Caravan Strategy and Tactics

• Still maybe a little raw, but better. Please do let me know if you're not seeing something here that would be helpful. <elsa@hailmog.org> --Elsa (talk) 10:38, 30 April 2013 (PDT)

Things to Consider

Laws

• All Vehicle Drivers are responsible for following all traffic laws independently.
• Most drivers are okay with going 5 over the posted speed limit ("5 you're alive, 9 you're mine"). Check with all drivers before assuming so.

Features

• Not all vehicles will accelerate at the same rate.
• Not all vehicles are comfortable at a high cruising speed.
• Cruise Control holds to an average engine speed, NOT a set distance-per-time.
• Trailers and the age of a vehicle are major contributors to variances on vehicle capabilities.

Best Practices

• Keep caravan lengths to <4 cars if possible so the speedy drivers aren't bogged down with slower followers.
• Consider splitting into two caravans if some cars require detours and others don't.
• EVERY car should be able to contact every other car. Driver switches, food, bathroom breaks, emergency stops (ie tires, vehicle overheating).

Lead, Follow, Get Out of the Way

Lead

• Drive so the last Follow Car can make it through a traffic light or gap in traffic.
• May be the vehicle with the most inhibitions: low MPG, big trailer, history of problems.
• This car SHOULD have Cruise Control.
• Navigation plan and a non-driver dedicated to staying conscious in case the other vehicles need to make contact.
• Telegraph all lane changes early so all cars can get in position before, say, an abrupt exit in heavy traffic in five same-direction lanes.

Follow

• An idea of where to go and how to get there would be helpful - in case traffic separates the party.
• May not use cruise control much even if they have it, to keep up with the Lead during times of traffic, weather, and uneven terrain.
• Serve as a mediator for the Lead Car: when a lane change is signaled, move into place and then hold the position so the Lead knows it has the clearance it needs. This is particularly relevant when the Lead has a trailer in Dallas traffic.
• Second follow car should watch to make sure nothing falls out of the trailer in front of them, and keep an eye on the tarp/tie-downs.
• Last follow car should maintain visual contact with at least one car ahead, if not more, at all times.

Get Out of the Way

• If one car in the party gets pulled over for any reason, break away and wait at the next point of visual interest out of immediate view (usually a gas station in the next town). It has been known to happen that the whole caravan will get tickets if one car does.