RV MAIL
LETTERS FROM THE ROAD
BETTER ADVICE
I was disturbed to see the letter from a reader
that advises caravanners to “speed up to reduce
sway” (GoRV #27). This advice stems from an era
when few tow vehicles were capable of towing
heavy caravans at high speeds.
It is safer to gently apply the caravan's brakes
– this ‘stretches’ the rig. Speeding up to reduce
sway is only safe at low-ish speeds and with rigs
where the caravan is lighter than the tow vehicle.
There is, however, a major risk if towing a caravan
that is heavier than the tow vehicle at any speed.
If this is attempted, it may increase the rig's speed
to that at which it becomes critical.
If that happens, the sway is likely to increase and
the rig is likely to jack-knife. Instead, gently apply
the caravan’s brakes using the override function
of your brake controller.
Collyn Rivers
Via email
CARAVANS ALL THE WAY!
I appreciated your article about caravans versus
motorhomes (GoRV #27) and wanted to offer my
two cents.
I agree with your assessment that caravans offer
much more versatility than motorhomes but I
also think that you get more living space for less
money, compared to a motorhome. You could
easily get a new van for $50,000, with an ensuite,
that could be towed by a new ute or 4WD wagon
that costs about the same as the van – if not less.
Any new motorhome for $95,000 would be a
Hiace-style van conversion with a tiny kitchen
and a lumpy bed that you have to make up every
night.
As far as I’m concerned, if price and living
space are factors, the only reason to choose a
motorhome over a new vehicle and caravan is if
you’re not confident to tow.
Barry Morgan
Via email
I’M A MOTORHOMER, ALRIGHT?
My husband and I converted to a motorhome
years ago. Hitching up, mucking around with
a weight distribution hitch, not to mention the
stress of towing in tight places, such as service
stations, just became too much hassle.
And don’t get me started on the frustration of
towing mirrors that would always blow in when
we passed a truck on the highway!
We’re much happier with our little motorhome.
Lisa Savage
Via email
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