Caravan Towing Guide For Beginners

Towing a caravan can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. Here is our top 10 caravan tips for beginners: 

 

#1 Identify Road Conditions You Will Be Travelling On

• Sealed well maintained highways are not always laid in front of you.

• Over 60% of Australia is only accessible by off-road set up vehicles.

• Keep in mind what weather conditions can effect the road conditions you will be travelling on.

• Consider what other traffic will be using these roads, for example - road trains and wide loads are more frequent out west and you may have to pull off the road a lot more.

 

#2 Know Your Equipment Capabilities

• What is the maximum tow rating of your vehicle? Find this in your owner’s manual and make sure your tow ball is rated to match these specifications. (Tow ball rating is stamped on your tow ball frame)

• What is the weight of your caravan, boat or trailer fully loaded, when hitched to your tow vehicle? (Don’t forget to include luggage, fuel and passenger weight). This is known as Gross Trailer Mass (GTM). A great solution to weighing at home is purchasing the Reich Caravan Weight Control.

• What is your tow ball weight? Tow ball weight is the amount of weight your caravan, boat or trailer puts on your tow ball when connected, as a general rule your tow ball weight should be a minimum 10% of your fully loaded caravan (GTM) and not exceed your tow ball rating. (This is important for optimal towing reducing the risk of swaying and overall vehicle control). The most effective weight to measure you tow ball weight is being use a Aussie Traveller Towball Weight Scale

 

#3 Install Electric Brakes and a Brake Control Unit

• If your caravan, boat or trailer GTM exceeds 750kg, legally you must have brakes fitted to at least one wheel. If your caravan/trailer exceeds 2000kg, they are legally required to be fitted on ALL wheels and can be controlled by the drive in the cabin of the tow vehicle. It is important to check your states LAW's on towing as they can differ in the powering of your braking systems.

• Electric brakes are preferable to mechanical as you can apply electric brakes independently if you need to. This is very important if your caravan is swaying whilst driving at speed. Click here for our range of electric brake controllers.

• Mechanical activated brakes on your caravan boat or trailer are better than no brakes at all, but independent electric activated brakes are better for the control of your vehicle and the safety of your occupants.

Read our full caravan brake controller buyer's guide here!

 

 

#4 Use a Weight Distribution Hitch System (WDH)

• A weight distribution hitch system installed at your vehicles hitch point can raise your rear end and help level out your whole set up for greater control and performance by spreading the load from your hitch point to your whole chassis (both vehicle and caravan).

• A sagging rear end will reduce your brake and steering efficiency on the front end as it becomes lighter. A quick and easy way to measure how level your ride is take a look at the OnTarget Towing Tool. 

• A great tip when looking for a weight distribution system is to have one that includes sway control to make towing even safer. The Anderson Weight Distribution range offers a innovative built in sway control and anti-bounce 'True Motion- Dampening' System. It also easy to install and makes hitching a breeze.

• There are also weight distribution hitches on the market that can remain in place when reversing which will save you time when setting up. Check out the range of Fastway E2 Weight Distribution Hitches to suit all sizes and applications

 

 

#5 Know the Difference Between a Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) and Airbag Suspension

• A Weight Distribution Hitch (WDH) spreads your tow ball weight evenly across your chassis (both vehicle and caravan) whilst raising your vehicle rear end and correctly positioning your rear axle. This will improve braking and steering performance by providing a constant downward force over the front axle of your vehicle.

• Airbag Suspension will ONLY level up or raise your rear end axle to the correct position. This will make your setup look level but it will NOT distribute your tow ball weight evenly or correctly, therefore it will NOT improve your braking and steering efficiency as effectively as a Weight Distribution Hitch as there will NOT be a constant downward force over the front axle.

 

#6 Inspect and Correctly Inflate Your Tyres

• Inspect all tyres including your spare and check that the load and speed rating are correct for your towing needs. (Information can be found on tyres, vehicle and caravan metal placards)

• Make sure your tyres are correctly inflated to manufactures specifications. There are recommended tyre pressures for normal operating and max load conditions. To ensure you can inflat your tyres if required, carry an air compressor with you on your travels.

• Make sure your wheels nuts are tightened to the manufacturer’s correct torque setting. There is a procedure for tightening up your wheel nuts to allow the wheel to be secured evenly. (up, down, left, right etc but check your manufactures handbook for details)

#7 Invest In Good Quality Towing Mirrors

• Towing mirrors are great for that extended view which can eliminate blind spots and give you a better view of your whole vehicle setup. If you don’t want permanent extended mirrors on your car there are lots of different ‘Easy fit’ designs that allow you to fit your mirrors temporarily with no tools required.

 

 

#8 Check your Tow Ball/ Hitch and Safety Chain Setup For Serviceability

• Your tow ball coupling is adjustable, so make sure ball and coupling are a snug fit to eliminate the possibility of the coupling slipping off the ball. Over adjusting can also make it hard to detach, so find the right balance.

• You can feel the excessive play in your coupling through your vehicle if it is not adjusted properly, especially on take-off you might feel a slight jarring if the ball has too much room inside the coupling.

• Make sure your safety chains are attached and serviceable, correctly rated chains and ‘D’ shackles are mandatory.

• Your electrical cable running your electric brakes and lights are imperative for a safe journey, you can buy an adapter to suit every type of plug configuration imaginable these days.

 

#9 Book Your Vehicle Into The Nearest Caravan Repair Centre For a Complete Check Over

• Like a road worthy on a car, you can also have your caravan professionally looked over and serviced for peace of mind before that big trip.

• The number 1 cause of accidents involving caravans is incorrect vehicle setup. An incorrect setup can end up in disaster that even the most experienced of caravanners cannot avoid.

 

#10 INSURANCE! INSURANCE! Go get INSURANCE!

• When your home away from home is in need of repair, a good insurance policy is worth its weight in gold…..and it’s a lot cheaper compared to normal car insurance.

• Read the fine print! Full comprehensive insurance does not necessarily mean full comprehensive insurance! There is a difference between full comprehensive ‘accident’ cover and full comprehensive ‘accident and manufacturing fault’ cover – make sure you have both or at the very least ‘water damage cover’, you would be surprised at the amount of caravans that leak from new due to manufacturing faults which can lead to internal wood rot and cost thousands to repair.

 

#11 Still Confused? 

By the end of this guide if you are still confused by the information or understanding your legal weight limits then check out this calculator by KNOW MY TOW allowing you to determine your precise weight setup. View the calculator here. 

 

We love all things TOWING, so check out our full range of towing gear and accessories here. 

 

DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.

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