try to rush overtaking a vehicle!
- When overtaking large vehicles like trucks or buses be aware of the pull effect. Aerodynamics will pull you towards the truck when overtaking and after finishing the maneuver your vehicle will be pulled to the opposite direction.
- Regularly monitor traffic behind to be aware of other vehicles that wish to overtake.
- If you see a long queue of cars behind you, especially on curvy mountain roads, use turnouts, to allow them to pass.
- When turning, always remember to swing wide. A quick glance in the mirror will help in getting this right.
- If your caravan begins to sway, remain calm. Do not brake, but remove your foot from the accelerator to reduce speed. When the swaying has stopped, gradually increase the speed again. Remember: a swaying caravan is always caused by an unlucky combination of overloading, poor load distribution, excessive speed and strong winds.
- When driving or parking, consider the height, length and width of the caravan to avoid collisions with objects alongside, above or behind you.
“With care, caution and preparation, caravanning and camping can be an enjoyable experience and a great way to get off the beaten track. Have your vehicle checked by the one South African consumers have grown to trust for quality service and convenience since the first Hi-Q store opened eleven years ago,” Hayward concluded.
