Guidelines For Towing A Caravan Or Trailer Using Your New Skoda

By Author: Leroy Batard
Total Articles: 76
Comment this article

Towing a trailer is not that tough but if you have no experience of towing then it can be a little stressful. The number one issue is becoming familiar and comfortable with the extra length of the trailer and learning how to tow it with a new vehicle.

So if you are about to use a trailer, then here are a few tips to remember to ensure you have a more secure road trip in your Skoda and feel more in control of your vehicle, as compiled by LeaseCar.co.uk.

1) Firstly, you need to check the manual. Most caravans or trailers have a manual or maybe just a safety label on the inside that will tell you what size car you need to safely tow your trailer. You should also check the Skoda manual as you don't want to overload your Skoda's engine.

2) Next, make sure it has a hitch package. A hitch package is a facility to link your trailer electronics to the battery of the towing vehicle. It is essential to have this system as it powers the rear lights on your trailer or caravan, which then alerts other drivers to your road presence.

3) Determine your viewing restrictions and limits, when the trailer is attached. ...
... This could involve mirrored extenders for your wing mirrors so that you can see the length of the trailer and also to let you see any vehicles that are behind you or at your side. The last thing you would like to do is cause a serious crash that may injure other road users.

4) Before you leave the house have a safety inspection. You should take this time to make sure all connections are tightened correctly. A thorough check will include: checking tyre pressure, checking hitch wiring is long enough to account for turns, attaching the stabilizer and equalizer, making sure the trailer or caravan is level and putting the trailer tongue in the right position.

5) Before you put the key in the engine make sure your belongings are securely in place. You really should have an inspection as you don't want get to your holiday destination and discover all of your belongings are broken, all over the floor and in a thousand pieces.

6) Don't speed down a hill or steady decline. Switch to a low gear and crawl at slow speed down the hill, this is perhaps the only safe way to deal with our hilly countryside.

7) During reversing you need to be patient and be extra careful. In the event of steering then the slightest of touches on steering wheel can dent and damage a caravan and destroy the tow bar.

8) Then, during your drive you need to change your style to avoid tight turns. Where possible, your driving should be loose and smooth and steering should be made ahead of time, this will ensure you stay safe whilst you are driving.

9) Finally, if you have concerns about your Skoda vehicle then perhaps you should think about hiring a newer Skoda instead. For instance, a few months ago I took out a Skoda leasing deal from LeaseCar.co.uk which enabled me to safely pull my trailer.

By sticking to the advice given above you should have a really enjoyable time during your next trip, irrespective of the final destination.