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Difficulty: MediumTowing Equipment and Safety Checks (Caravans & Trailers)

When coupling a touring caravan to your car, you notice that the caravan body is significantly wider than the rear of your vehicle. What safety equipment must you legally fit to satisfy rearward vision standards?

  1. A
    An auxiliary wide-angle interior rearview mirror attached to the windscreen
  2. B
    Reduced-pressure rear tyres to lower the vehicle profile relative to the caravan
  3. Extended exterior towing mirrors on both sides of the vehicleAnswer
  4. D
    An adjustable brake-bias valve to reduce trailer braking distances

Answer

Extended exterior towing mirrors on both sides of the vehicle
Under UK law and the Highway Code, if your caravan or trailer is wider than the rear of your towing vehicle, you must fit extended exterior towing mirrors to both side mirrors. This ensures you have an unobstructed view along both sides of the combination and can clearly see approaching traffic behind you.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess vehicle visibility and blind spots when towing a wider load
Standard car side mirrors cannot provide a clear view along the sides or behind a caravan that is wider than the towing vehicle.
The body of the trailer obstructs the standard mirrors' sightlines.
2
Identify the legally required towing equipment to restore the required field of view
Extended exterior towing mirrors must be mounted to the car's wing mirrors.
UK law mandates a clear view down both sides of the towed outfit and at least 20 metres behind the driver.

Key Concept

Legal visibility requirements and extended towing mirrors
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Towing Equipment and Safety Checks (Caravans & Trailers)

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