The Day We First Towed

The day we collected our Coachman Acadia 830 was one of the most exciting and terrifying days of our caravanning life. Grant had done his research, watched every YouTube video, and read every forum post. And then he hitched up and drove out of the dealer’s car park and immediately felt like he had never driven before.

That feeling is completely normal. Towing a twin-axle caravan changes everything about how a vehicle handles — the width, the length, the braking distance, the way you reverse. It takes time to recalibrate your instincts.

The 85% Rule

The most important number in towing is 85%. Your caravan’s Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM) should not exceed 85% of your tow vehicle’s kerbweight. Go above this and the caravan can become unstable at speed.

Our Coachman Acadia 830 and VW Amarok combination sits comfortably within this ratio, which gives us confidence on motorways and in crosswinds.

Reversing — The Big Fear

Reversing a caravan is the skill that intimidates every new caravanner. The key is to go slowly, use your mirrors constantly, and remember that the caravan turns the opposite way to your steering wheel when reversing.

Grant’s tip: put your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel. The direction your hand moves is the direction the back of the caravan will go. It sounds simple but it genuinely helps.

[PERSONALISE: Add your own first reversing story — the more honest the better]

What We Wish We Had Known

Take a towing course before your first trip. The Club offers courses and they are worth every penny.

Give yourself twice as much time as you think you need for the first few journeys.

Do not tow on a motorway for the first time. Find a quiet A-road to get comfortable before you tackle high-speed traffic.

Check your nose weight. Too little weight on the towball makes the caravan unstable. Too much strains your tow vehicle. The sweet spot is usually around 7% of the caravan’s laden weight.