Towing advice new caravanner

[Chicken Chaser]

So i've gone to the dark side and as the family is getting bigger, ditched the tent, ditched the camper van and gone all in on a caravan for this year.

Its a 5 berth Bailey Pursuit so although its single axle, its quite long. I've never towed before, only driven large vans at work (7m Iveco) and have a D1 so i'm not alien to driving large vehicles. This is a bit of a different beast altogether though. Car is a 2.2 Accord estate so should pull it no problem. Its 1700kg maximum towing weight and the van is 1394kg is MAM so somewhere around 74% match.

I think the biggest thing that concerns me is the swing at the rear. I'm conscious that i'll turn right out of a junction and whatever street sign is on the nearside as the rear swings around! Any tips that can be given?

[Chicken Chaser]

Thanks for all the advice, sounds like the swing isnt that much to worry about. Having experience with very long wheel base vans, then I know about the swing on the side to avoid sending it over the kerb.


Towing mirrors were my next thing, i'll get hold of some. Whats the consensus on a decent pair? The van is Alko stabilised anyway on the hitch and i've got a pair of Alko shocks to go onto the chassis just to damp it a bit more. I'll probably pick up a noseweight indicator as well until I have an idea of what i'm doing with regards to loading it.

Dont have to worry too much about reversing onto a pitch as its got a mover!

[Chicken Chaser]

I've just picked up a set of Alko dampers to add to the van to stop it from being as bouncy on the road. According to tow info, my Accord should drag it far quicker than it needs to be. I've never been one to hang around, but i'll have to take caution with the max speed limits when towing!

[Chicken Chaser]

R0G said:

I think the GVW of the accord is max 2100 so as the van is under 1500 MTPLM that means it can be driven on a B licence

As for the rear end swing on the n/s when turning right - there will not be any unless you hammer it round causing the rear of the van to skid out

Yup, thats exactly the reason why I picked the Pursuit 540 as it was 1394kg fully loaded! R0G i'm sure you meant 1400 MTPLM :wink:

I take it skidding isnt recommended then ?

[Chicken Chaser]

kurt535 said:

Im towing with a CRV 2.2 cdti. I came back from Herne Bay lugging a van weighing in 1340kg and realised i needed more horses. The good news is the 2.2 can accept various levels of remapping. Ive got mine lined up for a 20 horse/torque upgrade for £200 at a local tuner. Its needed tbh.

Mine is the DTec so not sure how it compares

[Chicken Chaser]

All sounds like good advice and stuff you wouldn't necessarily consider with only the one vehicle.

[Chicken Chaser]

Hitching = no problem. Rear reversing camera.

[Chicken Chaser]

Thanks all for the advice, and I'm sure it'll be useful for others looking to tow for the first time.

Took the van out last week for its maiden voyage, ended up tackling a 15% gradient both up and down. Did about 80 miles in total (fairly empty van admittedly) but it was more the challenge of regulating speed, being smooth and being aware of the size of the thing!