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Towing & Driving

Step by step guide on how to tow a fifth wheel caravan

Towing a fifth wheel caravan requires a specific set of steps and suitable towing vehicles.

While I can't provide a comprehensive set of instructions, I can give you an overview of the process and some popular vehicles suitable for towing a fifth wheel caravan.

 

Towing a Fifth Wheel Caravan - Overview:

 

  1. Choose a suitable towing vehicle: Ensure your vehicle has the appropriate towing capacity for the caravan you plan to tow. Check the owner's manual and the caravan's weight specifications.

  2. Install a fifth wheel hitch: This specialized hitch is mounted in the bed of the pickup truck, directly above the rear axle. Professional installation is recommended for safety reasons.

  3. Connect the caravan to the towing vehicle: Back up the towing vehicle so that the fifth wheel hitch aligns with the kingpin of the caravan. Lower the caravan onto the hitch, ensuring the hitch jaws lock securely around the kingpin.

  4. Connect safety chains and breakaway cable: Attach the safety chains and breakaway cable from the caravan to the towing vehicle. These provide additional security and activate the caravan's brakes if it accidentally disconnects from the towing vehicle.

  5. Connect electrical connections: Connect the caravan's electrical system to the towing vehicle's socket to enable lights, indicators, and the electric brake system.

  6. Check tire pressure and lights: Ensure that the tire pressures are within the recommended range for both the towing vehicle and the caravan. Test all lights and indicators to ensure they are functioning correctly.

  7. Perform a safety inspection: Double-check all connections and attachments, and ensure that the caravan's weight is distributed evenly.

  8. Drive cautiously: When driving, allow for extra stopping distance, and take wider turns to accommodate the length of the caravan. Practice driving and reversing in a safe area before heading out on the road.

Abbreviations and meanings

Here are some common abbreviations you might encounter when looking at specifications for fifth wheel caravans:

  1. GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating - the maximum weight the caravan can safely carry, including its own weight and cargo.

  2. GAWR: Gross Axle Weight Rating - the maximum weight an individual axle can support.

  3. UVW: Unloaded Vehicle Weight - the weight of the caravan without any passengers, cargo, or fluids.

  4. NCC: Net Carrying Capacity - the maximum weight of cargo and passengers the caravan can carry, calculated by subtracting the UVW from the GVWR.

  5. CCC: Cargo Carrying Capacity - similar to NCC, but it typically excludes the weight of passengers.

  6. GCWR: Gross Combined Weight Rating - the total weight of the tow vehicle and the caravan combined, including passengers, cargo, and fluids.

  7. Hitch Weight or Pin Weight: the downward force that the fifth wheel hitch exerts on the tow vehicle.

  8. FWS: Front Wet Storage - a storage area on the front of the caravan that may contain water and sewer systems.

These abbreviations will help you better understand and compare the specifications of different fifth wheel caravans.

DRIVING LICENCES 

In the UK, the driving licence required for towing a fifth wheel caravan depends on the weight of the vehicle and the caravan combined. Here's a breakdown of the licence categories:

  1. Category B: If you passed your car driving test (Category B) on or after January 1, 1997, you can drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to a Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) of 3,500 kg. The MAM is the combined weight of the vehicle and the trailer when fully loaded.

  2. Category B+E: If you wish to tow a larger fifth wheel caravan with a combined weight exceeding 3,500 kg, you will need to obtain a Category B+E licence. To do so, you must take an additional practical test to demonstrate your ability to safely drive with a larger trailer.

It's important to check the combined weight of your tow vehicle and the fifth wheel caravan to ensure you have the appropriate driving licence. Remember to account for passengers, cargo, and fluids when calculating the weight.

Popular vehicles for towing

Popular Vehicles for Towing a Fifth Wheel Caravan:

 

  1. Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty

  2. Ram 2500/3500

  3. Chevrolet Silverado 2500/3500

  4. GMC Sierra 2500/3500

  5. Nissan Titan XD

 

Please note that these vehicles are examples of suitable towing vehicles, and the exact towing capacity will depend on the specific model and configuration. Always consult the owner's manual for the towing capacity of your vehicle and the weight specifications of the caravan.

It's also essential to comply with local regulations and licensing requirements when towing a fifth wheel caravan.

Where to insure your rig

There are several insurance companies in the UK that specialize in providing coverage for fifth wheel caravans. Some of these companies include:

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  • Caravan Guard: Caravan Guard is a specialist insurance provider offering coverage for fifth wheel caravans, motorhomes, and other leisure vehicles.

Website: https://www.caravanguard.co.uk/

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  • Caravan and Motorhome Club: The Caravan and Motorhome Club provides insurance policies for caravans, motorhomes, and fifth wheels, in addition to membership benefits like access to club sites and discounts.

Website: https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/

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  • Safeguard UK: Safeguard UK is a specialist insurance provider with over 30 years of experience, offering coverage for caravans, motorhomes, and fifth wheel caravans.

Website: https://www.safeguarduk.co.uk/

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  • Comfort Insurance: Comfort Insurance is a specialist insurance provider for leisure vehicles, including fifth wheel caravans and motorhomes.

Website: https://www.comfort-insurance.co.uk/

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  • Shield Total Insurance: Shield Total Insurance offers a range of policies for caravans, motorhomes, and fifth wheels.

Website: https://www.shieldtotalinsurance.co.uk/

 

Please note that the availability of coverage and the specific policy details may vary between insurers. It's essential to obtain multiple quotes and carefully compare the coverage options, policy terms, and premiums before choosing an insurance provider for your fifth wheel caravan.

Insurance explained

Insurance policies for fifth wheel caravans can vary depending on the provider and the specific coverage options. In general, there are a few common types of coverage that you should consider when insuring your fifth wheel caravan in the UK:

  1. Comprehensive coverage: This type of insurance covers a wide range of potential damages to your fifth wheel caravan, including theft, fire, storm damage, vandalism, and accidental damage. It typically also covers damages to third-party property caused by your caravan.

  2. Third-party, fire, and theft coverage: This type of insurance covers damages to third-party property, as well as damages to your caravan caused by fire or theft. It does not cover accidental damage to your caravan.

  3. Third-party only coverage: This is the most basic level of insurance and covers only damages to third-party property caused by your caravan. It does not cover any damages to your caravan.

  4. New-for-old coverage: This type of coverage replaces your caravan with a new one of the same make and model if it's written off or stolen. This is usually available for caravans up to a certain age (e.g., 5 or 10 years).

  5. Market value coverage: This type of coverage pays out the current market value of your caravan if it's written off or stolen.

  6. Agreed value coverage: With this coverage, you and your insurer agree on a specific value for your caravan. If it's written off or stolen, you'll receive the agreed-upon amount.

  7. Contents coverage: This covers the personal belongings inside your caravan, such as appliances, furniture, and personal items.

When choosing an insurance policy for your fifth wheel caravan, consider factors such as the value of your caravan, how often you use it, and where you store it. You may also want to look for additional coverage options, such as breakdown assistance or European cover if you plan to travel outside the UK. Always compare different insurance providers and their policies to find the best coverage for your needs at a competitive price.

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