Explorer Group 2005 AVANTE, Owner'S Handbook Manual

Page: 12 / 133

TOWING AND DRIVING
Please also refer to The Caravan Towing
Code which is included in your Owner’s
Information Pack.
REVERSING
It is advisable to have a second person
available 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 van with
the car!
Midway through the manoeuvre, when
the caravan is correctly angled, slow to
crawl and gradually apply opposite lock.
Make the car follow the caravan round
then finally straighten up.
Proficiency at reversing can only be
achieved with practice.
SPEED LIMITS
Normal road towing: 50mph
Motorways (including dual
carriageways): 60mph
SETTING OFF
Let the clutch in smoothly.
Allow more engine speed to produce the
power to move the additional weight of
the caravan.
Avoid wear and tear on clutch and
transmission by taking extra care.
Change gears smoothly.
Try not to jerk the clutch.
CARAVAN HANDLING
Allow for the caravan being wider than the
car. Do not bump kerb with caravan
wheels.
When passing other vehicles, allow more
than the normal clearance for driving solo.
Allow longer to get up speed to pass.
Allow for the vehicle being twice its
normal length. Do not suddenly swing
out.
Carry out all manoeuvres as smoothly as
possible.
Use nearside wing mirror to check
caravan has cleared when overtaking.
Prep
aring for the Road
Explorer Group 2005 Touring Caravan Handbook
11