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Safe Driving with Caravans

Towing a caravan or driving a motorhome requires different techniques than driving a regular car. This guide covers essential safety practices for traveling with large vehicles in Australia.

Before You Travel​

Vehicle Checks​

Daily Checks:

  • ✅ Tire pressures (including spare)
  • ✅ Lights and indicators working
  • ✅ Mirrors adjusted and clean
  • ✅ Caravan hitched correctly (if towing)
  • ✅ Brakes functioning
  • ✅ No warning lights on dashboard

Weekly Checks:

  • ✅ Wheel nuts torqued correctly
  • ✅ Coupling and safety chains
  • ✅ Brake controller settings
  • ✅ Gas connections secure
  • ✅ Water tanks and levels
  • ✅ Awning and accessories secure

Monthly Checks:

  • ✅ Bearing condition
  • ✅ Brake pads and shoes
  • ✅ Suspension components
  • ✅ Battery condition
  • ✅ Jockey wheel operation

Weight and Loading​

Know Your Limits:

  • Tare Weight - Empty vehicle weight
  • ATM - Aggregate Trailer Mass (max trailer weight)
  • GVM - Gross Vehicle Mass (max vehicle weight)
  • GCM - Gross Combination Mass (max combined weight)
  • Tow Ball Weight - Weight on tow ball (10-15% of trailer weight)

Loading Best Practices:

  • Heavy items low and over axles
  • Distribute weight evenly left/right
  • Secure all items (they become projectiles in accidents)
  • Fill water tanks at destination (not before travel)
  • Don't exceed manufacturer limits

Weigh Your Rig:

  • Use public weighbridge before first trip
  • Weigh fully loaded (including passengers, food, water)
  • Check individual axle weights
  • Reweigh if you add major accessories

Pre-Trip Planning​

Route Planning:

  • Check VanRoute for hazards
  • Identify alternative routes
  • Note low bridges and narrow roads
  • Plan fuel and rest stops
  • Check for road works

Emergency Planning:

  • Save emergency contacts
  • Note hospitals along route
  • Carry breakdown coverage details
  • Have backup communication (satellite phone in remote areas)

Driving Techniques​

Starting and Stopping​

Acceleration:

  • Accelerate gently and smoothly
  • Takes longer to reach speed with caravan
  • Watch engine temperature on climbs
  • Use lower gears for better control

Braking:

  • Start braking earlier than normal
  • Brake gently to avoid jackknifing
  • Electric brakes activate gradually
  • Never brake hard unless emergency

Hill Starts:

  • Use handbrake on steep hills
  • Select appropriate gear before moving
  • More throttle needed when towing
  • Don't roll back

Speed Management​

Safe Speeds:

  • Highway: 90-100km/h maximum (even if limit is 110km/h)
  • Wet roads: Reduce by 20km/h
  • Unsealed roads: 60-80km/h maximum
  • Narrow roads: 50-60km/h
  • Tight corners: 30-40km/h

Why Slower is Safer:

  • Longer stopping distances
  • Better stability and control
  • More time to react
  • Reduced sway
  • Better fuel economy
  • Less stress on vehicle

Speed Limits Don't Apply:

  • Posted limits are for cars
  • Towing/large vehicles should travel slower
  • Use your judgment
  • Don't be pressured by faster traffic

Cornering and Turning​

Before Corners:

  • Slow down BEFORE the turn
  • Select appropriate gear
  • Check mirrors for traffic behind
  • Signal early

During Corners:

  • Maintain steady speed (don't accelerate or brake)
  • Take wider line than cars
  • Watch for offtracking (rear tracks inside)
  • Caravan will cut corners

Tight Turns:

  • May need both lanes
  • Check for oncoming traffic first
  • Go very slow
  • Have spotter if tight
  • Consider reversing if too tight

Roundabouts:

  • Approach slowly
  • May need two lanes
  • Signal intentions clearly
  • Give way to traffic already in roundabout
  • Watch trailer path

Overtaking and Being Overtaken​

When Overtaking:

  • Need MUCH more distance than cars
  • Only overtake on straight, clear roads
  • Signal well in advance
  • Accelerate smoothly
  • Return to lane when fully past
  • Very difficult/dangerous when towing - avoid if possible

Being Overtaken:

  • Ease off throttle slightly
  • Move left if safe
  • Don't speed up
  • Don't brake suddenly
  • Let them pass safely

Slow Vehicle Turnouts:

  • Use them! They're for you
  • Pull over if 5+ vehicles behind
  • Let traffic pass
  • No shame in being slow - it's safe

Reversing​

Reversing with Caravan:

  • Turn steering wheel OPPOSITE to desired direction
  • Steer left to make caravan go right
  • Go VERY slowly
  • Use spotter outside vehicle
  • Small steering corrections
  • Practice in empty lot before trip

Reversing Tips:

  • Place hand at bottom of steering wheel
  • Move hand left = caravan goes left
  • Make small corrections
  • Stop and pull forward if getting worse
  • Take your time - no rush

Parking Reversing:

  • Walk the area first
  • Check for obstacles, overhead wires
  • Have spotter with radio/phone
  • Stop immediately if they signal
  • Use mirrors and cameras (but verify with spotter)

Caravan Stability​

Understanding Sway​

What is sway:

  • Side-to-side movement of caravan
  • Can lead to jackknifing
  • Very dangerous at speed
  • Caused by multiple factors

Causes of sway:

  • Too fast for conditions
  • Crosswinds or passing trucks
  • Improper weight distribution
  • Low tire pressure
  • Poor road surface
  • Overloading
  • Incorrect tow ball weight

Preventing sway:

  • Correct weight distribution
  • Proper tire pressures
  • Load heavy items low and forward
  • 10-15% of trailer weight on tow ball
  • Quality weight distribution hitch
  • Electronic sway control

If Sway Occurs​

DO:

  • ✅ Stay calm - don't panic
  • ✅ Ease off accelerator gently
  • ✅ Keep steering wheel straight
  • ✅ Let vehicle slow naturally
  • ✅ Apply trailer brake only (manual controller)
  • ✅ Pull over when safe

DON'T:

  • ❌ Hit brakes hard
  • ❌ Try to steer out of it
  • ❌ Accelerate
  • ❌ Make sudden movements
  • ❌ Continue at speed

Wind Conditions​

High Winds:

  • Strong winds affect large vehicles more
  • Reduce speed by 20-30km/h
  • Grip wheel firmly with both hands
  • Be prepared for gusts
  • Bridges and exposed areas are worst
  • Consider delaying travel in extreme winds (>60km/h gusts)

Passing Trucks:

  • Trucks create powerful wind
  • Slow down when passing or being passed
  • Grip wheel firmly
  • Expect push as truck approaches
  • Expect pull as truck passes
  • More pronounced with oncoming trucks

Crosswinds:

  • Reduce speed
  • Adjust for drift
  • Extra care on bridges
  • Watch for wind direction changes

Road Conditions​

Unsealed Roads​

Preparation:

  • Check road condition reports
  • Reduce tire pressure slightly (consult manual)
  • Secure all loose items
  • Check insurance coverage

Driving Techniques:

  • 60-80km/h maximum
  • Slow for corners and crests
  • Watch for corrugations
  • Increase following distance
  • Watch for loose stones
  • Dust reduces visibility

After Unsealed Roads:

  • Check for damage
  • Clean dust from brakes and bearings
  • Inspect tires
  • Re-torque wheel nuts
  • Restore tire pressures

Wet Weather​

Wet Road Driving:

  • Reduce speed by 20km/h minimum
  • Increase following distance (4+ seconds)
  • Brake earlier and gentler
  • Watch for aquaplaning
  • Avoid puddles (can unbalance vehicle)
  • Lights on at all times

Heavy Rain:

  • Pull over if visibility poor
  • Avoid flooded roads
  • Never drive through water over 30cm
  • Watch for hidden hazards
  • Roads slippery when rain first starts

Mountain Driving​

Ascending:

  • Select low gear before climb starts
  • Maintain steady throttle
  • Watch engine temperature gauge
  • Use pull-offs if needed
  • Don't change gears mid-climb if possible

Descending:

  • Select low gear BEFORE descent
  • Use engine braking (not brakes)
  • Check brake temperature at bottom
  • Pull over to cool brakes if needed
  • Never coast in neutral

Runaway Vehicle:

  • Use emergency escape ramps if available
  • Select lowest gear
  • Use handbrake if service brakes fail
  • Sound horn to warn others
  • Aim for safe place to stop

Common Hazards​

Low Bridges​

Approach:

  • Know your vehicle height
  • Slow down well before bridge
  • Verify clearance visually
  • Check across full width of bridge
  • If in doubt, find alternative route
  • Never assume you'll fit

Warning Signs:

  • Height shown on signs may be rounded
  • Measure from road surface (not gutter)
  • Road may have been resurfaced
  • Suspension compression reduces clearance
  • Air pressure changes vehicle height

Narrow Roads​

Navigation:

  • Slow to 40-50km/h
  • Use mirrors to check clearance
  • May need to straddle center line
  • Pull over for oncoming traffic if needed
  • Fold mirrors if required (check manual)
  • Use passing places

Tight Spaces:

  • Stop and assess if unsure
  • Walk ahead to check clearance
  • Have spotter guide you
  • Take it very slowly
  • Turn around if too tight

Wildlife​

Prevention:

  • Most active at dawn and dusk
  • Reduce speed in wildlife areas
  • Watch for eyes reflecting headlights
  • Animals often travel in groups
  • More prevalent in rural areas

If Animal on Road:

  • Brake firmly (straight line)
  • Don't swerve (causes accidents)
  • Sound horn
  • Better to hit small animal than jackknife

Emergency Procedures​

Brake Failure​

If Brakes Fade:

  • Stop using brakes (let cool)
  • Use engine braking
  • Pull over safely
  • Don't continue until fixed

If Brakes Fail Completely:

  • Use trailer brake (manual controller)
  • Shift to lower gears
  • Use handbrake gradually
  • Find safe place to stop
  • Sound horn to warn others

Tire Blowout​

If Tire Blows:

  • Hold steering wheel firmly
  • Don't brake suddenly
  • Let vehicle slow naturally
  • Pull over gradually
  • Turn on hazard lights

After Stopping:

  • Place warning triangle
  • Move away from traffic
  • Call for assistance
  • Don't change tire on busy road

Fire​

If Fire Occurs:

  • Pull over immediately
  • Turn off engine and electrics
  • Evacuate everyone
  • Call 000
  • Don't attempt to fight large fires
  • Move away (gas bottles can explode)

Fire Prevention:

  • Maintain electrical systems
  • Check for gas leaks
  • Don't leave gas on when driving
  • Carry fire extinguisher
  • Know how to use extinguisher

Rest and Fatigue​

Take Regular Breaks​

Break Schedule:

  • 15 minutes every 2 hours minimum
  • 30+ minutes every 4 hours
  • Never drive more than 10 hours in a day
  • Share driving if possible

Signs of Fatigue:

  • Yawning frequently
  • Heavy eyelids
  • Drifting in lane
  • Missing signs or exits
  • Can't remember last few km

If Fatigued:

  • Pull over immediately
  • 20-minute power nap
  • Walk around
  • Caffeine (short-term only)
  • Don't push through

Driver Fatigue is Dangerous​

  • As dangerous as drink driving
  • Kills 20% of road deaths
  • Slows reaction time
  • Reduces awareness
  • Cannot be overcome with willpower
  • Sleep is only cure

Summary: Safety Checklist​

Before Every Trip:

  • ✅ Vehicle checks complete
  • ✅ Weight within limits
  • ✅ Route planned with VanRoute
  • ✅ Weather checked
  • ✅ Emergency contacts saved

While Driving:

  • ✅ Appropriate speed
  • ✅ Regular breaks
  • ✅ Anticipate hazards
  • ✅ Stay alert and focused
  • ✅ Drive defensively

Remember:

  • You are responsible for your safety
  • VanRoute provides information, not guarantees
  • Always verify clearances visually
  • When in doubt, slow down or stop
  • Arrive safely, not quickly

Safe travels! 🚐