Caravan Strategy and Tactics

I'll work on this when I get some time, but in the meanwhile, here are some jumbled bullets. - User:Elsa
Rearranged a bit today. I don't quite like it yet, but it's a start. --Elsa 10:46, 5 October 2012 (PDT)
Better. --Elsa (talk) 12:38, 18 March 2013 (PDT)

Things to Consider

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.

Not all vehicles will accelerate at the same rate, especially when a trailer is involved.
Not all vehicles are comfortable at a high cruising speed, especially older vehicles, especially when hauling a trailer.
Cruise Control holds to an average engine speed, NOT a set distance-per-time.

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).

The Lead Car should make a point of driving so the last Follow Car is able to make it through a traffic light or gap in traffic.
The Lead car should be the vehicle with the most inhibitions: low MPG, big trailer, history of problems.
The Lead car should have the navigation plan and a non-driver dedicated to staying conscious in case the other vehicles need to make contact.
Lead car should 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.

This is an easier job than Lead because navigation isn't much of a consideration. But, an idea of where to go and how to get there would be helpful.
The Follow car doesn't have to have cruise control - and may not use it much even if they have it, in order to keep up with the Lead during times of traffic, weather, and uneven terrain.
When the Lead car signals a lane change, it's the Right Thing for the Second car to make that lane change and 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.

If one car gets pulled over, it's the right thing to do for everyone else to 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.