Happy Campers

Caravanning is one of our most popular holiday choices. Millions of Britons will soon head off around the UK or across the Channel, towing their holiday accommodation behind them; some for the very first time. Assistance pioneer and motor breakdown specialist Europ Assistance and The Camping and Caravanning Club, have compiled some top tips for safer first-time caravanning at home and overseas.

For 35 years Europ Assistance has provided the personal travel and continental motor breakdown cover for Camping and Caravanning Club members. Currently 80,000 of the Club’s 400,000 members are covered by EA policies.

Charles Walckenaer, Managing Director, Europ Assistance, said, "By taking some basic precautions inexperienced caravanners can avoid many problems. If they’re involved in an accident the caravan may be damaged, or if their car breaks down, they’ll need their caravan taken to a suitable location, which is where breakdown cover comes in. Even if they don’t need help while on holiday, caravanners can ask Europ Assistance for advice before they head off. We also recommend they join the Camping and Caravanning Club – it’s a fantastic source of information and has other benefits too."

TOP TIPS FOR TROUBLE-FREE FIRST-TIME TOWING HOLIDAYS

Consider taking a manoeuvring course, such as those run by The Camping and Caravanning Club, and practice towing, reversing and parking your loaded caravan. Be aware of the affects of sidewinds on stability, and don’t overload your caravan at the back; that can lead to ‘snaking’ and possible accidents.

Practice jacking the car and caravan up before going on the trip, and make sure you know how to change a tyre or light bulb on each vehicle.

Get your car/caravan serviced, paying attention to the brake pads, linings and tyres. Make sure you have a complete spare tyre/wheel combination for the caravan.

Check the condition of the caravan’s battery and check all electrical connections and make sure they work. In particular, check all road lighting functions.

Make sure your car’s towing bracket is sound and bolts are tightened to manufacturer's specification. Clean the towball and caravan hitch socket.

Carry the correct safety kit for the countries you are driving in; in most countries on the Continent you must carry a reflective warning triangle and spare bulb, and a fuse kit is another invaluable item. You can find a list of European countries and their specific safety requirements on www.europ-assistance.co.uk. Take a first aid kit and torches, and pack fluorescent jackets for all occupants; these could be lifesavers.

Be aware of the speed limits and regulations regarding documentation, lights, passengers etc that apply in the country/ies you travel in. Remember to take your driving licence and your car’s logbook (vital for workshop repairs authorisation in Europe). There is a full list of European countries and their speed limits on www.europ-assistance.co.uk and The Camping and Caravanning Club’s Carefree Travel service can also provide essential information.

Take out appropriate vehicle breakdown insurance and make sure your caravan is also covered. One phone call gives access to help with everything from a simple repair that gets you back on the road to providing a replacement vehicle, emergency accommodation or repatriating your car, caravan and yourselves.