Safety paramount as caravanners head to tow

Last year, around two million people took to the road with a caravan in tow, accounting for nearly 20% of holidays taken in the UK. With the arrival of greater daylight hours and with temperatures set to increase, thousands of motorists will hit the country’s roads once again towing a caravan or trailer. In conjunction with this traditional migration of holidaymakers, the Highways Agency has recently released a DVD entitled “Fit to Tow,” with TV presenter Carol Smillie providing crucial advice to those motorists who use a caravan or trailer for their vacation.

TyreSafe, the UK’s leading tyre safety organisation, says it extends its full support to the latest Highways Agency initiative, as many drivers are not aware of the dangers related to the inadequate maintenance and preparation of their vehicles, with incorrect or damaged tyres in particular, presenting a major risk to their safety.

To emphasise the importance of ensuring that all tyres are fit for purpose when towing a caravan or trailer, TyreSafe has the following tips for motorists:

Check the manufacturing dates of your caravan tyres. The Leisure Vehicle Organisation recommends that if they are over five years old, you should consider replacing them. Tyres more than seven years old should not be used;

Inspect your caravan tyres for cuts, sidewall cracking or imbedded objects. This includes the inner sidewalls;

Check the pressures of all your caravan tyres from cold, including the spare. Inflation should be in proportion to the load;

Check the pressure of the tyres of the towing vehicle. Some vehicle manufacturers specify slightly high rear tyre pressures when towing;

Check that the tyre construction on all wheels is the same;

Check the tread depths. UK law requires a minimum of 1.6mm throughout the central 75% of the tread width, and around the tyre’s circumference. A minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the full tread width is strongly recommended to ensure compliance with regulations throughout Europe; and

Check that the jack is in working order. Most jacks benefit from a drop of oil on the screw mechanism, as caravans are frequently parked off road, have a suitable piece of board available to prevent the jack from sinking into soft ground.

For further information on looking after caravan tyres, visitors may download the latest version of “Caravan Tyres and Your Safety” leaflet for free at tyresafe.org/tyre-safety.

To request a copy of the Highways Agency “Fit to Tow” DVD or a hard copy of the accompanying leaflet, call the Highways Agency Information Line on 08457 50 40 30.