Caravan and trailer safety

Any load must be carried so that it doesn’t endanger other road users. It must be securely stowed within the size and weight limits for the vehicle.

The load needs to be secure so that it can’t move or fall from the vehicle when cornering or braking.

Before starting a journey, check that the caravan or trailer

• is loaded correctly, with the right noseweight on the tow bar
• is correctly hitched up, with the breakaway cable or secondary coupling properly connected and the coupling head fully engaged and locked
• lights and indicators are connected and working correctly
• jockey wheel and assembly is fully retracted and in the stowed position
• braking system is working correctly
• windows, roof light and door are closed
• tyre pressures are correct.

In addition

• check the caravan or trailer tyres for tread depth, damage and cracking of the sidewalls. Even if the tread shows little wear or is above the legal minimum depth, the tyre may be suffering from the effects of ageing
• remember that tyre regulations also cover the tyres on your caravan or trailer
• a caravan that has to be left standing for long periods should be raised on supports that take the weight off the tyres. This will help prolong tyre life Section nineteen | Towing a trailer
• check that your caravan or trailer is fitted with tyres of the specified rating (see the vehicle handbook)
• check that you’ve secured and turned off all fuel supplies, such as liquid gas cylinders.

Riding in the caravan

Don’t allow anyone to ride in the caravan when it’s being towed.

If you stop for a break, always lower the jockey wheel and corner steadies of the caravan before entering or letting anyone in. Don’t forget to raise them fully before you move off.