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Summer 2022 25 www.hae.org.uk www.eha.org.uk However, hybrid vehicles are becoming more popular and their combination engines are ideal for towing. e additional torque provided by the electricmotor is useful for towing, and combined with the excellent fuel economy and lower emissions these cars can provide a great towing vehicle with the bonus of lower fuel and tax bills. MANUAL VS AUTOMATIC WHEN TOWING Automatic cars are ideally suited to caravan towing as they enable drivers to crawl at a low speed without the clutch slipping and wearing. is is particularly useful when hitching up and also when performing a hill start. It is worth noting that on some models the towing limit can be lower on the automatic version than the standard manual so it is worth checking with the manufacturer before purchasing to ensure that you will not exceed the weight limit when towing. 4X4S FOR TOWING Many people choose 4X4s as their tow cars as they typically allow for a wider selection of caravans to be towed due to their higher weight limit. ey also tend to o er greater traction and are therefore better equipped for hitching up on wet pitches and general driving in adverse conditions. It’s worth bearing in mind that some of the more compact models cannot tow much more than a standard saloon so it’s worthwhile checking with the manufacturer before you purchase. To help keep you safe while towing, Safedrive, Towergate’s in-house, eet risk management provider, has put together some towing safety tips for you: 1. Speed limits Always keep to the legal speed limit for the road you are using. Vehicles towing caravans or trailer have a top speed limit of 10mph less than the normal speed limit. Remember - vehicles towing trailers on motorways are not allowed in the outside lane where there are 3 or more lanes 2. Extended Towing Mirrors A pair of extendedwingmirrors should be purchased and attached before you start your journey, especially if the trailer / caravan is wider than the rear of your vehicle. You can be ned up to £1,000 and have 3 penalty points added to your driving licence for towing without proper towing mirrors. 3.Weight distribution and security of load To maintain stability, loads should be spread as evenly as possible, during both loading and unloading. Uneven loads can make the vehicle or trailer unstable. Loads must be securely tied down or restrained. ere must be no load projections outside the trailer that might cause danger to other road users. 4. Number Plates If you tow a trailer or caravan in the UK, it must display the same number plate registration as the vehicle you are towing it with. 5. Reversing with a trailer Before reversing, get out of the vehicle and check that all is clear to the rear before making the manoeuvre. Where possible, reverse or ‘pull through’ into parking spaces rather than out of them. If possible, get someone to watch while the manoeuvre is made and look-out for children and pedestrians. 6. Drive within your capabilities Always drive at a speed that is well within your capabilities, and to the road and weather conditions that prevail at the time. If the trailer begins to snake or swerve, ease o the accelerator and reduce speed gently. ( is can happen if you are driving too fast or the load in the trailer is wrongly positioned). Do not brake sharply on a bend, (this could cause a possible jack-knife situation). Reduce speed before the bend and take the appropriate gear for the speed you are doing. en gently accelerate out of the bend. << Sources: • Health and Safety Executive – safe driving: loading & unloading • GOV.UK • National Trailer & Towing Association