The Berg family have been caravanning for nearly 10 years now and have had some pretty cool adventures! Along the way they've picked up some really great tips that they'd love to share to help take your caravanning to the next level. In this video, The Berg family run us through their tips for towing the van. Check out our main takeaways below!
Caravan Towing Tips
Plan out your trip and avoid truck only rest stops
It's really important that you plan out your trips to keep your family nice and safe. In the caravan you should always try to avoid just pulling over on the side of the road not only for your safety but for the safety of other drivers, especially truck drivers throughout the night. If you do stop at a truck stop, make sure it's a shared truck stop with Caravans. Knowing this information in advance will really help you keep the trip running smoothly.
Prepare the car with snacks and water
Whether you're on the road for one hour or one day, having snacks and water on hand is absolutely essential. The Berg family always make sure they have a cooler with water and food prepared, especially as pulling over for food with the van can sometimes be a challenge. Having food and drinks at the ready will allow you to avoid any unexpected stops and will keep the crew happy and comfortable.
Practice towing on quiet roads to gain confidence
Towing the van for the first time can be a daunting experience, but as the old saying goes… practice makes perfect! Getting in some practice runs in low traffic areas and later at night in your local area can really help you get used to how the van feels and improve your confidence on those longer journeys. When towing the van, it's important to take your time, control the speed, and don't panic.
Take corners and roundabouts gently and smoothly
When approaching corners and roundabouts it's important to first of all know your surroundings, and checking your mirrors is a great first step. Take your time and avoid performing any sharp movements. Be gentle on the wheel and keep it smooth through the turn to keep you and the family safe.
Allow enough space and time when coming to a stop
Before you hit the road it's important to test the brakes to make sure everything is working perfectly. For vans with electronic brakes, make sure these are calibrated at the start of the trip and ready to go. The caravan and the car together can be quite heavy which means braking might take some time. Make sure you know what's up ahead so that you can give yourself more than enough time when preparing to come to a stop.
Towing the caravan can be a daunting task, but don't let that stop you from getting out there and giving it a go. Check out the video above for some more great tips from the Bergs which should give you the know-how and confidence to get started on your caravanning journey.