Towing off-road:the DO'S and DON'TS

First off: always choose the lightest trailer or caravan available – take it from someone who has tried many options throughout my towing life! When going offroad, even the featherweights tend to feel like an anchor – so make sure your trailer fits your vehicle’s towing capabilities.

Trailer break over and departure angles

The vehicle's break-over angle is normally constant while this aspect for a trailer/caravan is constantly changing as obstacles are negotiated.

This means that the trailer's chassis can easily become snagged on obstacles that the tow vehicle may have cleared, with the biggest culprit usually being low-slung jacking points and jockey wheels. To prevent this, ensure that the jockey wheel can easily be removed and stowed away and that there are no other parts that protrude below the chassis.

Like the tow vehicle, the trailer also has a departure angle, which must be considered when off-roading. Descending over rocks, for example, may cause the rear of the trailer to snag, so be aware of taillight clusters and number plates, as they can