Time to refresh your towing skills

As the cooler months approach, many travellers take the opportunity to hit the road and enjoy some of Australia’s best touring weather. Whether you tow regularly or only pull out the caravan a few times a year, it’s worth revisiting the fundamentals before you set off.

Here’s a fresh checklist to help you tow safely, smoothly and with confidence on your next trip.

1. Start with a comprehensive pre-drive inspection

A few minutes spent checking your tow vehicle and caravan can prevent issues later.

Make sure:

• The caravan is within legal weight limits and packed evenly
• Heavy items sit low and close to the axle to reduce sway
• Your vehicle’s towing capacity, towball limits and Gross Combination Mass (GCM) aligns with your loaded setup
• Cupboards, doors and storage compartments are secured

This is one of the simplest ways to avoid handling problems on the road.

2. Secure your connections properly

Before you move off, confirm that:

• The hitch is correctly seated and locked into place
• All safety chains are attached and tensioned without dragging
• The electrical plug is firmly connected
• Indicators, brake lights and clearance lights are functioning

If you use an electric brake controller, test it before leaving to ensure smooth, responsive braking.

3. Get to know your caravan’s dimensions and behaviour

Understanding the size and weight of your caravan makes towing far safer.

It helps to:

• Memorise your caravan’s height (important for bridges, tree branches and servo canopies)
• Practice manoeuvres in a quiet area if you haven’t towed recently
• Take note of how your caravan responds when braking, cornering or accelerating
• Install towing mirrors if your caravan is wider than your tow vehicle

Confidence grows quickly once you’re familiar with how your setup handles.

4. Optimise your visibility

Visibility is one of the most important safety factors in towing.

Before you depart:

• Adjust your side mirrors so you can clearly see along both sides of the caravan
• Remove any internal obstructions that block your rear line of sight
• Give yourself a wide mirror view to monitor overtaking traffic and lane positioning

Good visibility makes lane changes and merging significantly easier.

5. Drive smoothly and allow extra space

Towing requires a more measured approach on the road.

Remember to:

• Stay as far left as safely possible so others can pass easily
• Leave generous braking distances
• Take corners wider to avoid kerbs, signs or roadside obstacles
• Use extra caution in crosswinds or when overtaken by large vehicles
• Consider a weight distribution hitch or sway control device if you tow regularly or have a heavier van

A steady driving style protects your caravan’s suspension, reduces sway and keeps you calmer behind the wheel.

6. Rest often and share the task

Towing increases driver fatigue, even on short trips.

To stay alert:

• Stop every couple of hours to stretch and hydrate
• Swap drivers if someone else in your group is licensed and capable
• Avoid pushing through long days in poor weather or heavy traffic

Patience and regular breaks make the journey far safer and much more enjoyable.

7. Brush up on dtate-based towing rules

Towing laws differ across jurisdictions, so it pays to check:

• Local speed limits for vehicles towing trailers
• Requirements for trailer brakes and brake controllers
• When towing mirrors are compulsory
• Licensing rules for heavier setups

Before heading off, also make sure your insurance policy covers towing, off-road travel if you plan it, and any aftermarket accessories fitted to your caravan.

Ready to hit the road?

Towing is a skill that improves with every trip – and a bit of pre-departure preparation goes a long way. By checking your equipment, driving thoughtfully and staying aware of the rules, you’ll be well on your way to a safe and stress-free caravanning adventure.

Safe travels, and enjoy the journey ahead!