What do I need to consider when towing ?

Do you have any experience with towing a caravan or 5^th wheeler ?  The overall length of your vehicle and caravan or 5^th wheeler can be very daunting if you have had no prior experience.  To get some confidence it is recommended you undertake a towing course.

Nationally recognized training courses are available and cover weight distribution and hitch set up, reversing, parking and how to use your caravan/camper trailer off road.  The passenger can also be taught to provide hand directions to assist the driver with maneuvering and parking.  They also run courses for the 4WD vehicle itself.  If you have yet to acquire your caravan or camper trailer some course providers will supply these for you.

Towing Mirrors

The law states that you must be able to see clearly down both sides of what you are towing so this will mean for most of you caravanners that mirrors will be required on both sides.

There are various bonnet, guard, door and clip on mirrors available.  Some are better than others as the force of the wind from passing semi-trailers has been known to blow some clip on type mirrors back against the tow vehicle driver’s side door.

Towing Tips Adequate stopping distance between yourself and the vehicle in front should be allowed and braking or acceleration should be smooth and gentle.  This is particular important in wet or slippery conditions.    Avoid applying the brakes if the caravan begins to sway.  If the caravan is fitted with an electric brake system this can be operated by using the manual control.  A constant speed should be maintained or even slight acceleration until the swaying stops and the caravan straightens out again behind the tow vehicle.

• Engage a lower gear when traveling downhill.  This will save both the tow vehicle and the caravan's brakes due to overheating with constant use.

• Allow adequate distance when overtaking.  Remember you will not have the acceleration you are used to.

• When possible have someone standing (in your line of sight) at the rear of the caravan when reversing.  A hand-held UHF radio can be useful for communication between the person guiding the caravan and the driver.
   
• When travelling on narrow or single lane bitumen roads it is safer to completely pull off to the side of the road when you see a large truck or vehicle approaching.  Allowing the larger vehicle to occupy the single lane roadway will prevent you from being showered with rocks as he passes.

How can I avoid "suction" from other vehicles as they pass me?

You can minimise or overcome this problem by driving at a reasonable speed or when you observe a larger vehicle about to overtake, marginally reduce your speed as this will also allow the overtaking vehicle to pass you more quickly. Firmly grip the steering wheel and be alert and ready for the buffeting that may occur.

WDH and Sway Controllers assist with the handling of your towing vehicle.