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Caravan Safety Tips for Long Journeys

Long caravan journeys can be one of the best ways to explore the UK, giving you the freedom to travel at your own pace while taking many of the comforts of home with you. However, towing a caravan over long distances requires careful preparation.

From checking your tyres and loading your caravan correctly to planning regular breaks and making sure you have suitable touring caravan insurance, a little preparation can make your journey safer and more enjoyable.

If you’re getting ready for your next adventure, here are some essential caravan safety tips for long journeys.

1. Carry out a pre-journey caravan safety check

Before setting off, take time to inspect both your car and caravan. GOV.UK recommends checking the coupling, breakaway cable, tyres, lights, indicators and load before every towing journey. 

Your pre-journey checks should include:

  • Checking caravan and car tyre pressures
  • Looking for cuts, cracks, bulges or other tyre damage
  • Checking the caravan’s lights and indicators
  • Inspecting the tow bar and coupling
  • Checking the breakaway cable
  • Making sure the electrical connection is secure
  • Checking the caravan’s brakes
  • Ensuring the number plate is correct and visible
  • Checking that all windows, doors and external lockers are securely closed

It is also worth checking your caravan’s handbook for manufacturer-specific requirements.

For more advice before heading off, our guide to towing your caravan safely⁠ provides useful tips for preparing for a journey and handling your caravan on the road.

dnrkcoloured car towing a touring caravan

2. Check your caravan tyres carefully

Tyres are particularly important when towing a caravan, especially on long journeys where they can become hot and experience significant loads.

Check the condition and pressure of your caravan tyres before leaving. Look for signs of damage, uneven wear, cracks or bulges and make sure they are inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Don’t forget to check the towing vehicle’s tyres too.

GOV.UK states that caravan and car tyres should be inflated to the manufacturer’s specification for the load being carried and should have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tread and around the entire circumference. 

If your caravan has been sitting unused for several months, pay particular attention to the tyres before your first long trip.

3. Load your caravan correctly

One of the most important caravan safety tips is to make sure your caravan is loaded properly.

An incorrectly loaded caravan can become unstable when travelling at speed. Heavy items should generally be positioned low down and close to the axle, while lighter belongings can be stored higher up.

Avoid putting excessive weight towards the rear of the caravan, as this can affect stability and potentially contribute to snaking.

Make sure cupboards and storage compartments are securely closed and that loose items cannot move around while you’re travelling.

For a more detailed guide, read our article on loading your caravan safely⁠, which explains how to distribute different types of items throughout your caravan.

It’s also essential to stay within the caravan’s permitted weight limits and make sure your towing vehicle is suitable for the load.

Caravan in the shade with awning out

4. Check your tow bar and breakaway cable

Your connection between the car and caravan needs to be secure before you begin your journey.

Check that the caravan is properly coupled to the tow ball and that the breakaway cable is correctly attached. The cable is designed to activate the caravan’s brakes if the caravan becomes detached from the towing vehicle.

Make sure the cable is not damaged, excessively loose or dragging on the road.

You can also follow our step-by-step guide on how to hitch up your touring caravan⁠ before setting off.

5. Make sure your towing mirrors are suitable

Being able to see clearly behind you is essential when towing.

If your caravan is wider than your car, suitable towing mirrors are required to give you an adequate view of the road behind. 

Before starting a long journey, adjust your mirrors so that you have a clear view down both sides of the caravan and behind you.

Remember that towing mirrors should be removed when they are not required for towing.

Car wing mirror with towing mirror attached

6. Take your time when driving

Towing a caravan changes the way your vehicle handles. Your overall vehicle length is greater, acceleration and braking can be different, and manoeuvring requires more space.

When driving:

  • Leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead
  • Brake gently and allow extra stopping distance
  • Take corners more slowly and widely
  • Allow plenty of room when changing lanes
  • Be particularly careful on narrow roads
  • Avoid sudden steering movements
  • Check your mirrors regularly
  • Reduce your speed if conditions become difficult

Our guide to tips and advice on towing your caravan⁠ includes further guidance on taking corners, using mirrors and safely managing the additional length of your vehicle.

7. Plan regular breaks

Long-distance driving can be tiring, particularly when towing.

Don’t try to complete a long journey without stopping. Plan suitable places to take breaks, stretch your legs, have refreshments and allow yourself time to recover from the concentration required when towing.

If you’re travelling with children or pets, regular stops can also make the journey much more comfortable for everyone.

Planning your route in advance can help you identify suitable service stations, fuel stops and places where you can safely take a break.

People having a bbq in the awning of a caravan

8. Be careful in poor weather

Weather conditions can change quickly during a long caravan journey.

Rain, strong winds, fog and icy conditions can all make towing more challenging. Strong crosswinds can be particularly difficult when towing a caravan.

If conditions deteriorate, reduce your speed and increase your following distance. If the weather becomes particularly severe, consider finding a safe place to stop until conditions improve.

Always check the weather forecast before leaving and consider whether your planned route may be affected by poor conditions.

9. Know what to do if your caravan starts snaking

Caravan snaking can be frightening, but making sudden steering movements or harsh braking can make the situation worse.

If your caravan begins to move from side to side, remain calm, avoid making sudden steering corrections and gradually reduce your speed.

Correct loading, appropriate tyre pressures and sensible driving can all help reduce the risk of instability.

If you regularly tow a caravan, gaining additional towing experience or taking professional towing training can also help improve your confidence and awareness.

How to try to avoid claiming on your insurance

10. Don’t forget your caravan security

Your caravan doesn’t only need to be safe while you’re towing it. Think about security whenever you stop during your journey.

If you leave your caravan unattended, make sure doors, windows and external lockers are secured. Use appropriate security equipment such as a wheel clamp and hitch lock where required.

Good security is also important from an insurance perspective. Coast Insurance provides advice on protecting your caravan against theft⁠, including practical security measures for touring caravans.

Always check your own insurance policy for its specific security requirements.

11. Make sure your caravan insurance is up to date

Even with careful preparation and safe driving, accidents and unexpected problems can happen.

Before setting off on a long journey, check that your touring caravan insurance is current and that the level of cover is suitable for your needs.

Coast Insurance’s touring caravan insurance⁠ can provide cover including accidental damage, theft, fire, flood and storm damage, with additional benefits such as European cover and recovery and delivery expenses available depending on the policy. 

It’s also worth checking your policy documents so you understand any conditions, exclusions or security requirements that apply to your cover.

If you’re unsure whether your current policy provides the protection you need, reviewing your cover before a major trip could give you valuable peace of mind.

campsite featuring touring caravans and families

12. Carry an emergency kit

An emergency kit can be extremely useful if you experience a problem during a long journey.

Consider carrying:

  • A warning triangle where appropriate
  • High-visibility clothing
  • Torch and spare batteries
  • Basic tools
  • Spare bulbs where suitable
  • First-aid supplies
  • Water and snacks
  • Phone charger or power bank
  • Spare caravan keys
  • Jack and suitable wheel-changing equipment
  • Your insurance and breakdown details

Before travelling, make sure you know who to contact if you experience a breakdown or accident.

If something does go wrong, having your insurance information readily available can make the process much easier.

Enjoy a safer caravan journey

A long caravan journey doesn’t need to be stressful. Taking the time to prepare your car and caravan, load everything correctly and plan your route can make a significant difference to your safety and enjoyment.

Most importantly, don’t overlook the importance of suitable caravan insurance. At Coast Insurance, we specialise in caravan insurance and offer cover designed specifically around the needs of caravan owners.

If you’re preparing for your next adventure, take a look at our touring caravan insurance⁠ options and make sure you’re properly protected before you hit the road.