Got a burning caravanning question? Ask one of our team on the email address below!
QWHAT IS THE RIGHT STOPPING DISTANCE?
We started caravanning last year and have enjoyed some great trips in our new van.
However, we did have one scary moment when a car pulled out in front of us and we had to make an emergency stop.
This really made me think, do I need to leave a bigger gap between my vehicle and the car in front while towing?
I remember the saying, “Only a fool breaks the two-second rule” from learning to drive, but is two seconds enough while you are pulling a caravan?
Name withheld
David Motton replies…
Stopping distances do increase while towing. As the caravan has its own brakes, you are not relying on the car’s alone, but it will still take further to stop than in solo driving.
It’s also worth remembering that your car and caravan are hinged in the middle, which complicates things if you need to brake hard and steer at the same time.
So I think it is wise to leave a longer gap while towing than the often-quoted two-second rule.
I would be inclined to err on the side of caution and leave a four-second gap, as advised for solo driving in wet weather.
If it’s raining while you are towing, increase the gap further.
You need to give yourself more time to spot hazards and respond to them. Not only will this give you extra space if you need to make an emergency stop, but it should also make it less likely that you will need to brake hard.
QEXPANDING OUR FRENCH FRONTIERS
We love touring in France, but we tend to stay in the north, in Normandy and Brittany. Where would you recommend in the southern part of the country?
Tony Buchanan
Paul Critcher replies…
I agree northern France truly is wonderful touring country (check out on John Sootheran’s feature about Normandy on p32). But there are also some fantastic places to enjoy further south.
How about Lake Annecy in the Haute-Savoie? The bluest of lakes, with plenty of watersports available, excellent cycling trails, loads of good-quality eating anda charming medieval old town. It’s delightful and full of touring options. You can find out more at en.lac-ann
