Towing a caravan for the first time may seem a scary prospect, but it needn’t be. Here are some handy hints…

When you’re towing, you’ll need to give yourself more time and space for everything. It’s best to brake earlier than normal and you’ll probably accelerate more slowly with a caravan on the back. The extra length means you will need to take corners more widely than normal so the back of the caravan doesn’t clip the kerb or cut the corner.

Remember, the legal speed limits are often lower when you’re towing. Don’t exceed 50mph on single carriageways or 60mph on dual carriageways. You may not tow in the further right (outside) lane of a three-or-more lane motorway unless instructed to do so and it is a legal requirement to always have a good view to the rear of your unit, which will mean using extensions mirrors in the vast majority of combinations (don’t forget to take them off when you’re not towing!).

Never carry passengers in the caravan when you’re towing it. It’s theoretically legal to transport animals inside a caravan, but it’s definitely not recommended.

Your number plate must show your car’s registration number, conform to the relevant British Standard, and be illuminated at night. This means no felt-pen on cardboard!

Remember to check before driving off and keep an eye out for anything that changes during your journey. Your car must show that the indicators are working while you are driving.

Park carefully where you won’t cause an obstruction. Caravans must not be parked in parking meter bays.

Your ability to legally tow will depend on the driving licence you hold. It’s paramount you’re fully covered by your driving licence for towing your caravan, as it’s against the law and your caravan insurance can be invalidated if you are not.

If you obtained your licence on or after 1 January 1997, you will be able to tow a car/caravan combination weighing 3,500kg or less – that’s the total gross mass of car and caravan or trailer combined (as identified on the vehicle weight plates). To be able to tow a heavier caravan, you’ll need to pass an additional driving test.

The Camping and Caravanning Club has information and a list of course providers covering courses and training to help you reach the required standard. Local training organisations can also be found through the DVLA.

If the thought of towing is preventing you from buying a caravan, then talk to us. There are places where you can have a go before you buy a unit, and at Ropers Caravan World we can help point you in the right direction for the help and advice you need. Give us a call today!

So, you’d like to buy your first caravan. You’ve decided to buy a pre-owned one and now you’re looking for a checklist to help you through the process. Well, here it is, our 5-step guide to buying a used caravan.

First to consider are the reasons why buying a pre-owned caravan is such a good idea. Unlike a used car, a used caravan usually only covers a few hundred miles each year and some owners treat them like pampered pets, so with over 500,000 touring caravans in the UK there’s choice and value to be had from buying a pre-owned caravan.

With so many pre-owned caravans available you can narrow your search by identifying which caravans your car can safely tow. In short, your vehicle should weigh more than your caravan. Your car has what’s known as a ‘kerb weight’. Once you know the car’s kerb weight and the max tow limit, you then need to know the weight of the caravan you intend to purchase. You can usually find a caravan’s weight in the handbook, on the manufacturer’s website, or on a plate (usually positioned near the caravan’s door). However, our team can guide you through this.

The third stage to consider is the layout of your caravan. Knowing how many people will sleep in your caravan determines how many beds (berths) you need. Plus, if you plan to stay on one campsite and return there for all your holidays, you won’t need a caravan that’s designed for moving from site to site. Also, if you are keen on outdoor sports, you will probably need a different layout to someone who wants a less active holiday. Again, our team are on-hand to help advise in this area too.

The fourth factor is affordability. In your mind, you’ll probably have a vision of your perfect caravan. Whether you are buying with cash or on finance, you need to set a budget you are happy with and then explore what’s available in that range. Once all that is sorted, you’ll need to know where to buy your used caravan and when is the best time to buy it. Well, it won’t surprise you that we’d suggest right here and right now at Ropers Caravan World. We have over 125 caravans and motorhomes in stock to choose from including 50 used Bailey caravans, as well as a selection of Swift, Elddis, Lunar, Coachman, Compass, Hobby, and Sterling caravans, plus a selection of quality used motorhomes. On that basis, we’re sure you’ll be able to find your perfect caravan and with our early bird sale on right now, there’s never been a better time to buy with huge savings available and our 1-2-3 offer where you can choose from:

1. A free Powrtouch Freedom motor mover (single axle models only) OR
2. A free Truma 100watt solar panel OR
3. A further reduction of £500 off the ticket price

Be prepared to act fast though as these offers and great caravans won’t hang around forever!

With the Powrtouch Caravan Mover… you’ll be amazed where your caravan will fit! Available in single, twin axle and all-wheel drive with manual or automatic roller engagement, the Powrtouch range is designed to make moving your caravan a breeze as it allows you to move it to precisely where you want it to be. Lightweight and contemporary in design, you’ll have the ability to change direction without stopping and to engage/disengage both rollers from one side. Designed and built in the UK for over 25 years, these are an absolute must for all caravaners.

Truma Solar Panels – Your independent, intelligent power supply, supplying power to your caravan or motorhome wherever you are! These kits generate power even when it’s cloudy and are lightweight and durable. So, if you want even more comfort on the move, choose this.

Christmas is coming and it’s the time of year when we all struggle a little with what to buy our family and friends. With that in mind, we thought we’d do a little feature designed to help make your Christmas shop a little easier when shopping for the caravanner in your life. Here are our top 5 suggestions for this festive season:

2020 Armcher Motorhome & Caravan Calendar – £9.49 each

Full of antics to enjoy every day! Well worth a read, a real conversational point.

Christmas Mug Set – £12.99

Perfect with a partner – this Christmas mug set will grace any table, especially one that’s exploring over the Christmas period.

Floe Truma Ultra Flow Kit – £48.99

Maybe not the non-caravanner’s first thought, but this is one of our best sellers. The Floe system makes it easy to drain the motorhome or caravan’s water system, flushing pressurised air down the pipes, through the tank, and any pumps or mixer taps. It helps to prevent stagnant water, frozen pipes, bacteria growth, and keeps the system clean and fresh without hours of work. An essential for any caravanner.

Bamboo Bread Bin (Green Clover or Linear with Black Stripe) – £14.99

Made from Bamboo fibre, dishwasher safe with a wooden top that doubles as a bread board to save space, this is an important consideration when caravanning.

Lightweight – 13cm deep x 36cm long x 20cm wide.

Kampa Diddy Heater – £19.59

For extra heat as, when, and where it’s needed. Ideal for caravanning, camping, conservatories, garages, sheds, workshops, porches, and around the home.

With a bulging stocking, you are now well and truly ready for the festive season ahead, and so is the caravaner in your life. Just two things left to say really…

Firstly, if the caravanner in your life decides to buy a new or pre-owned caravan in the new year, please point them in our direction. We promise we’ll look after them. Secondly, Merry Christmas from Ropers!