Whether you’re just starting out on your first caravan adventure – or you’re a bit more of a seasoned campaigner – there are lots of questions that are asked about how to caravan both successfully and hassle-free.

The team at caravan insurance specialists Sureterm Direct Insurance, looks at the most common questions, and provide some helpful answers.

Is towing difficult?
Becoming skilled at towing a caravan can be picked up quite quickly on your own. But there are special courses available which can be a great help in giving you a head start and making you aware of good habits. These are held at various locations countrywide. 

How will I know if my vehicle is suitable for towing?
A very quick rule of thumb is to take a look at the side of the car. If it has a reasonably long wheelbase and the distance between the centre of the rear wheels to the towball is short, that’s a good start.

I’m nervous about my caravan swinging about. What causes it?
The first way to minimise the chances of ‘trailer-swing’ is to have the heaviest possible towcar for a given caravan. Aim for a towed load that is 85% of the car’s kerb weight (KW), or the vehicle manufacturer’s towing limit, if lower. The towed weight that the car is asked to pull is classified as the actual laden weight (ALW) – which means the empty weight of caravan plus what you add to it. If the caravan is more than the kerb-weight of the car and you are stopped by the Police you could be prosecuted.
 
Here are some key terms you should memorise:
• Actual Laden Weight – The total weight of the caravan together with all the items of luggage and extras inside or attached to the caravan. This is almost impossible to gauge without the use of a weigh bridge.
• Gross Vehicle Weight – The weight of the vehicle which is fully loaded up to the maximum limits specified by a manufacturer
• Kerbweight – The weight of a car or vehicle that is empty. This is defined by the vehicle manufacturer and can usually be found towards the back of the car handbook.
• MTPLM – Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass. This is the maximum weight that the caravan can be fully loaded. Exceeding this will mean that you are breaking the law and are at a higher risk of having an accident.

Do I need a stabiliser?
If you follow the weight ratio guidelines above, a vehicle that’s well-matched with its caravan shouldn’t encounter many stability problems. However, all caravan and car designs are different and therefore some will always be more stable than others. If you want to play safe, then extra assistance from a stabiliser can lead to a more comfortable tow – particularly in very wet and windy conditions or when an overtaking vehicle’s ‘bow wave’ causes ‘wobbling’.

Do I need a warning device in the car that tells me the caravan indicators are working when it’s in tow?
Yes. This is a legal requirement.

I’ve heard about noseweight. What is it exactly?
Basically it means the weight of the caravan pushing downwards on the towball. Towbars are tested to tolerate a maximum downwards force and if this is exceeded they could fail. Obviously this would be extremely dangerous when on the move.  Your car handbook should quote a maximum permitted noseweight for your vehicle, but if not, consult the manufacturer and they will advise you. It is also important for stability that the caravan noseweight is actually heavy enough – and the optimum for stability when towing is approximately 7% of the caravan’s ALW. So you need to match this with your towing vehicle’s maximum noseweight recommendations.

Can I insure my caravan with my car insurer?
You can, but it’s advisable to seek out a specialist caravan insurance company – like Sureterm Direct – and use them for a bespoke, specific policy that directly suits your needs. Many high street insurers offer caravan insurance almost as an afterthought – but getting advice from a reliable specialist caravan insurer is very, very sensible.

How should I care for my caravan tyres?
Any tyre over five years old should be replaced, ideally. High-pressure tyres (50psi and above) are slightly more prone to damage from impact, cutting or puncture and they should always be regularly inspected. And as they tend to carry higher loads, their life expectancy may also be shorter. If your caravan is unused for long periods, it is good practice to remove the tyres and wheels and store them at normal pressure in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. 

What are the main differences between Propane and Butane gas?
For the caravanner, the main difference is that they have different boiling points at atmospheric pressure – i.e. the temperature at which they change from being a liquid to a gas. Butane will only readily become a gas above 0°C (32°F), so is most suitable during spring and summer. Propane becomes a gas down to -40°C (-40°F) and therefore is perfect for use in winter, or all year round if desired. In the UK, Propane can usually be found in red cylinders, Butane in blue.

What fire precautions should I take in my caravan?
Firstly, don’t ignore the risk of fire – it is very important to take adequate protection. Fit a battery-powered smoke detector, preferably made to the British Standard (BS 5446 pt 1) or one that has American UL (Underwriters Laboratory) approval. We recommend always carrying a portable fire extinguisher, and placing a compact 1m x 1m fire blanket near your cooker is ideal for small kitchens. Look for BSi kitemark BS EN 1869:1997.

Is it better to tow using an automatic transmission vehicle, rather than manual?
Automatics do give an easier ride all round. They are more comfortable on the driver, because your left leg doesn’t have to be used for changing gear using the clutch – and this is great in slow-moving traffic. Automatics are easier on hill starts, especially in difficult (i.e. slippy) conditions. And to be honest, if they give you one less thing to think about when towing, it’s got to be good news.  You may have to accept a little bit of drop in engine performance – and the cost of an ‘auto’ is generally higher than manual – but it should be a serious consideration. 

Why do I need a Leisure battery instead of a car battery for use in a caravan?
Car batteries supply a high current for a short time – to start your engine, for example. It is not designed to supply a few Amperes over a longer period of time, which is what you need in a caravan. Car batteries can be used if you have a way of keeping them charged, but leisure batteries are better. They can be discharged and recharged many times but, remember, battery life is enhanced if it has little work to do – so use a charger if a mains hook-up is available.

How can I keep the battery life high?
Switch off all appliances when they are not being used; avoid using high drain appliances such as televisions; keep your battery regularly topped up; consider a battery charging device; never totally discharge a battery – ideally, don’t let it go below 60%.
 
I’m taking a ferry journey – can I run my refrigerator?
The simple answer is…NO! The content of your fridge should remain cool on ferry journeys for a couple of hours or so, providing the refrigerator was pre-cooled sufficiently beforehand. To pre-cool the food compartment before taking to the road, load up some non-perishable items like bottles of water and run the refrigerator for four hours or more on either mains or gas. Other tips include using frozen freezer blocks to keep the fridge temperature low, and filling the fridge to capacity so it runs at maximum efficiency. But, to be honest, if you can, plan to buy fresh when you arrive at your destination.

Is a caravan cover a necessity in winter?
No, because trapping a caravan under polythene or a tarpaulin can cause condensation and mould growth. If you believe you must have a cover, buy one in a breathable material.

What anti-theft security devices are available for my caravan?
Having made sure you have a good caravan insurance policy, it’s also essential to make sure you take precautions against theft. Not only does this protect against heartache, it helps you maintain your no claims discounts if you can avoid caravan theft. At the very least, invest in a good wheel clamp or hitchlock, but if you have more to spend look at electronic vehicle tracking systems.

Will my television function abroad?
A UK TV using the PAL 1 operating system will not work abroad, except in very few countries. The most widely used system in Western Europe and other countries is PAL B/G – although France, Luxembourg and Monaco use a different system, SECAM L. Ultimately, if you require a television that will work while on holiday, you need a multi-standard set.

I have trouble parking my caravan. I’ve seen someone using a motorised mover – are they as good as they look?
Motorised movers consist of two powerful electric motors that drive the road wheels of the caravan via rollers. Once the drive rollers are engaged, you can manoeuvre the unit via a remote control in any direction with inch-perfect accuracy. Shifting a caravan is reduced simply to pushing a button – even on muddy or difficult, sloping pitches.  They make hitching up is less stressful too, as the caravan can be moved up to the towcar under complete control. Our advice – go for it! It’s just like having a giant (but slow) remote controlled vehicle. Truma and Powrwheel (correct spelling) are popular models.

For the very best caravan insurance quote, give our team at Sureterm a call for FREE on 0800 999 2030.  We won’t charge you for the calls but we will save you money on your caravan insurance.  We will also offer you a 15% discount if you are a member of a caravanning club.

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