Safe Towing
Holiday time is exciting, fun and all you want to do is get to your destination. Getting there safely is your number 1 priority! We hope the following information brings awareness around safe towing practices and allows you to enjoy your trip and avoid accidents.
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Towing a caravan is the ultimate in freedom and adventure filled holidays. It’s also a HUGE responsibility. It requires even more concentration and attention to what is happening around you on the road at all times. The slightest driver error can result in major problems and can be extremely dangerous to you, the occupants in your vehicle and other motorists.
Please, if you are not confident in safely towing a caravan or have no experience in towing, a delivery and set up option may be the best way to go. And there is nothing better than arriving to your destination with your van all set up ready to go!
(CSTORM can arrange delivery, set up and pack down to numerous destinations within the stunning Great Lakes area)
It’s a good idea to keep the following Safe Towing checklist handy during your travels as a reminder;
- Store items in your caravan evenly and securely. This is half the battle! For anything likely to slide around, a rubber matt may help keep it in place. Try to have one person in charge of packing the caravan so they can keep track of distribution and weight of items throughout the caravan.
- Double check the condition of your car and caravan including (but not limited to) couplings, chains, brakes, and tyres before and during your trip. Make sure your car is up to date with servicing. At every break stop do a walk around of the car, caravan hitch and caravan checking the above-mentioned things to make sure nothing has come loose during your drive.
- Accelerate, brake and steer smoothly and gently to avoid swaying. Once the caravan starts swaying, it can be quite nerve-racking. Some people panic and try to over correct causing more swaying. Smooth gentle movements always!
- Allow for double the distance and time to slow down when braking. Leave a bigger space between you and the car in front and always allow more space and time for slowing down and stopping. Ease into the breaks and NEVER attempt a hard stop. This will cause the caravan to jack-knife and has the potential to flip.
- Slow down when larger vehicles pass in either direction to avoid swaying caused by wind buffering. Always be aware of the cars/trucks around you, and coming up behind you at all times. Your blind spot increases when towing a caravan.
- Allow for extra time when overtaking – and for the extra size of the caravan! You’re a big rig now – you are going to need more time and room to safely tow!
- Don’t be pressured by the flow of traffic to go faster than you are comfortable. Most people expect that caravans under tow are going to be travelling slower than other vehicles.
- Make sure there is no oncoming traffic when overtaking. Never overtake on a bend or crest. Even better, take your time and do not overtake unless absolutely necessary and safe.
If you are hiring one of CSTORM’s caravans, remember you have access to 24/7 NRMA roadside assistance and we also try to make ourselves available 24/7 for help and questions you have during your adventure.