Towing Vehicle Modifications Required to Tow Your Caravan

Towing vehicle modifications are necessary including brakes,
cooling system, suspension, rear view mirrors before you take
off with your caravan/trailer.

Brakes

If you caravan is fitted with electric brakes, you will need to
have a brake controller fitted to the towing vehicle. This
enables the driver to increase or decrease the caravan's braking
efficiently from the driver seat. Most controllers are fitted
with a tell-tale light that helpfully indicates the level of
braking selected.

Cooling System

With the extra weight, towing vehicles are regularly made to
work harder, especially if you are in hilly country and have to
drive up and down hills. All systems should be checked regularly
and maintained in excellent condition, particularly radiators
and cooling systems. Owners of automatic towing vehicles often
choose to have transmission coolers fitted. Most are fitted as
original equipment, but some after-market models are also
available.

Suspension

Again, with the extra weight of a caravan, rear suspension is
often adversely affected by towing. The rig can be levelled
using weight distribution bars. In some vehicles, particularly
four-wheel drives, up-rated rear springs can be fitted, or air
bags can be placed inside the spring to provide a range of
adjustments.

Mirrors

Most caravans are wider than the towing vehicle, which means
that extension mirrors should be regarded as standard safety
equipment. Most caravan accessory shops have a wide range of
mirrors. Many do not require professional fitting with many just
clipping to the existing rear-view mirror.

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About the author:
Ian Molloy is the owner of Crikey Adventure Tours. Visit his
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ikey-adventure-tours.com for more information about this
article and other related topics. His site is full of very
helpful travel information including tips on motorcycle travel,
driving cross-country, travelling with a caravan and other
camping and travel information.