Towing 8ft wide caravans
Hi all, it seems that Caravan manufacturers are making 8ft wide caravans as the norm now. But I was wondering if anybody has towed with one, how do you find it? Motorways and A roads I would think be OK until you get to the last bit of your journey where road are a bit tight?
Comments
-
There is at least one poster here who has one.
I'd advise against towing it in much of the Westcountry, Scotland, Wales, Yorkshire...... Of course it's possible - just look at what other vehicles must use those roads - but is it sensible and stress free? Hmm🤔
1 -
We have a 8ft 2020 Swift Celebrate Super QEB and so far had no issues on our trips to Chatsworth, Grassington & York before lockdown. It tows really well and to be honest hasn’t caused me any uncomfortable moments yet! The additional interior space is noticeable and as we caravan all year appreciate the difference especially in the separate end bed room which is perfect for us. Not noticed any real difference in mpg when towing over our previous van.
Not for everyone but we love ours
2 -
I would suggest 6" can make a huge difference when manoeuvring through a narrow gateway with granite pillars each side. I don't think there's need for derision.
7 -
The OP is asking the same question that I asked myself before we bought our 8' wide Knaus at the end of 2018. I have to say that it hasn't been a problem. Yes, I am conscious that it is that bit wider and I have to give a bit more clearance when passing parked cars etc - and that when turning into junctions, a slightly larger 'sweep' is required - but overall, I haven't had a problem - and we do use CLs and CS's regularly.
I always check the route on Google maps and Street View before travelling to make sure there aren't any surprises waiting for me - but I did that with the previous Barcelona.
What I have found is that, bearing in mind it looks a 'big beast' on the road, most (but not all!) drivers tend to be fairly understanding and let me through when there's a restriction of any sort.
The big benefit we gain is having two single beds which are almost 3' wide and I have to say it's the most comfortable and roomy van we have owned.
2 -
Totally agree with everything in this post.RandR
I would only add that UK caravan manufacturers are only offering 8' wide vans as an option, it's not the norm.
Had mine for 5 years now and the only problem I had was in Austria when I was diverted up the side of a mountain, due to roadworks. It was akin to towing up the Hardknott Pass! Also, if a delivery driver can get down a lane - then so can you (albeit it may be a tad difficult if you meet oncoming traffic, but hey, that's life!)) If you're uncomfortable with towing an 8' wide van, then simply dont do it and stay cramped up in your 7'6" van
1 -
That's OK. Apology accepted 🤪
0 -
PS. I'm not pointing the finger here but R&R did choose his Cornish site with great care and sought opinion here as to which roads to tow on. Something I doubt he would have done with a conventional width van.
Don't forget, too, that delivery vans are made of much stronger stuff than caravans and often aren't driven by their owners. White van man probably won't care and his van will very likely be less than 8' in width.
Each to their own, eh.
1 -
The approach to the Wharfedale CAMC site was fine. You have the narrow stretch having just past through Threshfields but you have to take that section carefully with a standard size van. At nearly 8metres long it is the length that worries me more than the width! And as jonray said we had no difficulty with Chatsworth either including the bridge on entering the arrivals area at the site.
0 -
TW - you're absolutely correct and I was grateful for the excellent advice I got from you and others on here. However, you are incorrect when you say that you doubted that I would have done it with my previous (7'6") van - I would have, because that's the sort of person I am!! I spent hours checking Google maps, the first time we went to Wharfedale with the Barcelona - just because we were going into 'unknown territory'.
And I agree with your comments about 'white van man' and that's another reason I always check. However, as I said earlier, I have found that in practice most drivers are understanding and can see the width - so if I sit there, waiting to get past an obstruction etc, they usually (but not always!) let me through.
I was apprehensive to start with but by now, it isn't a problem at all. I wouldn't want to take the Knaus down any tiny country lanes - but I wouldn't have done that with the Barcelona, either.
Plus, as I get older, I recognise that I might not be towing for that many more years, and the Knaus would be ideal sited on a seasonal pitch somewhere - which was at the back of our minds when we bought it.
1 -
I'm glad it works for you, R&R 👍
0 -
Just like Cornish lanes with granite boulders hidden in the hedges 🤣🤣🤣
0 -
There is only one caravan site i have visited where an 8’0”” van might be an issue, and that is in Cornwall. Tretham Mill Accessed via a very narrow lane where it as much about ensuring the tail doesnt sweep round and clip the steeply banked sides. Otherwise across Scotland including single track roads Yorkshire Dales and parts of EUland i have not had any problems with a t/a van. The arch at Bolton Abbey will probably need a bit more care otherwise given the size of motorhome i see on sites getting an 8 footer in should be a breeze on most.
0 -
Bought my grande Pegasus brindisi in July. Used it a few times. I have found that I need to take a lot more care when making left and right turns. Also have to be careful when pulling up on a road with a kerb. The car tyre needs to be 15 inches plus away from the kerb. Just visited a campsite on the welsh borders. What should have been a nice drive through lovely countryside turned out to be very tiresome. One and a half hours on winding narrow roads with only inches to spare when oncoming wagons pass. Scuffed my windows a few times on overhanging road side edges when trying to get tight in.
Had a near miss on the A24 heading towards the M25. Dual carriageway with a motorway type crash barrier dividing the two carriageways. Travelling 50 to 55 mph on the inside lane spotted blue flashing lights approaching on the other carriageway. As I got nearer i observed it was a police car following an unmarked car. Both cars came to a halt on what was a gap in the crash barrier and were looking to make a u turn onto my side of the carriage way. The car in front of me panicked and slammed its anchors on. I hit my brakes but I wasn’t going to stop and had to swerve around it. The van started to swing and as I passed the car I could just about see daylight between the side of my van and the car. The missus was screaming. Managed to straighten up and kept going. The flashing blue lights approached from behind and the two police cars shot passed me and sped off into the distance. I always keep my distance from car in front but when you are distracted two chevrons very quickly become one.
0 -
My last caravans were 7ft 5 wide. Approaching HGVs are usually on or over the white lines in the middle of a B road. 7 inches makes an appreciable difference. Especially this time of year when hedges are overgrown. Get out of your cosy armchair and try it.
2
.