Towing an RV: 10 Key Things You Need to Know

A trailer RV is a type of recreational vehicle. They're not only affordable, but also spacious, convenient, and can be separated. They're popular with many drivers and well-suited to China's climate. However, some newcomers aren't familiar with trailer RVs and believe they're dangerous and difficult to drive. Today, I'd like to share some important tips for towing a trailer RV! Here are ten things to keep in mind when towing a trailer RV:

1. Pay attention to speed:

Don't speed up or slow down; maintain a steady speed. A recommended speed is 80-100 km/h. This will minimize braking distances in unexpected situations and conserve fuel.

2. Match the towing capacity:

Currently, many claim that a 1.5-ton RV can tow a 1.2-ton vehicle. This is all misleading. While it's possible to tow, it will damage the vehicle ahead and consume significant fuel. When towing an RV, the larger the engine displacement, the better, especially diesel engines. Be sure to avoid using a small horse to pull a large vehicle. So, what's the ideal towing capacity? I'm just giving you a guide: 1.5-1.8" trailers are recommended for towing vehicles under 700 kg; 2.0" trailers are recommended for towing vehicles under 1 ton.

3. Pay attention to your driving route:

Never change lanes suddenly. Consider not only the vehicles behind you, but also your RV. Sudden turns can cause the vehicle to veer off course and potentially overturn. Also, if there are multiple lanes, avoid driving in the center; stay close to the side so that you only change lanes on one side. Always use your turn signal before changing lanes.

4. Pay attention to braking:

When towing an RV, the braking distance is long, so it's recommended to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. If you encounter a pothole or other poor road conditions, don't brake suddenly; it's better to just go through it. Sudden braking can be detrimental, potentially forcing the vehicle behind you to change lanes. Sudden braking can also damage the vehicle and increase fuel consumption.

5. Pre-Driving Inspection

Before departure, check that the trailer's turn signals are functioning properly; the tire pressure is normal; the connections are secure, the safety chains are engaged, the support legs are raised, and all items in the RV are in their proper places; the doors and windows are closed, and the sunroof is closed. For family trips, it's recommended that one person operate and one person check the vehicle to minimize problems.

6. Turning:

A trailer caravan has a larger turning radius than a car, so be sure to turn slowly and leave ample space.

7. Reversing:

When you turn the towing vehicle's tires to the left, the trailer caravan should turn right, and vice versa. Always follow the "reverse direction" rule when reversing. I initially reversed manually, so I practiced frequently in my free time. Remember, if you're not proficient, always have someone to direct you.

8. No Passengers Allowed While Driving

This is legal. You can carry passengers, but I also can't. China's roads are difficult, and the rear suspension isn't good. It's really uncomfortable to keep bouncing. You might want to try it.

9. Carrying Objects in a Trailer Caravan

Try to place heavy items in the front. If the front is heavier and the rear is lighter, there's no problem. If the front is lighter and the rear is heavier, it can be problematic, causing the car to swing, veer off the road, and so on.

10. No more camping at highway service areas.

If you camp at a highway service area, you won't be able to use the ETC system and will have to use the manual lanes. The manual lanes will incur a minimum 0.2 yuan per kilometer surcharge based on the Passenger-2 Expressway toll.

This concludes our information on driving a trailer. It's recommended that you drive slowly when driving a trailer, as trailers are less maneuverable and less passable than self-propelled vehicles. Therefore, please exercise caution when driving to ensure safety.