Wanting to purchase a new caravan but are feeling overwhelmed with the thought of towing it for the first time? It’s a common thought that most first-time caravan owners experience! While a caravan offers an excellent spur-of-the-moment road trip experience, towing one comes with its challenges, especially for beginners.
The rugged terrain, unpredictable weather conditions, and influx of other vehicles on the road travelling down south over a long weekend can make towing a caravan seem daunting.
However, with proper knowledge and preparation, you can easily navigate these challenges and have a safe and enjoyable journey. In this article, we’ll provide you with some helpful tips to apply when driving with a caravan.
Caravan towing laws and regulations in Perth
Whether you are visiting Perth and are hiring a caravan or are a Perth local looking to purchase your first caravan, it is important to understand the laws and regulations regarding caravan towing in WA (Western Australia).
Each state of Australia has different rules and requirements, so it’s essential to research and familiarise yourself with the specific regulations in your location. Here are some general guidelines to keep in mind while driving with a caravan in WA:
- In WA, speed limits for vehicles towing a caravan or trailer can vary from 80 km/h to 100 km/h, depending on the state and road conditions. For instance, on unsealed roads, the maximum speed limit for caravans is 80 km/h.
- In WA, a regular driver’s licence is sufficient for driving a car whilst towing a caravan, unless driving and towing over 4 tonne .
- All caravans must have a maximum capacity on the compliance plate specifying the maximum weight they can be loaded to. It is important to stay within this limit, and recommend that you distribute the weight evenly. You will also need to know the maximum weight on the tow hitch your vehicle can tow and what the combined weight of the car and caravan combined are allowed to be, Understanding all your caravan weights is a must!
- You must have both your car and caravan registered. Failing to do so may result in hefty fines.
For safety reasons, and legally, a caravan can not carry passengers while being towed. All passengers must be in the towing vehicle.
Beginner tips for driving with a caravan
Whether on freeways or windy country roads, these tips will help you navigate different driving scenarios and ensure a safe journey for yourself and other road users.
Practise safe driving techniques when towing a caravan
The weight of a caravan behind you can significantly affect how your vehicle handles on the road. The braking distances will be longer, and turning can require more space than usual. Additionally, other road users may not be aware of your limitations.
Just like you would when driving a car, keep these safe driving techniques in mind:
- Increase your following distance.
- Check your mirrors frequently.
- Use your indicators early and communicate with other drivers.
- Drive to the conditions, e.g. if the road is corrugated, slow down
- A brake controller must legally be fitted to your tow vehicle
Pay attention to your speed when towing a caravan
Speed is an important factor to consider when towing a caravan because it directly affects the safety and stability of your vehicle. For instance, braking can increase significantly, requiring you to maintain greater distances from other vehicles.
Excessive speed can cause instability when turning or driving in windy conditions, leading to swaying or fishtailing of the caravan. This puts you at risk and endangers other road users. Therefore, adhering to the designated speed limits and adjusting your driving accordingly when towing a caravan is crucial.
Overtaking and being overtaken when towing a caravan
Driving or towing a caravan on freeways or busy roads means encountering other vehicles overtaking or being overtaken. You need to be aware of these situations and take necessary precautions.
A common question we see is what must you do when you are towing a caravan to help other vehicles overtake? To explain what you need to know, understanding the physics behind towing can help.
Bernoulli’s principle is a way of understanding how fluids (like air or water) move. It states that if you have a flowing fluid, its speed, pressure, and height all balance each other out.
When you’re towing a caravan, and another vehicle overtakes you, Bernoulli’s principle comes into play in a practical way:
- Low-pressure area: As the overtaking vehicle moves past, a low-pressure area behind your caravan is created due to the fast-moving air around it.
- Instability and sway: This low-pressure area can pull the rear of your caravan towards the overtaking vehicle, making it feel unstable or swayed.
- Driving adjustment: You can slightly reduce your speed to reduce the chance of sway or instability. Slowing down a bit allows the overtaking vehicle to pass more quickly and reduces the intensity of the low-pressure effect on your caravan.
Similarly, when overtaking another vehicle when towing a caravan, you should maintain a reasonable speed and avoid unexpected movements. Ensure you have enough space to overtake safely without causing any hazards for yourself or other road users. Do not “tailgate” or follow closely behind another vehicle as not leaving a gap to pull in between one car at a time prevents vehicles overtaking you from behind.
Engage a low gear when descending with a caravan in tow
Some vehicles, whether manual or automatic, have a designated low gear for descending steep slopes. When learning how to tow a caravan, using this gear when driving downhill can help you to do so safely.
A lower gear provides high torque output from the engine, which helps to slow down your vehicle without relying solely on your brakes. This is particularly useful when towing a caravan because the added weight can strain your braking system, causing it to overheat or wear out quickly.
Allow for extra length and width when towing a caravan
One of the biggest challenges when towing a caravan is adjusting to its added length and width while on the road. Consider this when changing lanes, turning, or navigating through tight spaces.
When changing lanes, always indicate your intentions early so other vehicles know your actions. Always be mindful of your vehicle and caravan’s turning circle, and take wide turns when necessary.
Apply the brakes and accelerator smoothly and slowly when towing a caravan
When learning how to tow a caravan, you’ll soon learn that sudden or jerky movements can cause instability or sway in the caravan, making it challenging to control and possibly causing accidents.
The accelerator is one of the most important components to control when towing a caravan. Applying steady pressure on the accelerator is necessary to prevent sudden movements in your tow vehicle and caravan when starting, accelerating, or driving uphill.
Similarly, wet or slippery road conditions require extra caution when using your brakes. When braking, apply gentle pressure gradually rather than slamming on the brakes, which can cause the vehicle and caravan to jerk or sway. Be aware of “aqua planing” on puddles which can occur if you are going too fast.
Reverse a caravan with a person guiding you
Reversing while towing a caravan can be challenging, especially on a busy road. To prevent accidents or damage, it’s recommended that someone outside the vehicle guide you during this process.
Before reversing, communicate with your guide and establish hand signals or a communication system that works for both of you. Additionally, remember to always have clear visibility behind your vehicle and caravan by using mirrors or installing a rear-view camera if necessary. Many new caravans also now have reversing cameras to assist.
Get ready to hit the open road safely with Lewis RV
Caravanning is an exciting and enjoyable way to explore Australia’s beautiful landscapes. It allows you to travel at your own pace and experience new adventures. However, it’s essential to prioritise safety while towing a caravan to protect yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road.
At Lewis RV, you’ll find our team ready to help with any caravan query you may have. Whether you are searching for a new caravan, looking for caravan and camping accessories, or need more info on servicing, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team!
