Towing
Traction in tow cars
Pulling power is one thing, but turning it into traction is quite another, explains Ian Shaw
Towing
Tow Cars
The importance of tow car suspension
Suspension systems have to carry load, lateral force and huge expectations, explains Ian Shaw
Buying Guides
Best tow cars 2023
Here's our pick of the best cars to tow a caravan, from the many new models we've reviewed and tested
Towing
6 things every tow car driver should know
Follow these essential pointers for safe and secure towing
General Advice
How to load a caravan
When it comes to packing your caravan, it’s not just a case of fitting it all in - you have to do it safely...
Advice
Five of the best budget tow cars
Looking for an affordable car to tow with? These five offer a lot for relatively little
Advice
Hottest new tow cars of 2022
Rapid growth in electric vehicles and the pivot from diesel are keeping carmakers on their toes. David Motton looks at the models heading our...
Advice
Top towing tips for safe travels
There are important things to remember when towing. Tow like a Pro with David Motton's top towing tips to stay safe and comfortable on...
Advice
Used Tow Car Buyer: Volkswagen Arteon (2017-present)
It's great to see this award-winning tow car on the used market, says Euan Doig
Towing
The Future of Electric Towing
Ever more electric cars are capable of towing - so should your next tow car be an EV? David Motton takes a close look...
Buying Guides
10 best used tow cars
Choose wisely, and a used tow car can make your motoring budget go further
Towing
Spotlight on First Time Abroad
Seasoned caravanner Sammy Faircloth offers expert advice for those who are new to foreign travel with their caravan.
General Advice
20 ways to prepare your caravan for winter
When the end of the year approaches, make sure your van is ready for the colder months – Practical Caravan shows you how to...
Towing
Caravan Tyres: Everything you need to know about safety
Keeping your tyres in good shape is vital to the safe-running of your caravan. Practical Caravan's expert Doug King explains how to check and...
Towing
41 Tips for taking tots on tour!
WE ALL KNOW HOW great caravanning is for kids. The mix of home from home comforts inside the van with the freedom to explore...
Towing
Buyer’s Guide: Caravan layouts in focus part 1
We'll help you decipher the layouts that we refer to in the Buyer's Guide and give pointers on finding the perfect van for you.Part...
Towing
Buyer’s Guide: Caravan layouts in focus part 2
We'll help you decipher the layouts that we refer to in the Buyer's Guide and give pointers on finding the perfect van for you.Part...
Towing
Wider caravans: Is your breakdown recovery broken?
THE MAXIMUM WIDTH for trailers was raised nearly two years ago, from 2.3 to 2.55 metres, in line with a European ruling, but breakdown...
Towing
Tyron Bands – Fitting them to caravan wheels
AS YOU PROBABLY know, Tyron Safety Bands are a device which you fit to a wheel to minimise the effect of tyre failure. You...
Towing
27 ways to be a better caravanner!
DURING THE COURSE of a caravanning year, it’s easy to pick up bad habits. Read through our list of tips on good practice and...
Towing
Insurance: a guide to policy types and coverage areas
THIS PAGE HIGHLIGHTS the different types of insurance you can buy, and what each of them covers.Car insurance■ Covers car for third-party damage, but...
Towing
How to get the right insurance cover
DO YOUR VARIOUS insurance policies fit neatly together, or are you paying twice for the same thing? Our in-depth feature takes the uncertainty out...
Towing
How payload is calculated using the revised formula
CARAVAN MANUFACTURERS in EU countries must calculate the weight of personal effects that may be carried in a tourer using this formula:10L+10N+30kgL stands for...
Towing
Payload calculation changes – be aware
WHEN YOU shop around for a new caravan you may compare features, comfort and even weight. But from this year onwards, you should also...
Towing
Six steps to smart eBay caravan shopping
AS FAR AS caravanners are concerned, eBay is a great place to sell, but a bad place to buy.Prices often reach dealer forecourt levels...
Towing
Get your van ready for winter
IF YOU'RE NOT GOING to use your caravan during the colder months you’ll need to protect it from the elements. Doug "Fix-it" King shows...
Towing
Mirror images
You probably don’t give much thought to your towing mirrors beyond putting them on at the start of a trip and taking them off...
Towing
Top reversing tips
No matter how carefully you plan, there will come a time when you need to reverse with your caravan in tow. We’ve put together...
Towing
Getting hitched
Before you can hitch up your outfit, the rear of the car needs to be as close to the caravan’s nose as possible. Then...
Towing
A toolkit to take on tour
Instead of being stranded at the roadside or on site, be more self-sufficient – build a simple toolkit. Here are a few items to...
Towing
Knowing your consumer rights
If you have bought a motorhome, a caravan, or an accessory and feel that you have been ‘had’, the law can protect you. Here...
Towing
Tips for basic maintenance
There’s no downside to regular maintenance of your car, caravan or motorhome. It’ll keep you safe and lower your running costs. These are the...
Towing
Loading your caravan safely
The best thing you can do to ensure a safe trip is to load your caravan properly. Using just a little common sense will...
Towing
Caravan loading basics
The secrets of safe loadingKeep heavy items low The heaviest items, such as your awning, mains electrics cable, outdoor chairs, tables and similar items,...
Towing
Digital TV on Tour
Depending on your point of view, having TV on tap may seem essential or unneccesary. If you want to watch TV though, the analogue...