Towing a caravan solo

chattykathy
chattykathy Forum Participant Posts: 2

hi I am recentley widowed and never towed a caravan before thought about getting a motor home what are the advantages and disadvantages 

Comments

  • samsmum
    samsmum Forum Participant Posts: 18
    edited July 2016 #2

    Hello, chatty kathy, firstly so glad you are planning for thef future, like you i had never towed, my husband got travel sick unless driving. I went on a club course to learn to tow, now i am out and about a lot. M/home versus caravan really comes down to
    lifestyle. Take the time to talk to people before deciding. Have fun doing the research!

     

  • CamperCarolyn
    CamperCarolyn Forum Participant Posts: 87
    First Comment
    edited July 2016 #3

    Hi Kathy

    Welcome to Solos!  I too have completed the caravan club towing course (some years ago) and it was excellent and there were several single people on it.  The club also offers a course for driving motorhomes which I am sure is equally as good although I haven't
    done it myself (I probably should as I now drive a motorhome!).  There are pros and cons to both really and it is a matter of personal choice.  Good luck!

  • triky auto
    triky auto Forum Participant Posts: 8,690
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2016 #4

    Wink , Hi Kathy. Other 'SOLO' members like Carolyn or Jane ,who have smaller M/homes may be able to give you some tips .All the best & good luck.

  • kaenergas
    kaenergas Forum Participant Posts: 171
    edited July 2016 #5

    Hi Chattykathy, definitely do a CC course it will give you all the confidence you need, help you decide caravan or MH, give it a go girl, you enjoyed the life style before no reason you cannot enjoy it again. The solos are a great bunch of people and will
    help you along the new road you are travelling, 

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2016 #6

    Hi ChattyKathy - welcome to solos.  I would read all the threads on Caravan versus Motor Home as the others say its a lifestyle thing.  Personally I like to explore remote country lanes and city centres (latter not very often) and would definitely not do
    what I do without a car.    I did kind of think I might go MH when older but there seem to be issues of mobility and accessability so I am happy to stick to towing for now.  Cost can be a big factor as MHs can be terribly expensive - I know not all are - and
    then you have to tax and insure 2 vehicles if you go for a motorhome and need a car too.  Lots of sites have buses from the door - or bicycling - I have two big dogs so the car again is a better option! 

  • chattykathy
    chattykathy Forum Participant Posts: 2
    edited July 2016 #7

    Thanks for all your posts I will definitely look into things you have suggested 

  • Jennyeb
    Jennyeb Forum Participant Posts: 36
    edited July 2016 #8

    Hi Kathy, I to am widowed and tow a caravan with my two dogs for company. The only down side with a M/H is if you want to go sightseeing when you get to a campsite you have to pack everything away unless you tow a little car behind the M/H. I'm stuck at
    home at the moment with a broken shoulder but once healed I'm taking the caravan out for a holiday. I am thinking of taking a towing course as fairly new to caravanning....

  • martin62
    martin62 Forum Participant Posts: 16
    First Comment
    edited July 2016 #9

    Jennyeb, you are not on your own being stuck at home. I have a broken wrist and the cast does not come off for another four weeks by which time this nice weather will probably be history.

  • Grey Squirrel
    Grey Squirrel Forum Participant Posts: 17
    edited July 2016 #10

    Hello ChattyKathy - I have had a small NuVenture Surf motorhome  for sometime.  When it was "we" a caravan was OK but having spent the last few days watching couples lugging caravans around even with a mover pitching could be hard going.  Watch out for steep
    steps - loading and un-loading alone is hard work - do you need a workout before you start your break?   Watch you have enough headroom - and try the bed - some models are for skinny midgets. A small outfit is no bother to park, it could be used as an only
    vehicle at home if necessary.   If you have a dog - you need to have enough space for it to be inside when it is raining and leave a bit of room for you to manouvre - or do you fancy putting up an awning alone?      If not, basically you will be sharing the
    kennel - and why not?   My Surf was the smallest I could find with a toilet compartment (no shower - all that fetching water and emptying)   Maybe hiring one for a trial?   Certainly a used model unless you are certain you know exactly what you need.   I love
    mine and have to plans to change it.  Its only fault is it is slow going uphill but it gets there.  

  • Grey Squirrel
    Grey Squirrel Forum Participant Posts: 17
    edited July 2016 #11

    I have NO plans to change it -  (I left the "no"out- sorry)

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2016 #12

     .... and tow a caravan with my two dogs .....

    Bloody Hell! How big are your dogs? Cool

  • samsmum
    samsmum Forum Participant Posts: 18
    edited July 2016 #13

    Just read mollysmummy's response and laughed out loud. Thanks folks.

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2016 #14

    Laughing

  • sailorgirl2
    sailorgirl2 Forum Participant Posts: 153
    edited July 2016 #15

    Go for it Kathy and enjoy. I had been towing solo for over 26 years until I met my partner  12 years ago and even now I still do the towing and care for all things CARAVAN..You will find help and friendship everywhere you go.You will never be lonely and
    will make many good friends with similar interests.... Good luck.. Sg2

     

     

  • Fozzie
    Fozzie Club Member Posts: 550
    500 Comments
    edited July 2016 #16

     .... and tow a caravan with my two dogs .....

    Bloody Hell! How big are your dogs? Cool

    Write your comments here

    Cannot be sure but they probably have boxer engines !

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited July 2016 #17

     ....Cannot be sure but they probably have boxer engines!

    Laughing

  • Biggarmac
    Biggarmac Forum Participant Posts: 364
    100 Comments
    edited July 2016 #18

    My dog is much to small to tow anything!

    After towing for many years I changed to a motorhome last autumn.  Caravanning can be as easy or as hard as you make it.  Get a caravan where you don't need an awning. Don't be too fussy about levelling. Choose a wheellock that is simple to put on.  If you
    decide to go with the caravan go on the towing course.  

    If you are still undecided about whither a caravan or motor home / campervan is best for you think about how you want to holiday.  Do you want to set up on site and go off for days out in your car? Only you can decide what will suit you.  Good luck

  • Jennyeb
    Jennyeb Forum Participant Posts: 36
    edited August 2016 #19

    Yes see your point about towing with my two dogs!! At least I made someone laugh, Not long now before the sling comes off ( broken shoulder)  

  • vivien
    vivien Forum Participant Posts: 449
    100 Comments
    edited August 2016 #20

    Mush, mush!  Thats it you have a Airdale caravan! Lol

  • martin62
    martin62 Forum Participant Posts: 16
    First Comment
    edited August 2016 #21

    Jeenyeb. Hope everything goes well with your shoulder, ive still got two weeks before my cast comes off, fractured wrist, then upto six weeks to get it back to full strength.

  • Jennyeb
    Jennyeb Forum Participant Posts: 36
    edited August 2016 #22

    Hi Martin, appointment at hospital on the 15th, then prob will have to have physiotherapy! I can't wait to get out and about with my caravan. Hope all goes well with you.

  • martin62
    martin62 Forum Participant Posts: 16
    First Comment
    edited August 2016 #23

    Jennyeb, what a coincidence my hospital appointment is also the 15th. Good luck for the 15th.

    Martin 

  • Pippah45
    Pippah45 Forum Participant Posts: 2,452
    1000 Comments
    edited August 2016 #24

    Good luck both of you. Smile