YES. I believe strongly that 99.9% of people that tow caravans would benefit from doing a caravan towing course.
What was pretty clear at the start of the course is how in a small group of people ( majority had towed a caravan, multiple times) could make so many mistakes with the hook-up. These mistakes could easily result in fires and or accidents that would not only affect the person towing but anyone else unfortunate enough to be in the path when things went bad.
We had zero towing experience. Neither of us had towed anything in our lives. Everyone we talked to seemed to think it was easy and that a towing course was not necessary. However we noted that anyone that said that had grown up watching or being around their father/ or other people towing. There is knowledge in seeing and being around someone that has towed – and that must help. We decided even though we had bought a small light easy to tow teardrop caravan ( Jayco J pod) it would give us more confidence to have a professional go through the basics of towing with us.
Before attending the full day course we were asked to watch a video, read a handbook and fill in a questionnaire. It was a 3 part video which went through some of the basics of towing and explained the towing acronyms. We had booked a couple of weeks ahead and both of us had plenty of time to get through it all.
Getting the J-pod to the Towing Course
You tow your own caravan to the course – which we managed to do without any problems. The night before the course we turned the caravan around at the top of our driveway ( which was very easy) and then hitched it up to the Jeep. We both went through it slowly and double checked everything. We got up early with lots of excitement and after checking again we had hitched the Jpod correctly we drove forwards down our steep driveway and headed to the course ( which was located about 20 minutes drive away). David drove and found the Jpod very easy to tow.
Learning about Towing
In a small classroom environment the towing acronyms explained to the 10 of us. We watched a video showing a caravan flipping out on a highway. Amongst practical tips we also learnt about tyre expiry dates ( 5 years is the ideal time to get knew ones) and to rotate tyres including the spare.
Common Errors Hitching a Caravan
We headed out to inspect each of the caravans that had been towed to the course and how they were hitched up. Everyone in the group had done at least one thing wrong for their journey from home to the course. We had the latch for the undone brake facing the wrong way – which was a minor issue compared to some of the following:
- Chains not crossed
- Chains too long
- Brake left on the caravan for the drive to the course
- Brake away brakes attached to the tow bar
- Electrical cables tied too tightly with cable ties.
- Electrical cables needing to be tied because they were hanging too close to the ground.
Practical Lesson One – Reversing a Caravan in a Straight Line.
David drove the Jpod home from Jayco and also drove it to the Towing course. I had not got behind the wheel until the towing course and was first to go in reversing about 50 metres between witches hats. Reversing in straight line with some expert guidance proved to be not too hard at all. I had 3 goes and found it pretty easy. Slow and steady was the key. Dave had his go and then it was time for a lunch break.
Driving the Caravan in a Circle Forwards and then in Reverse
Next was an exercise in going in circles forwards and then backwards. We learnt to line up a point on the caravan and then holding the steering wheel in a holding position and making minor adjustments to keep the point lined up which ended up in a steady circle.
Caravan Reverse Parking 90 Degrees
This proved a bit more difficult but we both managed to get the concept in the end. With a bit of practice over time I am sure we will both be able to reverse into a caravan spot when the time comes.
Caravan Courses Should be Compulsory?
YES. I believe strongly that 99.9% of people that tow caravans would benefit from doing a caravan towing course.
What was pretty clear at the start of the course is how in a small group of people ( majority had towed a caravan, multiple times) could make so many mistakes with the hook-up. These mistakes could easily result in fires and or accidents that would not only affect the person towing but anyone else unfortunate enough to be in the path when things went bad.