Towing Guide - Flipbook - Page 27
National speed limits mph (km/h)
Type of Vehicle
Built-up
areas
Single
carriageways
Dual
carriageways
Cars, motorcycles, car-derived
30 (48)
60 (96)
vans and dual purpose vehicles
70 (112)
Cars, motorcycles, car-derived
30 (48)
50 (80)
vans and dual purpose vehicles
when towing caravans or trailers
60 (96)
Additionally, caravans must not be
towed in the outside lane of a three
or more-lane motorway, unless this is
unavoidable due to roadworks, accident
or obstruction. They may be towed in
the outside lane of a dual carriageway
with three or more lanes. A good
reserve of power is necessary for towing
up gradients at altitude. When going
uphill, change gear in good time. If
your car is running short of power or
is behind a slower vehicle, keep well
into the nearside and out of the way of
other vehicles. Remember that some
hills which can be ascended with
relative ease often pose an unexpected
challenge if you come to a standstill
in traffic and then must re-start from
scratch.
When going downhill, take extra
care to ensure you do not gain speed.
This can be avoided by changing down
a gear and reducing speed as you
approach the slope. Don’t leave this
gear change too late. Using low gears
throughout the descent will reduce
the strain on the car’s brakes. For
automatics, you may need to manually
change to a lower gear in anticipation
of the effect caused by the gradient
change.
Note: If you plan to tow in countries
where long, high altitude climbs can
be anticipated, you should seek expert
advice on the suitability of your car
for such journeys. Further experience
and training should be gained before
tackling some of the more difficult
elements of towing (mountain passes,
difficult terrain, etc.).
NCC Caravan Towing Guide 27
