elddis XPLORE, Owner'S Handbook Manual

Page: 18 / 134

4-1
TOWING AND DRIVING
Fig 4-1
TOWING AND DRIVING
REVERSING
It is advisable to have a second person
assisting when reversing the caravan.
Start practising by choosing a left-hand bend
for ease. Reverse slowly; turning the wheel,
initially the opposite way to the direction you
want the caravan to go.
Now the front of the caravan is nudged out
and is moving the rear in the intended
direction. Take care not to hit the caravan
with the car!
Midways through the manoeuvre, when the
caravan is correctly angled, reduce speed to
a crawl and gradually apply opposite lock.
Make the car follow the caravan round then
finally straighten up.
Please note: Proficiency at reversing can
only be achieved with practice.
SPEED LIMITS
• Always adhere to the speed limits in
force.
• When national speed limits apply, when
towing on a single carriageway, the
speed limit is reduced to 50mph. Dual
carriageway and motorways, the speed
limit is reduced to 60mph.
SETTING OFF
(i) Pull away smoothly in the towing
vehicle. Allow more engine speed to
produce the power to move the
additional weight of the caravan.
(ii) Avoid wear and tear on the clutch and
transmission by taking extra care not to
‘ride’ the clutch.
(iii) Change gears smoothly. Try not to jerk
the clutch.
CARAVAN HANDLING
(i) Allow for the caravan being wider than
the car. Ensure you have a clear view
to the rear. This may require the fitting
of extended mirrors for towing your
caravan.
(ii) Give yourself more room when
cornering to ensure your caravan
wheels do not strike the kerb.
(iii) When passing other vehicles, allow
more than the normal clearance for
driving solo.
(iv) Allow longer to obtain a fast enough
speed to pass other vehicles.
(v) Allow for the vehicle being twice its
normal length. Do not suddenly swing
out.
(vi) Carry out all manoeuvres as smoothly
as possible.
(vii) Use the wing mirror to check the
caravan has clearly passed other road
users when overtaking and changing
lanes.
(viii) Adverse weather conditions may affect
the steering and braking characteristics
of your caravan.