Towing a trailer from Calais to Zandvoort/Amsterdam
Discussion
I'm racing at Zandvoort circuit this summer, and will be driving from Calais to the circuit, then on to Amsterdam.
I will have never driven abroad but I have done a lot of towing on british roads. I am generally a confident driver, but everyone who I've spoken to who have driven in Holland have warned me it will be difficult.
Are there any catches I should be aware of?
How difficult/stressful will this be?
Legal regulations, laws, driving tips etc all appreciated!
-James
I will have never driven abroad but I have done a lot of towing on british roads. I am generally a confident driver, but everyone who I've spoken to who have driven in Holland have warned me it will be difficult.
Are there any catches I should be aware of?
How difficult/stressful will this be?
Legal regulations, laws, driving tips etc all appreciated!
-James
Watch out for bicycles- they have right of way in almost every circumstance and if you hit one it will be your responsibility insurance wise even if the f
ker crashes into the side of you.
Other than that speeds are generally lower than the UK. Things to watch out for include lack of/different road furniture ie markings, lights etc and when they indicate on the motorway it doesn't mean 'this is a warning I'd like to move out' it means 'I'm moving and sod the consquences'.
ker crashes into the side of you.Other than that speeds are generally lower than the UK. Things to watch out for include lack of/different road furniture ie markings, lights etc and when they indicate on the motorway it doesn't mean 'this is a warning I'd like to move out' it means 'I'm moving and sod the consquences'.
chopper602 said:
We certainly didn't have any problems on the roads, but at 80kph, it's going to take you quite a while.
I thought the limit was 120kph, certainly what the signs show for towing - you have to slow to ~100kph if it rains though.I certainly drive at that speed and the police (when i've seen them) haven't stopped me enroute to Spa, albeit this is on the motorway system.
You'll need a hi-vis for every occupant in the car which should be carried in the cabin.
Go to halfords or somewhere similar and buy a european kit, contains things like a fire extinguisher, bulb kit etc.
When towing in Holland, the speed limit is 80km/h. Beware that traffic in Holland is a bit more "agressive" 
As said, people don't indicate to warn you, they go and then indicate to justify their actions. But... the roads to Zandvoort from Belgium, mostlt the A27 and then the A2 are wide motorways. Mostly 3 lanes wide and going up to 5* lanes (one way).
When at the track, keep in mind that the entrance to Paddock 1 is a bit small. Paddock 2 (wich you enter directly after coming out of the tunnel) is just as well sited to the track entrance and whole lot bigger. That is, if you haven't got entry to a pitbox.
ETA: Gatso is a Dutch company... our lovely country is full of the f*ckers and they do work.
As said, people don't indicate to warn you, they go and then indicate to justify their actions. But... the roads to Zandvoort from Belgium, mostlt the A27 and then the A2 are wide motorways. Mostly 3 lanes wide and going up to 5* lanes (one way).When at the track, keep in mind that the entrance to Paddock 1 is a bit small. Paddock 2 (wich you enter directly after coming out of the tunnel) is just as well sited to the track entrance and whole lot bigger. That is, if you haven't got entry to a pitbox.
ETA: Gatso is a Dutch company... our lovely country is full of the f*ckers and they do work.
- on the 5lane motorway after Utrecht, you can bet you ass there is a mobile speedcamera. It's pretty empty in the weekends, but 5 lanes and 100km/h speed limit is a big cash cow for the police.
Edited by hostyle on Wednesday 4th May 07:46
Lost soul said:
jagracer said:
Driving in Holland is no different than Belgium or France except the roads are far better,
WRONG 
The drivers in NL are better than the Belgians , but then the Belgians are some of the worst i have seen
Take it slowly and you'll be fine. If overtaking, your N/S mirror view into the next lane will be compromised, so stick on those wide caravan type mirrors. And watch out for nutter Belgian bikers who will use all the lanes, and the gaps between the lanes, to make progress.
Just got back from a week in the Netherlands, driving through Den Haag, Nijmegen, Amsterdam, Groningen and Arnhem.
Generally i would say towing abroad is easier, the roads are generally wider and the motorways are generally well surfaced throughout the Netherlands. Just be careful in towns and urban areas watching out for cyclists, trams and trolley buses. Sings is generally clear, don't rely on a sat nav, take a road map as well.
Generally i would say towing abroad is easier, the roads are generally wider and the motorways are generally well surfaced throughout the Netherlands. Just be careful in towns and urban areas watching out for cyclists, trams and trolley buses. Sings is generally clear, don't rely on a sat nav, take a road map as well.
Watch out for the no overtaking signs, can be for over 7.5t, or can be anything with a trailer usually with time limits. I think in Belgium it is no overtaking with a trailer when it's raining I'm not sure how dry the roads need to be before it is OK again, probably depends what country your vehicle is registered in. If you get stopped, you will find that not all traffic police understand our system of the trailer displaying the same no plate as the tow vehicle so be prepared for a bit of grief while they find out!
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