Owning a caravan or a trailer offers you many opportunities for adventure - whether you use your caravan during wild camping trips or use your trailer as storage for fishing trips, hiking or other activities, there are many instances where you may find yourself having to tow your caravan or trailer across off-road terrain.
Whilst you may be used to towing on regular roads, navigating off-road terrain can be a different and often trickier experience. Keep reading as we discuss our top tips on how to tow across difficult terrain, with a look at certain terrains in particular and the importance of proper preparation.
General Towing Tips to Follow
Know Your Vehicle’s Limitations
When it comes to off-road towing, one of the most important things to consider before your trip is your vehicle’s limitations. All vehicles are different, so whilst some caravans and trailers may be suited to off-road trips, others may not.
Make sure you understand your caravan or trailer’s capabilities. For example, look at its:
● Suspension - does it have independent suspension with shock absorbers?
● Tyres - do the tyres have thick treads?
● Ground clearance - is there a minimum of 500mm ground clearance?
● Rear departure angle - is the angle at least 40 degrees?
By looking at all of these aspects, you can determine whether or not your caravan or trailer will even be suitable to take off-road in the first place.
Stick to a Reasonable Speed
In areas where the national speed limit applies, towing a caravan or trailer requires you to travel 10mph slower than this limit, although this still allows you to achieve considerable speeds whilst driving on highways.
When it comes to off-road towing, however, it’s best to take it slower and steadier. Make sure you take your time and go at a speed that allows you to maintain control of the rig. Whilst driving, remember to also consider the weather and ground conditions (e.g. strong winds, wet ground etc.) and adapt your speed accordingly.
Adequate weight distribution is key when towing, especially when doing so off-road. Remember to try to avoid placing heavier items to either end of your tow vehicle, as this can cause it to tilt and either risk one end hitting uneven ground or the other end lifting and reducing traction.
To maintain stability, then, remember to place heavier items in the centre of your tow vehicle to keep an even weight distribution. You may also consider using levelling devices to ensure adequate balance and control, especially when traversing uneven terrain.
Secure Loose Items
When driving across off-road terrain, it’s natural to hit some bumps in the road and other rough spots. As such, you should make sure that you secure any loose items so that they don’t fall or act as projectiles inside your tow vehicle and become damaged or cause damage.
Towing On Different Off-Road Terrain
As well as the general tips listed above, there are some further tips that you can follow depending on the specific type of off-road terrain that you’ll be towing on. Take a look below at what to consider when towing across sand or mud.
Towing Across Sand
One of the main difficulties when towing across sand is a lack of traction - especially on soft, dry sand.
Perhaps the most helpful tip for towing across sand is to lower the tyre pressure of both your vehicle and your tow vehicle. By slightly lowering the tyre pressure, this increases the surface area, which in turn offers better traction without your wheels digging into the sand so much.
Try to also maintain a consistent pace whilst driving, though try not to go too slow as you may lose momentum. Consider having some traction boards packed, so that if you do need to stop whilst on the sand you can use these to help get you moving again without digging into it.
Towing Across Mud
Similar to when towing a vehicle across sand, when towing across mud maintaining momentum is key. By maintaining a steady momentum, both your vehicle and the one you’re towing are less likely to become stuck.
It’s also best to stick to a lower gear, as this can help your tyres to gain more traction on the ground, making your vehicle more stable and easier to drive across muddy areas, which is essential when you have the additional weight and resistance of another vehicle being towed behind.
Another helpful tip is to avoid turning where possible. By driving straight, all six wheels will be following the same two ruts, which can help improve traction, whereas turning means each wheel will be making their own rut and will increase the rolling resistance of each tyre; essentially, this means you are more likely to become stuck in the mud.
If you do need to turn in order to avoid obstacles, then try your best to do so early and gradually, rather than making sharp turns.
Proper Preparation: Having the Right Towing Equipment
Before towing a caravan or trailer across any terrain, it’s important that you prepare yourself for your journey with the necessary towing equipment.
By being prepared with the right equipment, then you can ensure that your journey is a success and you’ll be ready to tackle any unforeseen obstacles that may come your way.
Your essential equipment checklist should include:
A Towbar Company You Can Trust
If you’re planning a trip with your trailer or caravan - whether off-road or leisurely, then we’ve got you covered with our range of equipment, accessories and trailers for sale here at SGM Towing.
As well as our towbars, trailers and motorhome accessories, we also offer a range of Thule and Rhino products, so you can be fully kitted out for your future adventures with complete, reliable towing solutions.
To learn more about the products we offer or to discuss your requirements with one of our experts, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help.
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