Learning to tow and set up

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I agree with AD, it will give you a lot of confidence. If you haven't got a motor mover, get one. It will make positioning the caravan much easier especially for hitching up but don't neglect your reversing skills. I used to go to an industrial estate on a Sunday morning to practice and build up my confidence in my abilities.

peedee

I've not towed and I'd certainly take a course, the club run them. My DIL had to take one  to take her test as at the time the automatic ability to tow was removed from licences. I believe its been reinstated now so no sure if other courses are available.

I certainly wouldn't give up the caravan until you've done it and given it a go. There's lots of single lady caravanners who post within the club and I know we have one wheelchair user, a motorhomer, who travels alone! She has posted in the story section i believe she pists under the user name Finberry.

We are currently without a van, various reasons,and I miss it. I hadn't realised how much I relaxed and chilled using it.

You've lots to adjust too, so give yourself time etc.

 

Edit she posted this story

 https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/club-together/your-stories/finnberrys/thisgirlcan-do-solo-motorhoming/

 

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

Hi Jul17 and welcome to Club Together.

As a coupe of people have mentioned the Club run and caravanning courses which cover towing and manoeuvring. 

Also feel free to post any questions that arise on the forum as our community is always happy to offer advice and support. 

So sorry to hear of your situation but my advice is not to try and put the clock back or to attempt to re live the past. Your situation is sad, but solo, solitary caravanning won’t help. 

There are other options. An old friend whose husband died booked in with a group of a dozen other singles to visit gardens in Madeira.. And now says she wants to see the Taj Mahal. She has no wish to haul a caravan about on her own. 

Good wishes.

Jul17, if you know someone who is a caravanner, perhaps they might be willing to give you a few tips or even sit with you while you get to grips with towing.

As others have said, a towing course will be a very useful starting point.

 

I agree with all that's been said, but would like to add that you'll always find someone on the campsite to help you set up and show you the ropes. When I was still at work and didn't have time to go away so very often I'd tow the caravan to a campsite and leave my wife there to set up and stay for a week or two on her own. She had no experience, either, but she said there were always helpful souls around.

Just found your post. If the situation arises and I am in the same situation as yourself, I am totally going to carry on caravaning. I would hopefully do the course, and enjoy happy memories if you want to carry on,  go girl, we live in a beautiful country you don't need to go abroad 

There were loads of driving schools that covered the B+E test courses. If there's no club courses available in your time frame try getting a couple of hours professional tuition.

Not sure of the current guidelines but in the past I've known wardens come out and help people set up and strike camp.

Failing that there are generally loads of people on site who will gladly help you set up. You've only to ask.