Towing a caravan or trailer requires greater skill and knowledge than normal driving. Preparing for a drive with an RV, whether caravan, trailer or trailer tent, can make the trip go much smoother.
Basic Tips for Driving Safely with a Caravan
- Allow for the length and width of the caravan when entering traffic.
- Remember, a car towing a caravan or trailer has further to travel when passing another vehicle.
- Consider the dimensions of the RV. Allow for the RV height when pulling into the kerb, especially where the road is higher and there is a possibility of hitting trees.
- To avoid sway, particularly in wet conditions, apply the accelerator, brakes and steering smoothly and gently.
- Allow for a longer stopping distance.
- Maintain a space of at least 60 metres from any vehicle in front.
- When travelling downhill, engage a lower gear (in both manual and automatic vehicles) to increase vehicle control and reduce strain on brakes.
- If overtaking, allow more time and distance. A vehicle's capacity to accelerate is reduced when towing a caravan or trailer.
- If traffic begins to build up behind the RV, periodically move off the road to allow other motorists to pass safely.
A Swaying Caravan
If the caravan begins to sway or snake, avoid applying the towing vehicle's brakes. Continue at a steady speed or accelerate slowly until the swaying stops.
Reversing A Caravan
If possible, reverse with a person watching the caravan.
The actions involved to reverse a caravan are the opposite to those of reversing just a car. The RAC recommends:
"placing a hand on the bottom of the steering wheel, then simply move it to the right to move the caravan to the right. Make a habit of backing the caravan for even a short distance each time you pull in for the night, and you will soon surmount your last towing hurdle."
RAC (Royal Automobile Club of Australia)
RV Driving Courses
These courses are designed to help RV drivers gain more confidence. Training often includes:
- Defensive driving techniques
- General principles affecting large type vehicles
- Manoeuvring
- Driving techniques when towing or driving a large vehicle
Check the Driver's License
Check the driver's license against the weight of the caravan or trailer. The driver must ensure that their license will allow them to tow the weight of the caravan legally. Failure to do so can void car insurance and fines.
Caravan Driver's Checklist
- Check oil, water, brake fluid, the battery etc
- Inspect all tyres
- Check car and caravan wheel nuts have been tighened according to manufacturer's guidelines
- Ensure coupling socket and ball match in size
- Check coupling is correctly and securely fastened
- Check safety chains are correctly connected
- Ensure all lights work
- Check number plates and registration
- Test the brakes
- Ensure load is properly secured
- Limit the amount of load in the boot of the tow vehicle
- Ensure rear vision mirrors on the tow vehicle are properly adjusted
- Ensure that the gas cylinders are properly secured
- While you are travelling ensure that the gas cylinders are turned off and in travel position
- Ensure the refrigerator door is closed
- Check any roll-out awning is stored away and locked in travel position
- Check that the front and rear corner stabilisers are in the up position
- Ensure that the hand brake of the trailer has been correctly released
- Check that the roof hatches, windows and doors are secure
- Check that the electrical cord has been disconnected and stored away
- Check any TV antenna is in the travel position
Checks while Driving
- The couplings and chains are still securely fastened
- The brakes and wheel bearings are not overheating, by comparing to your carbrakes
- Light connections are still secure and that the lights are working
- Tyres are still sufficiently inflated
- Roll out awning is properly locked and in travel position
When Towing a Caravan Take More Rest Stops
Towing a caravan is more stressful than normal driving therefore it will cause fatigue sooner. More rest stops should be planned and remember that driving is slowing and it will take longer to get some where.
It's important that the driver of any RV is aware of the changes to driving. They also need to ensure the necessary checks have been done to ensure both the vehicle and caravan are safe on the road. Safety and Caravanning provides further details on having safe RV holidays.
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