Thanks Macka! That's very useful information1  I've got a Mazda CX5 & a light weight Avan Aspire555!  Yes the van man ensured it was all correct weight[legal requirement!]  Just lacking some confidence & time for practice but I'm sure it will all get sorted over the coming months!   Cheers!  Kath

Hi Ruth-good to know there are other people in the same solo boat! Which state do you live in? Maybe we could do maiden trip together?  Cheers! Kath

Hi Everyone,
The advice given here is excellent. All good tips.

I think you never stop learning. I too had no idea how to tow or back when I got my van. I rang To-Ed and told them what I wanted to learn (how to tow a van, how to back a van and how to tow a van Off-Road).  They tailored a course specific to my needs and it was the best thing I could have done to educate myself.

I'm sure if you spoke to them (or any accredited teaching company) that they could do something to suit your needs too. I found that this way, I wasn't bombarded with well wishing people giving all types of different (and conflicting) advice. It gave me a solid base for my knowledge and therefor the confidence to get out there and just do it.

The other key is practice, practice and more practice. As mentioned previously, empty car parks are useful and what I do when I'm out camping is if I arrive or leave camp and I find I'm on my own, I take that opportunity to practice too. Always easier without an audience ! ! ! This will build up your confidence too as trust me, an audience will usually pop up out of nowhere whenever you put your tug and rig into reverse.....trust me.....Hahahah

I wish you well (both you Kath and Ruth) and are happy to see more ladies doing it for themselves. Go Girls.

Regards Panther (Rose).

 

Hi  Kathleen, I posted this a while back and if you are brand new to the caravaning thing, you might find it helpfull.

Anyway, have a safe journey.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

BACKING your van in beside a slab is, "EASY"

Simmo's Tip of the day

(A)  Measure the over all width of your van tires from outside  to outside.

(B)   Get your hands onto a piece of rope about 8 Ft to 10 Ft   long. 

(C)  Lay the rope on the ground the same distance as (A), from the slab.

(D)   Now it is a simple exercise to back in putting your Van wheels on the rope, looking out of your drivers side instead, of trying to follow the Mrs confusing signals on the passengers side.

Kathleen welcome to the forum please use lower case as upper case is considered shouting and bad manners, thank you.

And if you have a 4wd with low ratios, change down as it makes it so much easier - things happen slower.
I also like to sometimes start off in low ratio particularly on slopes - easier on the clutch. If you're not familiar with this, Just check your vehicle's manual for how to move between them.

And I guess backing is a bit like anchoring a boat - everyone else already in place is watching you - either openly or secretly.

 

-- Edited by Happyjack on Thursday 24th of August 2017 10:12:11 AM

Big Gorilla - wouldn't it get out of line in both mirrors?

Except in one mirror you will be seeing more of the side of the trailer than in the other.

I would put it: If you are seeing more and more of the 'van/trailer side in one mirror, with your hands on the upper part of the steering wheel, ease the steering wheel towards that mirror.

The opposite applies if you actually want to turn the 'van - to make the side appear in mirror on the way you want it to go, ease the wheel to opposite mirror.

turn wheel left - van will go to the right

turn the wheel to the right - the 'van will go left.

 

The exact opposite as a tiller on a boat

My tip up above is fool proof, and I used it for the last couple of years of caravaning and got it right on the first try every time, even a 6 year old can do it with that piece of rope.

Hi guys,

Just adding my 2 cents worth here as a solo female traveller.  (and one who knows her physical strength & towing limitations.)  I considered many options when thinking about this very same subject :-  towing a caravan as I cannot reverse (or park) a trailer, never mind towing a caravan and all the skills required that goes with it. Good on those who take the challenge on, I take my hat off to you!

For me, after much searching & deliberation it was a Toyota 4X4 with a slide-on camper to GO!   It comes with all the creature comforts including a shower/toilet. It is roomy, stable & versatile (no chipboard) and follows me everywhere without a bother.  Takes five minutes to raise up with GAS struts (only needs one person)  and I am sitting comfortably inside or out in less time than it takes most (even the most experienced) to backup, unhitch and set up a caravan or camper.  

Bush camping is a breeze as it is self contained and no trouble to fit into very small spaces.  We have all experienced at one time or another the "comedy of errors" when it comes to getting in and setting-up in many caravan parks these days.   One Park manager once told me he uses a tractor to reverse vans in his park because the sites are so small and the turning circle of his tractor is far better!!! ( Good luck in finding a 'kind & caring' park manager as they are rarer than hens teeth.)

Happy travels and once again stay safe as the roads are getting busier & busier these days.

PS:-  I am not promoting any particular type of slide-on camper, just providing you information on the type of camper that suits me!!    Gwynnie