Hints to towing a caravan.

Saddling up for a caravanning trip can be very exciting. Getting out on the open road and exploring this vast country of ours can make for some treasured memories.

Caravans are the perfect way to travel with the creature comforts of home.  Of course, you need to be sure your vehicle can tow the weight of your caravan of choice.

We also recommend for novices that they undertake a caravan towing course to teach the basics of towing, reversing, and hitching.  

So, with the above out of the way, and before you wave adios to the house, whether you are a novice or a seasoned caravan tower, Transtate Tyre & Suspension Services recommend you read on for our hints to towing a caravan. You many just learn something new!

Check your tyres – ensure they are properly inflated and you are carrying fully inflated spares for the vehicle and the caravan.

 

Check your mirrors – ensure they are operational and you can see beyond the sides of the caravan for safety. 

Check your brakes – ensure your brake fluid is topped up and your brakes are fully functional as they will now be stopping a larger payload with the weight of the caravan. 

Check the outside of the caravan – do some basic checks on the caravan to ensure everything seems in place. Make sure the hitch is securely fixed, the jockey wheel is up, the handbrake off and anything carried on the outside of the van is secured so not to cause any accidents. 

Check inside the caravan - everything needs to be well secured inside the caravan and weight evenly distributed. Check no gas bottles are on

Drive smoothly – maintain your speed at the appropriate speed limit and anticipate any upcoming lights without having to slam on your brakes with a caravan in tow.

Be courteous – towing can be a slower operation so move to the slow lane and let other motorists pass safely.

Swing wide – the caravan will need more room to make it around a corner than the car so swing wide to allow it to safely turn the corner. 

No risky manoeuvres – overtaking with a caravan takes more time than with just a car. Allow plenty of time if you plan to overtake anyone and only do so if safe. 

Steady climb up – if travelling up steep hills, keep to a steady speed and avoid coming to a complete stop where possible. 

Slow climb down – if coming down off hills, apply brakes and use gears to maintain engine speed and reduce wear and tear on your brakes. 

Use a guide – if you have a travelling companion, let them hop out and use them as a guide to help you safely reverse the caravan into a position or when parking.

Transtate Tyre & Suspension Services have 3 convenient locations at Belconnen, Tuggeranong and Queanbeyan and we are happy to check the tyres on your vehicle or your caravan before you head off on your next road trip.

If you need new tyres or spares, our professional tyre technicians can recommend, supply and fit a wide range of tyres depending on your vehicle. 

We can also take care of any log book servicing you may wish to do before you go as well as wheel balancing and wheel alignments to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible. 

Talk to our friendly team at our Belconnen store on 02 6253 2244, Tuggeranong on 02 6293 2538 or Queanbeyan on 02 6299 6747.

All our products are of the highest quality and our workmanship is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee.