Towing A Trailer

Speed limits:

Always keep to the legal speed limit for the road you are using.
Speed limits for cars towing caravans or trailers.

• 30mph limit applies on all roads with street lighting unless signs show otherwise.
• 50mph applies on single carriageways unless signs show otherwise.
• 60mph applies on dual carriageways and motorways.

It should be remembered that you must not travel in the right-hand lane of a motorway, with three lanes or more, if you are driving a vehicle drawing a trailer.

Drive within your outfit’s 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 your trailer begins to snake or swerve, ease off the accelerator and reduce speed gently. (This 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. Then gently accelerate out of the bend.

Reversing with a Trailer:

• Before reversing, get out of the vehicle and check that all is clear to the rear before making the manoeuvre.
• Be on the look out for children and pedestrians. If possible, get someone to watch while the manoeuvre is made.

See detailed this guide to reversing a trailer.

Reversing a trailer is a skill that can be mastered with a little perseverance by anyone who has learned the basic theory. Find somewhere with plenty of space and keep trying until you get it right. It helps to have someone who knows how to do it to tell you where you are going wrong.

WARNING: Never reverse a trailer without checking behind because of the huge blind spot. Ideally, have someone see you back, especially in crowded places.