As old hands will know, a car and caravan combination can behave very differently to a car on its own. Make sure your vehicle and caravan are compatible and check the maximum towing load recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Bear in mind that contents like water, gas, food and camping gear can add at least another 300kg to the weight of an empty van.
If you're new to caravanning, it's best if your caravan weighs less than your empty car. Make sure you use the best towing equipment and practice some of the skills like reversing so that you can cope with any situation that might arise.
Did you know?
- Many experienced car drivers make the mistake of thinking they will automatically know how to manage a vehicle when it is towing a caravan
- Towing a caravan is particularly hazardous in windy and wet conditions. Other key problems involve side swipes, clipping larger vehicles and turning or reversing mishaps
Tips for safe towing
- Get a mechanical check on the towing vehicle, especially the brakes and tyres
- Inspect the caravan for roadworthiness before you set out - especially the tyres and rims
- Tow within the tow ball weight limits
- Leave an extra 20 metres stopping distance between you and the next vehicle. The faster you’re going and the wetter the road, the longer it will take to stop
- Travel at a lower speed and use a low gear travelling down hills
- Practise reversing in a vacant car park, turning the vehicle left to point the caravan or trailer right and turning right to point left
- Check your caravan lights, indicators, hitch and security chain before you head off each day
- Check LPG bottles are switched off and caravan doors, windows and awnings are closed
- Prevent injury and follow the law by stopping anyone from riding in a moving caravan
- Secure all loose items inside your caravan
Further links
NRMA Motoring and Services offers practical information on tyres, brakes, mirrors and other towing essentials.
The information on this website is for general guidance only and should not be relied upon as professional advice on managing specific safety risks.