Two people suffered minor injuries after their caravan rolled near Dubbo in New South Wales yesterday.
Police said the 56-year-old driver and 58-year-old passenger were heading east on the Mitchell Highway in their Toyota LandCruiser when the drama unfolded.
“The vehicle was attempting to overtake another vehicle when the caravan started to sway and ultimately the caravan and land cruiser rolled,” Orana Mid-Western Police District Inspector Keith told the Daily Liberal newspaper. “The vehicle and caravan then slid 100 metres before coming to a rest, blocking the road … the occupants weren’t trapped.”
Police are still investigating the matter, and have urged any witnesses to come forward.
“When caravans sway, if the driver doesn’t correct this, it will continue swaying like a pendulum and ultimately will tip, which appears to have occurred,” said Inspector Ridley. “We just ask people who are towing caravans or trailers to be mindful and control when driving.”
*Comment below
All caravans should be fitted with ESC
All caravan should be fitted with ESC control to stop swaying
Please slow down or leave a hour earlier if you’ve got a deadline.
Hope their injuries are not serious and they get to continue their journey
If the speed says 110 kms you shouldn’t be doing 110 kms, I see it all the time
Iit all comes down to speed drive safley u always get there just remember u carrying to weights car and caravan we have a motorhome see it hPpen a the time it comes down to com.en scents
Big caravans and speed don’t mix but you see this time and time again on the roads. These accidents will continue to happen regardless of the conversation to prevent them.
You are absolutely correct.this is to only country in the world where people think they can go faster with a trailer behind them.
Strange that i have never seen this happen then. I have seen plenty of car accidents though. Just saying.
Caravans don’t need ESC if you tow them with the right vehicle.
The caravan needs to be packed properly so it is even with the ground. Not up one end & down the other.
I would have thought a Land Cruiser was the right vehicle
The caravan must be packed and balanced correctly by sharing the weight front and back.
A common misconception. Often require a significant suspension upgrade so as to allow towing decent size caravans.
My Van didnt come with ESC but had it fitted any way.Id never be with out ESC
What are esc??
Esc electronic stability control great technology but unfortunately a bandaid solution for incorrect loads
Carol esc apples the van breaks only if the sensor detects sideways movement. An onboard break control unit will do the same thing and then it will work on any trailer you hook up. Van starts to sway apply the controller van straightens up.
Little wonder then that this happens with frightening regularity. There is no such thing as ‘the right vehicle’ Caravans need to be matched to the manufacturer towing capability and GCM needs to be strictly observed. As this picture shows, even a landcruiser can fall over when towing. And that is usually caused by factors such as excessive speed, side wind and especially incorrect weight loading inside the van.
And cars don’t need ESC if you drive them properly, but in the real world it’s a good idea for both.
If you have to rely on electronic gear to control your rig,you have maybe got one that is more than you can handle.The idea that you have to have an “off-road’ van that sits a metre up in the air is cobblers.Their centre of gravity is too high,as is their wind resistance.There are few roads,tracks anymore that require such vans.Good luck to all.
We had a similar thing happen without overtaking. We had our off road van hit by a gust of wind and the sway started. Tried hard to correct but the wind didnt help and the van ended up on its side with the landcruiser up in the air at back but still attached. We had all the right gear and packed weight even and low. Van was high and wind hit it hard without warning. High off roaders take care.
Agree totally about off road vans. I tow a 22ft road star and have never had sway problems. Drive to conditions. Lowering your speed by 10kms won’t add much more time to your travelling.
Not all cases of caravan or trailer swaying in necessarily driver error – there are so many. reasons that can cause this. The most important thing is to pull the combination units out of the sway. I was always taught never to take foot of accelerator or brake, rather gently accelerate to pull the vehicles straight, then slow down if speed is too great.
Sandy, respectfully, accelerating exacerbates the swing. The correct thing is to gently brake. That’s what I have been taught…very recently. I guess I’ve just opened a can of worms with this post…but here goes.
I’m also a bit frightened about speeding up with the wobbles happening.
If you have your wits about you at the time, use your trailer brake hand control. Every tow vehicle should be fitted with one. Coming from a truck/ trailer background, it helped in a lot of situations. I’ve never had convey it out with my van. I pack accordingly to tow ball weights, and tyre pressures checked regularly.
Well daid applying that stops the swing straight away. I know.
Why not use your brake controller to slow the van down.
I understood the preferred approach is to activate the van brakes without applying the vehicle brakes.
Yes, accelerate to pull the unit being towed into a straighter line. Hence correct the sway. Sway often commences when the tow vehicle backs off the accelerator leaving the vehicle being towed trying to push. This is a common occurrence when reaching the crest of a hill and commencing a descent. Its pretty elementary really.
No it does not
We were taught this too. However when purchasing our first caravan 3 years ago we were told this is old school. We have since bought another van and again told same. Most new vans have esc these days and taking foot off is the right way to correct sway, allowing the van to think for itself and apply brakes to the wheels uncensored.
Definitely have the ESC/ electronic stability control system fitted to all caravan as this will prevent these accidents from happening
Impatience!! Arrogant and cant be behind another vehicle.. You are not the only one trying to get to your destination … now you won’t either.
Well said Ian, my exact same thoughts.
Speed!!! slow down 90klms is a comfortable speed and manageable, this comment is from a caravanner
I agree in fact i was yelled at the other day “Get off the road you moron”by an imbecile in the passenger seat of a car whilst doing 90K’s an hour comming through Coffs the other day.I must have been holding him up.however Karma got the driver some where down the road the car had been stopped by the police .I thought to my self “sucked in u dumb ass
Totally agree Sheila. I have been caravanning for over 20 years – never had an accident and only travel at 90kmh.
Once again we see the result of excessive speed whilst towing . that is why towing speeds for caravans or trucks should be set at 100kph maximum in all states . When will some people learn .
I see no mention of speed by either vehicle in this notice. In our travels, we have come across vans on the road travelling at less than 70kph. Accepted that some drive too fast, but the full details of this incident have not been stated. On initial acceleration to overtake, it sometimes only takes a sudden strong gust of wind to affect steering. Please note not all caravan accidents are caused by speed.
In Europe the minute you hang a trailer or caravan behind a vehicle you are restricted to 80kph.
the towing speed limit is 100kph
Caravaners need to slow down. Max speed should be set at 100kl mts per hr australia wide. Truck drivers also need to be more patient, they dont own the road. A lot of caravaners have never towed 2 ton or more and need to past a test at least once before being aloud on the road
Bruce I beleive 100kmh is the max speed in Australia.
Lots of oldies put the electric brakes on auto and cant understand that manual is far safer particularly when you know how to use the function properly, recomend all vanners to ask how if they think the easiest option is auto braking, a vanner must be in control of his van at all time, afterall there is no hurry is there.
Speed limits can range up to 110kmh. This speed is is usually on dual carriageways and some ‘A’ roads – and is well signposted!
when towing… the speed limit is 100kph
Speed limit should be 90 Kph for all vans
I agree with your statement
90km limit would be perfect
Doing 100km or even 110km per hour gets you to your destination about 10minutes sooner. Wow that’s certainly worth risking yours and other road users lives NOT
That little Button on your electric brake controller. Push it and engage your van brakes. Make sure when you controller is installed its easily visable and within reach
A real need for a special license for towing.
Caravaners need to concentrate and not forget what they are towing. Using the electtic controller properly can stabalise your caravan in many situations.
A caravanner has to concentrate.
Well put Ian. Arrogance, overestimating ability & inexperience along with impatience. Very CLEAR to me that’s the cause of this particular “accident” with the description given the vehicle & caravan were attempting to overtake. Better to be late than not arrive at all.
Have some consideration for other’s on the roads, they are Mother’s, Father’s, son’s, daughter’s, friends….. they deserve NOT to lose their lives because of others behaviors.
Sorry to be argumentative but Esc but believing that this technology will save you in all circumstances is NOT CORRECT. Sometimes you have to take control yourself maybe slow down apply brakes on van manually before geys to bad. Many people driving faster believing technology save them. Dangerous assume this
The day will come when everyone who wants to drive a 3.5 tonne motorhome or add alittle car behind, plus tow a caravan will have to complete some form of testing. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, if you weren’t in the vehicle that rolled, you are just venting a narrow sighted opinion. I hope the people involved are fine
Same old story, look how fast i can go i’m not going to be one of those old grey nomads djoing 90 to 95
Be smart slow down
If caravans are loadered properly this would not happen
Caravan center of gravity is the problem..every van in australia has the same problem..
I would like to know more details ie: the type and size of the van.
I can think of very few scenarios when you’re towing you need to be overtaking other vehicles. Simple.
I am a caravan repairer in WA and the majority of vans that come into our yard are grossly overload, even to the point on some the ball weight is anywhere between 80kg to 120kg over rating. When will owners be made accountable for overloading and insurance companies check the weight of the van after an accident. Also the gross weight of a caravan on the specification plate is the weight of the van with empty water tanks no gas bottles. Hope I haven’t offended anyone.
Hello Kerry .I honestly would not be concerned about offending anybody. After 40 odd years of towing .i have seen every example of moranic behaviour
As an ex trucky I was required to undergo & pass many tests to be able to safely drive & pull heavy loads.but a person with only a car licence is allowed to suddenly become proficient without any training or testing .what a crazy dumb system. John
You need stabiliser bars. We have seen so many caravans towing without these, especially single axle ones.
Accidents are exactly that, accidents. No one leaves home at the start of the day with the intention of being involved in one. Only the driver of the vehicle at the time is in the position to offer an explanation as to what event led to the ultimate disaster. ESC will automatically apply the caravans electric brakes to ultimately stop caravan sway. If you don’t have ESC and your van begins to sway, most information that I have read is to gently apply the van brakes manually via your controller whilst also gently accelerating. This will have the resultant effect of bringing your ring back in line. I have towed all over mainland Australia and Tasmania, my current caravan weighing 2.7T with off road set up. All the latest electronic gadgetry, be it in the tow vehicle or caravan does not override driver ability. Having said all that, accidents happen and we shouldn’t judge others when we were not the one in the drivers seat.
The towers are a qdanger to us all…even themselves.
80ks.oh.abd a towing test befire they can tow.
A truck only needs to pass you as you drive your caravan to set up a sway. I was taught don’t brake.. Bloomin hard not to… Speed. Van weight. How it is packed. Anti sway mechanisms… But ultimately if can be as simple as above…. Some severe judgements have been made without the full facts I feel…
very unfortunate.before you set out on your adventures please get your whole loaded rig weight tested by a professional no amount of stability devices will correct improper weight distribution yes there is a lot of different factors that can cause a sway but weight distribution is the leading cause dont be sucked into buying airbags or stability bars or any other gadgits by a person who has a little knowledge or who just wants to beef up there months income.ifyou need these gadgits theres an underlying problem.fix ththat first then maybe have a look at getting a stability device.opinions are like bums everyone has them.happy and safe travels
Im a caravaner , have been since 1980. Caravans should have speeds set to size of there vans. I believe 90 should be absolute maximum. I’ve been a trucky since 1972 and have seen many dangerous manouvers by caravaners, there known as wobble boxs that should tell you how some people drive . Slow down.
Glad to read you are ok,no one else injured car,caravan and stuff can be replaced. Agree 100 or less is a good speed to travel.
I have got a Curtis Swaybreaker. I think this is worth it’s weight in gold. The Swaybreaker stops any move meant of the caravan. I have towed our van with and without it. It is like chalk and cheese.
Before anyone starts to point the bone, we need to know exactly what took place at the time, that caused the incident. Only then will we be able to consider what could / should be done to deal with the cause/s of the incident.
Basically overtaking with a caravan which a lot of people do.who have not got enough experience & probably ovaloaded with everything but the kitchen sink, 7Star living 4 sum,not camping ,clamping.//& shouldnt be ovataking with that size anyway.Chillout Boys & girls ,Ladies & Jents. What happened to 80km or 90km .why are u or they going at speeds which they normally drive a car without a van at. A Compulsory mandatory 10 lesson in safety driving followed by a visit to road trauma departnent at emergency should help hey.I mean GET THE MESSAGE.
By the photoit appears that they were travellingdown a long down hill slope.
Now that ponders at what speed were they travelling.
I pull up our rig when ever the speedo gets around the 100klms. To bloody risky travelling at that speed towing a large rig.
Lucky they escaped with out any major injuries, but again another van roll over.
So many people blaming speed, like there’s a rollover angel that stops all rollovers if your speed is 90 not 100.
That’s why we have a 5th wheeler
I agree Steve. That’s why we have one to.Been to the USA and fifth wheelers are the norm. Seen very few caravans over there. Weight
ratio is critical and I think that is a big problem
wards and wI fitted an antisway bar to my 8.5 metre caravan and it stopped sway. You can purchase these at caravan suppliers. No need for expensive set ups. Easily fit yourself for around $120-150. Keeping ypur speed at 80 klm hr saves fuel and lives. After all you are on holidays. Slow down.
He was overtaking. Probably enough said! Most drivers are doing the speed limit or above these days, so why overtake in a van? I see many caravans and 4×4 with other trailers going way too fast. Most of these caravan owners have driven to & from work only, for years then get a big rig and trailer with no test to pass and off tgey go! Should have to have a heavy vehicle licence. It’s not about them, it’s about other road users they may kill..
Please note that it is reported the van and car slid on its side for a 100m that suggest speed was a factor 5 plus ton sliding on its side 100m? ?
There are a lot of impatient drivers who unfortunately have the dreaded combo of lack of experience ,& impatient.Basically should have there licence susoended & have a compulsory safety lesson.in the hope that the msg gets through.maybe even a hefty fine may help sink the MSG.
There are some excellent coments coming out of all of this.but having only been a caravaner for just 18 months it is just truley asstounding how many big 4×4 and mosterous caravans overtake us whilst we are doing 90 klms hr.if i was a copper id book the bloody lot of them.not even i know how to control a 5 to 6 tonne missile out of control.
Never travel with water tanks half full unless the tanks are baffled. If the van starts to yaw the inertia of the water
will add to the instability.
This happened to a friend of mine who was a very experienced driver/tower. Van was under loaded if anything and he still managed to roll it.
Hi i think most van accidents of late have been with high raised “offroad vans ” i feel low centre of gravity is a big safety factor when vaning along with correct weight distribution and of course a solid tow vehicle helps
All I can say is “Drive to the conditions”
Another case for training and licence endorsement
All caravans& trailers should be delivered with a certificate, stating correct wheel&axle alignment.
Personal experience with rear axle out by 6mm on 24′ Supreme Spirit, on roadking chassis
To say “most van accidents are with off road Vans” is absolute nonsense…
Most off road type vans are very stable with a good centre of gravity.
You might like to take a good look at the wheel location is situated in relation to the tow hitch. This and correct weight distribution leads to a good stable towing rig.
Some Auto Engineers believe no more than 2.6 ton should be towed by any landcruiser.
This because they believe that the manufacturer over state’s the towing ability of the vehicle and it’s general capabilities as a tow vehicle for the maximum 3.5 ton spec.
I own a landcruiser and have had 4 to date a great quality car but I do agree with the engineers.
Hard to comment on cause without knowing all the circumstances of the particular incident. As a caravaner I shudder when I see Van’s with stuff stacked on the rear bumper. I’ve seen extra spares, took boxes, jerry cans , out boards, firewood, you name it. I know this might upset some who do it but you need to have a look at the simulated modeling tests on the inet when loads are applied to the rear of Van’s. It’s scary to watch as it invariably and significantly increases fish-tailing. Add the other variables, wind, speed etc and it’s not if it’s when a rollover will occur. Don’ t twake the risk by loading the back bumper of a van with more than the manufacturer puts there.