WHICH TOWING MIRRORS FIT AN X5?

QI’ve just read your review of the new BMW X5 (GO5 model), which I took delivery of last October. My old Milenco Aero towing mirrors didn’t fit on the wing mirrors, because of the smaller gap between glass and casing. Could you please tell me which mirrors you used on the tow car test? Richard Badger

David Motton says…

I tow with the Milenco Grand Aero 3 mirrors. The clamping mechanism was updated for the current model to fit | SUMMER SPECIAL 2020

the shape of your car’s mirrors: those that are especially curved can be more tricky to fasten a towing mirror onto.

Whichever type you choose, I would advocate checking the mirrors’ tightness every time you stop and get out of your car – not just at the start and end of each touring day.

Also, remember that you should always use mirrors if your car’s body (excluding mirrors) is narrower than the caravan’s width.

WHAT IS THE KEY KIT FOR CARAVANNING?

QWe are new to touring; we decided during lockdown that it might be a good idea to invest in a caravan so we can enjoy some socially distanced holidays in the future!

We’ve decided on a layout and are ready to start looking around dealerships. But we’re a bit bewildered by the amount of kit out there – we recently visited a very large camping accessories store and were somewhat confused about what we should be buying!

Could you please recommend which kit you think is essential, so we make sure we don’t buy something that we won’t need? Neil and Karen Whittaker

Sarah Wakely replies…

We can certainly help with that – but be warned, buying caravan accessories can become rather addictive!

To address the essentials first: you’ll need towing mirrors if your car’s body (excluding the mirrors) is narrower than the width of your caravan.

These help you see properly down the length of the van, and therefore help you stay safer on the road.

You’ll need a gas cylinder (propane or butane) for your caravan, and a 12V leisure battery; a mains hook-up lead is also vital.

Fresh- and waste-water containers are must-buys, as is a steady winder.

You’ll also need toilet fluids (these go inside the cassette to help break down waste).

A noseweight gauge is important, as is a spare wheel for the van – and don’t forget a numberplate with your car’s registration number on it, for the back of the caravan!

A wheel and hitchlock are also crucial – your insurance might require them – and you will need a step, too.

For a full guide to caravanning for newbies, check out https://bit.ly/2ut3hei.