Driving down narrow lanes

ScreenNameF6C0C3E5B0 replied on 23/09/2020 01:03

Posted on 23/09/2020 01:03

We made our first trip away in our Pennine Fiesta folding camper at the weekend.  Heading out of the site, we had a little way to go down some narrow lanes.  Most people were very accommodating and reversed back a considerable distance to let us pass.  One guy, however, just sat there, gesticulating wildly.  I had just passed a passing place, but am still not confident at reversing.  I tried to go back, but by then, someone was behind me, and though I didn't do too badly, I ended up red-faced and with a hot clutch.  As he passed, he helpfully leant out of the window and said "I think you need some more practice there, luv".  As I headed up the road, I realised that he had a passing place about 15m back.  My question is (apart from seeking reassurance that it can happen to anyone), what should I have done there?  I can't help but feel that, as a towing vehicle and with a car behind me, it wasn't my responsibility to move, evem though I was closer to a passing place than the oncoming vehicle.  And if so, how do you deal with someone who refuses to yield?

Takethedogalong replied on 24/09/2020 10:43

Posted on 24/09/2020 10:43

Found out a few days ago our favourite Cornish CL is no more😢 On a farm. Down a narrow lane. (We can recall when A30 was almost a narrow lane🤣) Fond memories......

vbfg replied on 24/09/2020 11:11

Posted on 23/09/2020 15:04 by Takethedogalong

As you say, you have no experience. Something on a pivot point (tow ball) behaves entirely differently to four wheels at the corners. Hopefully this will help you decide if you meet a caravan coming the other way in your MH, and you see the sense of being the one who has the easiest reverse.

Fully agree with your comment ED. Seeing more than just a few feet in front of the bonnet can save a lot of grief. My OH has done an EFAD course (Emergency Fire Appliance Driver, think nee naa, nee nah at 70mph😱) He saved us from serious injury on Dartmoor one holiday. Fast road, hidden dip, standing traffic in dip. Quick reactions took us onto grass verge, while seconds later umpteen vehicles concertina crashed behind us, carnage. No one badly hurt, but lots of whiplash, banged heads, exploded airbags and written off vehicles. We got away with needing new brakes. Didn’t even spoil the holiday.

Posted on 24/09/2020 11:11

I would ALWAYS reverse my MH if I came across someone towing and I was in a situation such as described, however, I am at a loss to understand why you seem to think that I would not!

JVB66 replied on 24/09/2020 11:28

Posted on 24/09/2020 09:50 by Tinwheeler

Then you should know that HGVs and buses frequently give way by reversing to make room. Often there is no choice.

The LV drivers who will not/cannot reverse are not looked upon favourably but those who make the effort (like the OP) are appreciated. It's obvious really as is the need for every one of us LV-ers to be competent drivers.

Posted on 24/09/2020 11:28

I think you will find the HGVs and Buses will reverse out of the way depending on the size of what they encountersurprised

Tinwheeler replied on 24/09/2020 11:38

Posted on 24/09/2020 11:28 by JVB66

I think you will find the HGVs and Buses will reverse out of the way depending on the size of what they encountersurprised

Posted on 24/09/2020 11:38

🤔🤔🤔

Takethedogalong replied on 24/09/2020 13:15

Posted on 24/09/2020 11:11 by vbfg

I would ALWAYS reverse my MH if I came across someone towing and I was in a situation such as described, however, I am at a loss to understand why you seem to think that I would not!

Posted on 24/09/2020 13:15

I didn’t think you wouldn’t reverse in your MH, just pointed out generally that it’s easier to reverse a fixed vehicle than a pivoting one.🙂

ABM replied on 24/09/2020 15:20

Posted on 24/09/2020 11:28 by JVB66

I think you will find the HGVs and Buses will reverse out of the way depending on the size of what they encountersurprised

Posted on 24/09/2020 15:20

undecided  Do you mean something like a tractor & combine harvester perhaps ??  Even Bobbies under Blues and Twos get out of their way !!  wink

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