Number of towing mirrors necessary for towing operation?
When towing a caravan, it's essential to ensure your safety and compliance with the law. One crucial aspect of this is fitting the correct towing mirrors.
By law, if your caravan is wider than your towing vehicle, you are generally required to fit two towing mirrors - one on each side of your vehicle. This is to ensure you have a clear view at least 20 metres behind and 4 metres to either side of the caravan, a requirement necessary for wider caravans[1][3].
While towing mirrors may not always be legally mandated as specific devices, the law does require that you can see these distances behind and beside your caravan. Single mirrors are usually insufficient because you need to judge traffic on both sides when changing lanes or overtaking[1][3].
To achieve this, it's recommended that you fit two extension towing mirrors for conventional caravans. These mirrors will help you see alongside and behind the caravan, providing the necessary visibility for safe towing[1][3]. It's important to adjust these mirrors carefully every time you tow to ensure optimal visibility and safety[1][3].
The choice between flat and convex towing mirrors is often a matter of personal preference for some experienced tow car drivers. While flat mirrors offer a more accurate image, convex mirrors offer a wider field of vision, albeit with the potential for distortion and objects appearing smaller and further away[2].
When towing a caravan, two towing extension mirrors are required for visibility of four metres to the side and 20 metres behind. Towing mirrors are sold in both single and double sets, and buying them in single packs can make it cheaper to replace a damaged or fallen mirror[4].
It's crucial to remember that when dealing with electrical products, individuals should take appropriate safety precautions and be aware of the risk of electrocution.
For the latest news, reviews, and features related to caravans, consider subscribing to a magazine or signing up for a newsletter. Remember, following these guidelines and taking the necessary precautions will help ensure a safe and enjoyable towing experience.
[1] Caravan and Motorhome Club [2] Good Garage Guide [3] The Camping and Caravanning Club [4] Wikipedia
- To comply with the law when towing a wider caravan, you should consider investing in a set of two extension towing mirrors, ensuring you can see a clear view at least 20 metres behind and 4 metres to either side of the caravan.
- As your lifestyle may involve home-and-garden activities as well as traveling by car, it's essential to remember that safety regulations apply even when towing a caravan, such as fitting the correct towing mirrors or replacing them when needed to maintain clear vision while driving.
