How to Tow a Caravan
Consider these tips and make your adventure enjoyable
Apart from adding to the driver’s legal responsibilities, towing a trailer of any discipline requires a greater degree of knowledge and skill.
All trailers including caravans, camper or tent trailers and 5th wheelers effect the performance of the towing vehicle. They effect fuel consumption, acceleration, braking ability, general control and manoeuvrability.
The size and weight of the trailer will impact on the performance such as extra length and width combined with wind, road conditions and passing vehicles have a greater effect than a single vehicle.
When Towing You Should:
- Be aware that towing is more likely to cause fatigue. Therefore, more rest stops should be planned.
- Allow for the extra length and width of the trailer when entering traffic.
- Avoid sudden lane changes and changes of direction.
- Ensure that you do not have people riding in the trailer or caravan. This is not permitted by law.
- When travelling downhill engage a lower gear in both manual and automatic vehicles to increase vehicle control and reduce brake strain.
- Pay particular attention when accelerating and braking, especially when approaching corners.
- Leave more distance than usual between yourself and the vehicle in front.
- Allow more time and distance when overtaking other road users and ensure you are well past them before moving back to the left hand side of the road again.
- Where possible, pull over regularly to allow following vehicles to overtake and keep left to give overtaking vehicles as much space as possible.
- Be careful when driving in poor conditions or in high winds, as their impacts are magnified when towing a caravan.
- Apply the accelerator, brakes and steering smoothly and gently to avoid sway, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
- When reversing it is advisable to have someone outside the vehicle helping with directions.
- If your caravan begins to sway or snake, remain calm and avoid the urge to apply the towing vehicle’s brakes. Don’t try to steer out of the swaying /snaking, alternatively hold the vehicle steady and try to stay in the lane. Gently apply the caravan’s electric brakes using the manual control. Otherwise, where conditions permit, continue at a steady speed or accelerate slightly until the sway stops.
- When the swaying has been corrected, slow down and pull off the road safely. Check that your load is correctly distributed and ensure that heavier items are placed over the axles of the caravan. A caravan that doesn’t have the load distributed correctly may not handle well and may be the cause of swaying/snaking.
- To reduce sway, heavy loads should be concentrated towards the centre of the trailer. It is important to not overload your trailer and you should not exceed the maximum load specified or recommended by the trailer manufacturer.
- Load equalisers can be used when towing and help the vehicle to retain normal suspension height and effective steering control. They also help to transfer some of the weight from the towbar to the front and rear suspension of the vehicle.
- As reversing with a caravan is difficult, where possible drive out forward from a parking spot. When practicing reversing, ensure it is done in a safe environment and have someone to guide you.
- Understand what your vehicle can legally tow and towing guidelines and definitions.
- According to the Australian Design Rules, all trailers over 750kg Gross Vehicle Mass(GTM) irrespective of the towing capacity, or unloaded mass of the tow vehicle, must have an effective brake system fitted. All brakes must be operable from the driver’s seat of the tow vehicle except for over-ride brakes.
Braking System
The minimum braking system required for a trailer or caravan depends on its type and weight, as well as the eight of the tow vehicle:
- Up to 750kgs GTM: No brakes are required
- 751-2000kgs GTM: There must be a braking system on the wheels of at least one axle and over-ride brakes are permitted.
- Over 2000kgs GTM: A brake system operating on all wheels is required and must be capable of automatically activating should the trailer become detached from the tow vehicle.
- Trailers less than 2,500kg ATM must be fitted with at least one safety chain of at least9.5mm in diameter. Trailers over 2,500kg and up to 3,500kgs must be fitted with two safety chains. Safety chains are compulsory and must comply with Australian Standards.
- Tyres must have a significant load-rating and speed-rating for towing, and must have the correct tyre pressure to suit the load being carried. Correct tyre pressure will ensure safe operation, maximum tyre life, the best ride, handling and fuel economy.
Who Can Tow?
You only need a standard driver’s licence to tow a caravan and some upper levels of probationary licenced drivers can also tow caravans. Some lower levels of probationary licences cannot tow caravans or trailers unless it is for work and at the request of an employer; or if an experienced driver is sitting beside him/her and a ‘driver under instruction’ plate is attached to the front and rear of the vehicle.
In all states and territories learner drivers are not permitted to tow either caravans or trailers.
Further regulations also prevent:
- anything additional being towed behind the caravan
- anyone riding in the caravan while it’s in motion
- towbar equipment obstructing the vehicle number plate when the caravan has been disconnected
If you are travelling interstate with your caravan or trailer remember to check individual State or jurisdiction regulations with the relevant authority, before you leave.
Disclaimer
The staff at CCIA &MHIA have used their best endeavours to ensure that all the information provided is correct at the time of release andthat the information has been obtained from reliable sources. We are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or any outcomes as aresult of ause of this information. The information is provided for general guidance on industry issues only and should not be used as asubstitute for legal or other professional advice.
