What do I need to know about driving a caravan?

13. März 2023

The differences between a caravan and a car are huge, both in terms of structural features and driving experience. Caravan travel, especially for first-time caravan drivers, is difficult to achieve perfection and always seems to be fiddly, and from time to time there are small accidents of one kind or another.

Notes on mountain driving

1. When entering a bend vehicles should square up, slow down, sound the horn, and remind each other to follow the lane.

2. Drive on the inside of the hill, as close to the inside as possible while ensuring a safe distance at the top and rear.

Proficiency in right-angle turns and continuous turns

1. When turning, close the throttle and slow down in advance to avoid excessive body roll and body swaying through the corner.

2. The higher the body height, the larger the lateral area and the greater the influence of the lateral wind.

3. Drive as close as possible to the outer edge of the road in parallel. The longer the body, the greater the difference between the inner wheels when turning, and the further away from the road edge or roadside pedestrians or obstacles, the safer it is.

4. When making a small turn, pay attention to controlling the speed of the vehicle, hitting it fast and returning slowly, setting up the body, and driving steadily.

Overtaking

Avoid sudden maneuvers when overtaking slower vehicles in front of you and remember that extra time and distance are needed to overtake safely. Wait until there is no oncoming traffic for at least 1,000 meters before overtaking. When overtaking, look in your rearview mirror and signal to overtake. Signal when there is sufficient safe space and return to the original lane.

What to look out for when travelling in a motorhome

No sleeping in the bed when the caravan is in motion

It is often in this state of thought safety that safety accidents occur. Although the bed is comfortable and soft, if the brakes are applied in an emergency, the beautiful dream of lying in bed becomes a nightmare. Therefore, it is better to sit in the driver's seat, fasten your seat belt and stay with your loved ones or friends while the caravan is in motion.

Do not use electrical appliances in the cabin while driving

When driving, there are always various curves and rough roads. A good and stable car can still be turned out of range by the potholes in the road. All electrical appliances are forbidden to be used while driving, with the exception of the air conditioning and TV. Try not to eat hot food while the caravan is in motion either.

Daily care

1. Check the engine coolant regularly, and choose the original coolant, or pure water if conditions do not allow it.

2. When driving in the rainy season, stop and observe the road surface, and avoid driving through water.

3. When the rainy season is approaching, pay attention to closing the windows and bathroom sunroof ventilation fan.

4. The caravan needs to be charged in time and the chassis needs to be started once a week for 30 minutes.

5. The solar panels on the roof can be cleaned by connecting a hose from the 2nd floor.

Solar system developed specifically for caravans

Shawllar Flexible Solar Panels are a lightweight, mobile power system specifically designed to provide a stable, efficient, and continuous power supply for caravans. The product is light, thin, flexible, super-efficient, and safe, maintaining a leading position in the current flexible module market and relieving you of the burden of power for long journeys.

Image of Shawllar 2*100W Flexible Solar Panels