Tip For Safe Towing on Australian Roads

Four Tips Safer Towing On Australian Roads

It is impossible to drive exactly the same way in a car locally as you would when you are towing a caravan, trailer or a boat. With all the additional weight and length behind you it is necessary to master certain safety tips when towing. Whether you are going on a holiday or down the road to the local recycle centre, below are some vital safety tips to follow when you are towing a caravan or trailer behind your vehicle.

1. Fully Know Your Vehicle

The size and weight of your vehicle will determine how much weight you are able to tow legally, therefore it is essential that you know the limitations of your vehicle.

*What is its maximum towing rate?

*What is the tow ball mass of the towed vehicle? (e.g., weight of trailer, caravan or boat when coupled up on the tow ball)

*What is the gross mass of the towed vehicle?

It is essential that you are 100% aware that the trailer ball weight or maximum capacity weight of the caravan or trailer does not go above the maximum tow rating of the vehicle.

An example of this is: Vehicle- 1100kg and trailer capable of holding 800kg, the most you can tow is 800kg.

You may need to consider adding a set of towing mirrors depending on the size you are towing. Extension mirrors that attach to the existing mirrors on the vehicle are reasonably priced and the team at Carasel can assist you with any questions you may have regarding these. Being removable you only need them when you are towing, and they are very simple to attach. These will assist you by having a clear side view of the trailer or caravan towing behind you should be changing lanes or reversing into a camp site or boat ramp.

Dual Reverse Cameras are not an essential item but are a great investment for your safety should you be needing to reverse the caravan or trailer. They help you line up and take the pressure away of having to rely on someone to guide you into a tricky spot. These little cameras are simply mounted to the rear of the caravan and car, and this then also assists you when you are needing to reverse up to hitch the caravan or trailer onto the towbar.

2. Plan Your Journey

Long haul road trips can be exhausting, both physically and mentally, especially when you have a caravan attached to your towbar. Towing a travel trailer brings many challenges to the way you drive. You will need to drive slower to allow for the extra weight that you are towing while also allowing extra time to brake and slow down. You need to make sure you allow for the extra length that you are towing and think ahead for the other vehicles around you. Straight freeways and highways are a lot easier to negotiate bends in the road and going uphill and downhill. Thinking before you leave on a trip also helps as you become aware of the roads you will be driving; plan breaks in places you can fit your long load in (breaks are suggested every 2 hours) and plan what appears to be the safest rout possible for an enjoyable experience.

One important factor you need to ensure before you set off on the road is how you pack the trailer or caravan. While your vehicle's tow ball may hold up to 1000kg, you need to be careful not to overload your towbar which could lead to damage. When attaching it to your vehicle it is so easy to lose sight of the weight you are adding. Chairs, portable fridges, bags of clothing, tables etc, all can be packed inside a caravan. When towing a boat, you also need to look at what you have inside the cabin. Adding the weight of life jackets, fish finder, fishing rods, crab traps, portable fridge, this adds up also and needs to have the weight distributed evenly throughout the entire boat, BUT.... you need to consider the total amount of weight you have added, and you can do this with a trailer weighing scale at home or take it to a public weighing scale. It is additionally essential that you look where everything is placed. You should not put everything to the front as this place’s way too much weight on the ball of the towbar. For your safety of being on the road you need to make sure the weight is evenly spread across the whole length of the van to ease the pressure on the tow ball.

3. Install AN Electronic Brake Controller

If the load you are towing weighs over 750kg then by law, you will be required to install an Electronic Brake Controller. Why? Well, your standard brake system is not designed to bring large weights in excess of the vehicle to a complete stop unless it has a little assistance, and this is where the Electronic Brake Controller comes into place. The electronic brake system takes more control over the braking force of the caravan or trailer rather than trying to come to a sudden stop should you need to brake quickly and without notice, ultimately if this ever occurred you run the chance of jack-knifing the tow vehicle and damaging both the vehicle and the unit you are towing. You should also additionally notice once you have this fitted that there is less jerking and jarring of the linkages of the vehicle and the tow trailer.

Carasel has a range of Electronic Brake Controllers that our friendly team can talk to you about. We will ask questions like what you are towing? which vehicle? and advise you on the best option to fit in your budget.

4. Think Ahead.

If you are not experienced in towing or have never ever towed a trailer, caravan or boat, it is essential that you fully understand that your driving habits will need to change, according to what you are going to be towing. Experienced boaters or caravan tourers will tell you; you must follow all the safety rules while you drive, take the less busy roads where available. Arriving at your destination alive and in one piece without causing issues or hazards to yourself and your passengers or other drivers on the road. this is the most important rule to follow.

There are driver trainings you can sign up for to be guided by professionals on how to tow your caravan or trailer. The best part of these courses is that you can take your trailer or caravan, so you are getting the appropriate training for your specific load. These courses are normally booked in for a day session, and there are several different locations online that you can research and book. These courses are aimed at providing you with towing and awareness to build your knowledge and confidence on what to do should you be in a tight situation. They also give you knowledge on load weights. You will also practice driving and reversing and what to do if you are towing in a cross wind with a swaying trailer. There is so much more to these courses, and this is just a small snip of what they offer the novice tower.

Talk to other travellers and ask them their opinion on the best travel trailer out there for your needs. Often advice from others who have tried, and tested things is way better than going it alone and assuming you have the best option.

If you are planning a big trip around Australia or even on the East Coast of Australia, you will need to make sure you have had trailer maintenance and repairs applied to the caravan. Over time things need a service like a car and when you are towing a large unit behind you it is essential for your safety and the safety of those in your vehicle that you have peace of mind that your trailer is safe to be used on the road.

Carasel Trailers provides trailer repair services in Sydney that you can book for an inspection to make sure that your trailer is at its best to take away and relax.

In addition to the four tips above you need to ensure you maintain your tyres on the caravan, trailer, Carasel offers trailer repair services in Sydney. Their experienced servicing team will inspect your trailer or caravan to give you peace of mind that the tow vehicle is safe and ready to take on the open road.

Carasel servicing for caravans and trailers include:

• Inspection of springs to ensure they are not snapped or broken, if needed they can make the repairs needed immediately after you give the approval
• Check brakes for wear and tear, and if needed they can replace these.
• Inspect all lights and wires to ensure they are all in good working condition and if needed they will repair or if you choose, update them with LED lighting.
• Inspect and replace the wheel bearings and in addition to this check the condition of the tyres. If they are not looking great after your approval, they can organise a new set for you.
• Gas, ever forgotten to refill the gas and its only once you arrive at your destination you realise it needed doing? Carasel can do this while they are servicing the trailer!
• Finally checking the axles, especially if you love taking the van offroad to isolated places where you can enjoy some down time away from reality! The team will make sure that they are not bent, and if they notice they are, (This becomes a safety issue straight away) then they will advise you and replace them to ensure both your safety, your passenger’s safety and the safety of other road users.

Carasel's servicing team will always call you with a quote before replacing any items so that you are aware of the cost and have peace of mind when you arrive to collect the tow vehicle there are no unauthorised surprises when it comes to settling your repair bill.