General pointers for towing a caravan or trailer with your new Honda

If you are going on your holidays, perhaps a car journey through Europe, then it could be that you need a little practice driving with a trailer.

Driving using a trailer is not that taxing, however if you are not used to it then the whole experience can be a bit frightening. The number one issue is becoming familiar and comfortable with the extra length of the trailer, combined with the unfamiliarity of driving a new car.

So if you are about to use a trailer, then here are 9 tips to keep in mind to make sure you drive a litter safer in your Honda and also feel more in control of your vehicle, as compiled by www.motorleasing.com.

1) Firstly, you need to check the manual. Most caravans or trailers have a manual or maybe just a safety sticker on the side, which will tell you what type of vehicle you need in order to tow it safely. You should also check the Honda manual as you don't want to overload your Honda's engine.

2) Next, check to see if the trailer has a hitch package. This is basically a facility to link your trailer electronics to the battery of the towing vehicle. It is essential to have this system as it will power the rear lights on your camper or trailer, which lets other drivers know that you are on the road.

3) Test your view as you want to make sure it is not restricted. This might involve buying mirror extensions to ensure that you can see the camper and also give you better visibility of other road users, who may want to overtake. On a road trip the last thing you want to do is have an accident, have to sort out insurance details and even cause serious injuries.

4) Before you set off make sure that you inspect the trailer. This should involve an inspection of where the car attached to the trailer. It will include: checking hitch wiring is long enough to account for turns, checking the pressure of tyres, connecting the stabilizer and equalizer, making sure the camper or trailer is level and adjust the trailer tongue so that it is in the right position.

5) Before you put the key in the engine make sure your belongings are securely in place. This is so important because you don't want to be driving along, get to your destination and then find all of your plates on the floor and shattered into millions of pieces.

6) When going down a hill ensure you don't go fast. Move your gear stick into a lower gear and go down the hill at a snail's pace, this is perhaps the only safe way to deal with hills and inclines.

7) When you reverse you should be especially careful and take your time. When you are steering the slightest of touches on steering wheel can damage the camper and completely destroy the tow bar.

8) Then, when you are driving you need to avoid abrupt or tight turns. Your driving really needs to be subtle and fluid and steering wheels movements need to be made earlier rather than later, this is the best way to make sure you are safer during your driving holiday.

9) Lastly, most Hondas should be find to tow a trailer but if you feel uncomfortable then it might be a lot safer to lease a more powerful Honda instead. For instance, two months ago I decided on a Honda leasing deal from www.motorleasing.com that was more appropriate for my road trip.

By sticking to the advice given above you should have a great experience during your road trip, regardless of the particular destination.