Value of Towing Course

tcp99 · Senior Member

Value of Towing Course

Nicholstones · Guru

We did a course and found it valuable. Half the day was chalk-and-talk, the other half practical. We did the course before even picking up our van, using one of theirs. While we certainly didn't come out of it as experts, it gave us the confidence and skills to be able to pick up our new van and not smash it into a parked car the first time we needed to turn a corner. Doing it together also meant that if one of us forgot or didn't understand something the other could back them up and provide useful encouragement once we were actually out there.

It is quite expensive, but a drop in the ocean compared to all the costs of acquiring and setting up your new van, and if like us you've never towed before is a valuable investment.

Nomad246 · Senior Member

Well said Nicholstones, training is important and required to minimise risk.
My view has always been that people who tow (more than 750kg) should have an endorsement on their licence. With road trauma rising (as well as road users) no amount of competency training is too much.

Gerty Dancer · Guru

We did one, and found it extremely valuable. We absolutely agree with Nicholstones, and Nomad246... everybody should do a course like this.

Wizardofoz · Guru

I agree, I'm booked in for May next year.

tcp99 · Senior Member

Thanks for the input. Will book in next month.

Terry

spida · Guru

in Perth you can do a weekend course - around $350. Run by the uni (Murdock?) Half day talk then off to Toodjay for the weekend. I didnt do it - only done twice a year I think or they will do a private course as well.

Santa · Guru

tcp99 wrote:
Anybody attended a one day course?
Prices seem steep $450 - $500 but as a novice probably a good idea.

Great idea tcp, as far as I'm concerned attendance at one of these courses should be mandataory for drivers who have done little towing.

Esmeralda · Guru

I did one through Tow-Ed and found it very valuable. The price also covered a DVD and a book, so you can revisit what you have learned any time you want.

Cheers, Helen

tcp99 · Senior Member

Just booked with Tow-Ed for course at Sandown on 13th December. Thanks Esmeralda.

Terry

Nomad246 · Senior Member

Well done tcp99, you're on your way to advanced Nomad

Cheers

Esmeralda · Guru

Hi Terry - Sandown is where I did my course. Helen

mr glassies · Guru

after driving trucks and trailers for most of my life i dont feal i need to but yes alot of people could do with some tips .its just a pitty they dont stress on courtesy (sorry didnt use spell check)

dibs