Caravan Towing Safety

Safety essentials while caravanning

There are some important safety rules and tips you need to know if you are planning on towing a caravan.

To move an unregistered caravan apply for a unregistered vehicle permit

A caravan must be registered before it can be towed on the road.
Find out how to register your caravan – visit register a caravan

To be towed on the road, caravans must be roadworthy.

Do regular checks to ensure that:

Remember: not all cars can tow a caravan.

Car check to include:

Has enough power to tow your caravan
Regular servicing and in good mechanical condition
Good rear vision when the caravan is attached, you may need to fit extension mirrors to your car (must be removed when not towing)
Has the correct towbar for the type and weight of your caravan (the tow bar tongue should be removed when not towing if it protrudes from the vehicle or obscures the number plate)
Vehicle manufacturers and towbar retailers can help you if you’re unsure whether you have the correct towbar.

Rules and regulations apply when towing a caravan.

Caravan must be roadworthy and registered
Don’t tow anything behind the caravan
No caravan passengers
Except under particular conditions, a learner or p1 probationary driver cannot tow a caravan
Caravan cannot exceed weight limits

Once caravan is loaded, the weight should not exceed:

Remember: laws can vary from State to State – so check before you travel.

Some handy hints to keep in mind when towing a caravan

Practise towing by taking shorter trips before going on a long one
Acceleration and braking ability will decrease with towing. Be alert of this, especially when approaching corners
Allow extra space between you and the vehicle in front, and plan for extra time and space when turning into traffic
Reversing can be tricky! So practise, practice, practice in a safe area with someone to assist
Ensure load distributing hitches are set up correctly and caravan is loaded properly. This will reduce the caravan swaying
There is more There’s a chance of swaying in strong winds or when passing large vehicles, and be careful in poor driving conditions
Keep left so others can overtake you, and if necessary and safe, pull over to allows others to pass
If overtaking, allow extra time and distance
Plan rest stops – stay refreshed and alert

Remember: towing a caravan can change your car’s performance.