For grey nomads eager to improve their on-their-road safety, the lack of clear information about the official cause of many of the caravan accidents they read about is a huge source of frustration.
South Australian police are attempting to fill some of the information void by releasing frightening images of a recent caravan rollover on the Stuart Highway … and telling travellers what they can do to make it less likely they are ever involved in a similar scene.
An elderly driver and passenger are lucky to be alive after the accident, which happened at the end of last month about 40 kilometres north of Coober Pedy.
Police say the driver lost control while attempting to overtake another vehicle which was also towing a caravan.
The ABC reports that the Isuzu SUV then rolled, destroying the caravan,
“This incident had the potential to cause death or serious injury,” police said. “Thankfully there were no serious injuries to the two elderly occupants.”
The other vehicle was ‘untouched’.
Police have once again warned drivers to ensure items are stored securely, and to double check the condition of their car and caravan, including couplings, chains, brakes and tyres.
“Accelerate, brake and steer smoothly and gently to avoid swaying and slow down when larger vehicles pass in either direction to avoid swaying caused by wind buffering,” police said. “Allow for extra time when overtaking — and for the extra size of the caravan … make sure there is no oncoming traffic when overtaking.”
Unfortunately, many people should not tow caravans. Also, it is unfortunate that the vast majority of people towing caravans are in their latter years, and their reflexes are naturally slower. The instances of these types of accidents will only increase’
Sometimes quicker reflexes exasperate the problem. There is no place for a car towing a caravan to make any quick change of direction or a quick attempt to correct a mistake. The driver must look ahead of the vehicle in front, and plan any gentle changes of direction, and, plan for the driver ahead to do something unexpected/stupid as well. Learn to crawl before you walk, and learn to walk before you run. Be aware of how your vehicle, and caravan particularly, is going to react to strong gusty side winds, and strong head winds which can strike hard from passing trucks (both directions) at 60 kph, before driving at 80kph, before driving at 100kph.. There will be movement of both car and caravan, and you must be prepared to not react spontaneously. If you do, and the car is pointing off the road, steer straight, braking gently to almost a stop, even if it means that you will leave the bitumen, before trying to return to the bitumen.. You want a rollover ?, just try to steer back onto the bitumen, a far too higher speed, 20kph can be too fast. Better to be upright in the gravel/mud, than suffer a rollover.
Well said Tracey
It isn’t age that causes accidents, it is lack of experience
Many people won’t like your comment, but unfortunately it’s true
I can only concur with this comment. We have just completed about 8500 km’s through a loop about north QLD and back to NSW. Some of the overtaking maneuvers and general driving by caravaner’s was very poor to say the least. Pulling out in front of traffic to”just get ahead”. Speeding whilst towing. I remember travelling at 100km/hour on the Capricorn Highway near Emerald and being overtaken by two caravaner’s apparently travelling together. The speed limit was 100 km/hour and the drivers were not young. You really shake your head and wonder.
Tony you are way off the mark! The vast majority of so called to use your word, older drivers are very careful and aware of their responsibilities. In our opinion, the problem is the younger Turks who must overtake at any cost, and most seem very unaware of the risks!
Speed speed speed is the worst when towing
Steady steady slower slower is your friend
80-90 is perfect for holiday towing. Much much better fuel economy too at those speeds.
Yes a few cars will bank up but let them pass at each opportunity and everybody is happy.
Ant, your last statement is the key/ “LET THEM PASS AT EACH OPPORTUNITY”. This keeps people happy yet so many caravanners seem to think they are entitled to just cruise along and forget about others. Thanks for doing the right thing. Stay safe and enjoy your travels!
They have no problem speeding up though as soon as they hit an overtaking lane!!!
I totally agree with your comment Ant
Couldn’t agree more.
Was driving on the Pacific Hwy. yesterday without our van, doing 110km. sometimes 115 going downhill and was caught and passed easily by a ute and big van.
What the hell is the big hurry or is it just showing off?
Yes I was on the road got 5 yrs in a Jayco 28 ft RV and I seen it all speed speed speed is the man factor along with new additions added boxes ,genies,extra solar panels bike racks all lead up to unbalanced swaying which some have no idea . Plus they take medication happy hour add a few beers or 2 and it’s recipe for disaster
We have spent the last 3 mths on the road including the Stuart highway, Barkly and other less developed ones. Yes we have met and seen those ” gotta get there first ” grey nomad brigade who overtake stupidly but it is not just the oldies. Suddenly there are 100s of vans, camper trailers and hybrids being driven by 30 -40 plus age groups full of families who havent got clue about driving safely while towing. Lost count of the number of times we’ve been forced off the road, been showered by stones from oncoming traffic sort of sharing the one lane but ripping past at 120kph on the black soil or dirt verges. They may scoff at our 90kph , but there be a very bad accident soon with these younger road warriors and their families.
Not only grey nomads, it’s the young families who just want to make the days travel, they miss half the important things to see because the kids are asleep let’s go. Whereas if you plan two or three hundred a day you get to see things and Andre safe and calm. We see blotting all the time.
Should be mandatory for all those towing about 750kgs to pass a towing test and for licence to be endorsed as such.
I totally agree. You have to have a boat licence, car licence, motorbike licence and even a gun licence, but they allow anyone to put a few extra tonne on the back of a car but don’t teach people or expect them to pass a test to do so. I recently had to tow our large van as my husband couldn’t drive and l was packing myself, even though l have towed all our smaller vans for years. As l am getting older the confidence isn’t as good. Even though l towed at the speed required, l still pulled off at safe areas to let people pass as it was a busy time on the road. I would not mind sitting a course in how to hitch up correctly, (even though my husband has showed me) and how to secure everything and backing as l would be lost if l had to do that. Hubby let’s me have a go if l want but l would rather someone teach me with thier van attached, not mind A booklet, course a d testing regularly is a safer way for everyone on the road. As someone said, there are people out there towing that should not be doing so, the are a menace to others and it is dangerous.
Have W.A. B TRUCK licence had to have for work
Used for tow truck towing heavy vehicles,retired now,
Never forgot HOW TO READ THE ROAD.well ahead of you.
just using your loaf.
Many years ago after we bought our first Rig; a Landcruiser with Coromal Silhouette attached; before we tackled the Cape roads we both did an off-road training course out of Cairns. The day long course; with licensed trainer; took in 4WD theory, river crossings, hill climbing and reversing down hill, emergency braking, travelling down washed out tracks, sand, rocks, corrigations, recovery from being bogged and much more. A few days later we tackled the Telegraph Track and at Palm Creek our first creek crossing after Bramwell Junction Roadhouse we may have turned back and taken the bypass road! We managed “The Track” except for Gunshot and the Log Bridge which would not have happened with out the training.
I AGREE WHOLEHEARTEDLY.
Any newbies should take a mandatory caravan towing test.
Have been towing vans for 30 + years and unfortunately have seen many avoidable accidents.
Overloading, not correct loading as well as speed is a factor in most reports that I see.
I support Tony that before one takes to the road towing a caravan or
even tandem or car trailers, boat, horse float a towing course should be a mandatory requirement.
During the stay at home 2020 I undertook a refresher towing course with the RAA which was both educational and beneficial
Please enlighten me why are there car accidents whether they be single or involving two cars colliding, do we say they also need a special licence to drive a car? No I believe the solution is education and a whole lot of common sense which we all know does not exist . Drivers make mistakes for what ever reason who knows, driving to conditions and knowing your rig or set up is paramount. Driving with a gung ho attitude is a problem we can all do with out.
So true.
Not sure if its speed that caused this prang. But for as long as I can remember back in my school years the main focus on road safety was “SPEED KILLS”
Still today this message just does not get through to some people…Im convinced now there will always be some speeding drivers.
So would get to next destination 40 km away … 2 minutes faster. Whoops they will never make!
In the last 41/2 years on the road travelling Australia as grey nomads we have seen many big boxy rigs doing 120 klm and swaying they are frightening to watch. Towing speeds should be 90 kph. We do that speed and be mindful of truckies buses and other travellers towing caravans etc.
we are never in a rush to get anywhere. Leave early take your time and enjoy your day , it’s so easy to lift your foot off the peddle and let others pass safely.
Totally agree. We have MH towing car and usually keep to around 85-90 and just enjoy the journey whilst being mindful to get out of way of trucks etc where safe to do so. We have been amazed at number of caravans that go hurtling past, seemingly in a great hurry to get to next stop and have seem some scary swaying as they swing back in.
Agree Alan and bill.
We have been on the road for the past four years and tend to sit on around 90km communication on a CB helps inform more so truckies when it’s safe to pass which they seem to appreciate. Unfortunately there are so many vanners that do not have CB installed.
I do the same and, “Yes” the truckers really appreciate it. A CB is invaluable to keep the peace and to find out what’s happening on the road. I just need to get that profanity filter installed…
Van’s should be not be trying to do speed limit as safe speed is 90km max. They should not be overtaking. The pressure to keep up with the traffic especially from truck has resulted in van driving too fast. Letting traffic pass is also difficult when roads are busy because you will spend all your on the side of the road. Laws need to changed so Van’s and breaker trailer can safely travel at lower speeds without truck and traffic putting pressure on slower vehicles.
Speed doesn’t kill, otherwise every race car driver would be dead. But it certainly gets you into a lot of trouble, if you haven’t got the experience to match the speed your driving, or the vehicle you are towing, or you do things which inconvenience other road users. Keep in mind some drivers who drive at 80-90kph, are fearful, do not have great control of their poorly loaded caravans/trailers, and your 30 ft caravan passing them at 110 kph is going to put the fear of God into them., and, give them a side wind deflection, which will fearfully drop their speed another 15 kph. Note: Get an experience towing driver, to load your caravan/trailer with all your gear and test drive it around bends and corners, at 100kph, if it’s edgy, reload it to correct the handling, or unload some of the crap. If it’s loaded properly you should comfortably go around corners safely, and if necessary, be able to slightly change direction half the way around the corner, if necessary. (as a bit of an extra safety buffer).
As a truck driver I have seen all sorts of caravan/tow vehicle combinations of the roads and unfortunately sometimes the mess after mishaps. Most I have to say, suffer from a tow vehicle that is unsuitable for the size of van they are towing. Most of the dual cab 4×4 fraternity should not be towing what they are. Manufacturers claim 3.5 ton towing capacity but that capacity doesn’t take into account real road conditions or driver experience. All of these tow vehicles weigh far to little and are underpowered for the loads they are towing. The Ram and Landcruiser brigade have far safer tow vehicles due to their weight and usable power. Also the practice of towing at 80-90kmh is downright dangerous on the open road. These people spend $100’s of thousands on vans and vehicles yet tow at sub speed limit speeds to save fuel. Give it a rest. I own a petrol V8 Landcruiser and tow my 3.2 ton van on holidays at 110kmh comfortably. Whether it frugality, fearfulness or just plain inexperience, some caravaners need to be removed from the road.
So how does extra power make safer towing??????
How is towing at 80 90 dangerous??? Is it because some people want to 110 yet can’t overtake even if they are in a LandCruiser towing a van ???
A crash at 80/90 or 110 who,s vehicle is going to be more damaged no matter what the make.
The real threat on the road are people who can’t work out speed kills.
So speed is this answer??
Why is it in any vehicle boat, car, truck, train, motorbike , pushbike when the operator can see an imminent accident they go for the brakes.
They must be trying to slow down. I wonder why
There must be some logic travelling slower is actually safer.
Don’t agree that towing van at 110 is safe. We are currently touring in WA where speed limit for towing is 100 although we have seen many obviously ignoring that. There must be reason WA consider 100 to be a safe towing speed.
Hi john. 100k right speed .
Live in W.A. still get headbangers doing 110.
Totally agree with all your points. Extremely well written.
I guess you don’t drive in NSW or WA – NSW Road Rules state “100kph limit for any vehicle and trailer combination over 4.5 tonnes.” (Rule 21(2))
Wayne, it is your type of attitude that puts other drivers under pressure to go faster. The speed limit is just that, the maximum speed at which you are allowed to travel. If a driver decides that they want to drive at 80km per hour in a 110km zone then that is their right so be patient. The world will not stop because you cannot travel at the limit or beyond.
I agree with most of your comment Wayne. I too am a retired MC Truck Driver (road-train/b-double) and now a grey nomad enjoying our modest size van for full time travelling. However, I don`t mind people towing their van at 90 kph as long as they don`t speed up when you go to overtake, which far too many do and they keep a safe distance appart so that you can get back in once you have overtaken them. It amazes me how many travel in a convoy at far too close together, for anyone overtaking to get back in safely after overtaking them. Then we get some moron truck drivers like a recent one I came across on a regional road in NSW, who appeared in my mirror coming up behind me at great spead and I was travelling a 105kph in a 100zone. This moron then tailgated me so close that I couldn`t even make out his number plate in my rearview camera and he swayed from side to side like a maniac. Then we came to a straight, where he could easily, he wouldn`t and still tried to intimidate me, by sticking to me like glue. I pulled over in the next town to take down his details, but he sped past me in his semi-trailer towing portable toilets. Unfortunately, there are also far too many truck driver on the road with this type of attitude and they should be taken off the road permantly. WTF are these morons thinking?
Looks like the van is/was a fairly new Jayco Silverliner with a slideout which generally has an ATM above 3T. The tow vehicle is/was an Isuzu MU-X, which has a manufacturers` towing limit of 3T. Say no more.
In addition to what Wayne has said. Many of the twin cab utes are well beyond their legal towing limit when fully loaded with all the “toys/tools” people take away. If owners care to check their vehicle spec’s (KERB WEIGHT, MAX PAYLOAD, GVM and GCM) they will find most (not all) twin cab utes are only legally allowed to tow approx. 2.8T when the car is fully loaded, not the stated 3.5T or 3.0T you see in marketing blurb. How many utes have you seen on the road that have added bull bars, roof rack fully loaded with Al. boats, rear tray fully loaded, rear canopy, added over size wheels and tyres, all these items add to the cars GVM before you add the fuel and passengers. Many vans weight close to this 2.8t limit when they are EMPTY (tare). If you don’t understand the acronyms are, please do yourself a favour and look them up. I also agree that vanners should have a special licence. Why? Car kerb Mass around 2T (most are over this), add some “stuff” in the car then Vehicle mass becomes around 2.5T easily, fully loaded van approx. 2.5 to 3T (some much more), total 4.5T or more, in NSW you need a special licence to drive a 4.5T truck.
We’ve travelled thousands of miles towing our van, and amongst all the other comments, I think weights and measures is THE most neglected part of educating caravanners of any age. If people take the time to study and understand these principles of GVM/ATM/GVM of car and van, together with calculating correct tyre pressures, many of the other problems perhaps could be avoided or at least far reduced. Next time you’re stopped for the night, take a look around the park and you’ll be amazed what people are towing with an obviously underrated tug. Generally, we travel at 90-95kph and use our radio to communicate with other road users – it’s courtesy and it works well for everyone’s safety. Impatience kills…BJ & Kez.
I am a retired truck driver and now travel in an 8 metre motorhome. We were recently travelling north on the Bruce Highway north of Marlborough in the 110 kph zone travelling at 105 kph. & 2 B Doubles overtook us. I have no idea what speed they were travelling at, but it was more than the 100 kph truck are speed limited to. The trucks were blue ones, of which there are many from the same company on the roads
If speed doesn’t kill…
What happened to Peter Brock..??
It wasn’t the speed it was the sudden stop
Speed kills it’s that simple. It is completely foolish to think otherwise
Two people jump in identical cars and drive at a solid wall. One does 120 one does 80. Who has a better chance of survival. The only difference in this scenario is SPEED.
This absolute nonsense of loading a van then “testing” to see if it is “edgy” is one of the most stupid things I have ever heard.
It’s a real worry to know there are people out there that think it’s a good idea and speed doesn’t kill. Thinking speed doesn’t kill is exactly why people are killed on the road
Wow…speed doesn’t kill..??…does that mean everyone towing a Caravan is a racing car driver…
You shud apply as a Caravan towing instructor then there will be no more Caravan accidents. Cheers.
Incorrect loading or speeding.
Can’t see much else.
It seems that the real reason for caravanned problems when overtaking or being overtaken is that there is a negative pressure developed between two high sided vehicles. This low pressure causes the two vehicles to be sucked together. Then the driver (experienced, or not) will try to pull the vehicle away. Then the next thing that happens is that the towed vehicle will pull away violently and get the swing happening in the other direction. This swing will be exaggerated and the caravan will find itself way out to the right hand side. So the frightened deriver will then try to correct this swing and the result is that the caravan finishes up on its side and will normally be written off.
There is a simple way to overcome all of this from happening – If the overtaking vehicle moves as far out to the right hand side to increase the clearance this low pressure will not be generated and the overtaking manoeuvre can be achieved without any dramas.
There is another gem of advice that can be provided – If you want to overtake a slower vehicle, do it on an uphill section rather than a downhill part of the road. This will avoid being forced to increase speed during the overtaking which gets you into an uncomfortable zone.
There seems to be a lot of talk about speed causing these accidents, but I firmly believe that speed is one of the factors, but not the primary cause.
You cannot legislate against stupid. The driver had zero business overtaking, a dangerous maneuver in a good car alone let alone a car and van its just negligent
The car manufacture determines the correct speed for towing. My Ford Territory manual has a sliding scale for various weights of the van. My van weight fits in to the 90 to 95 Kph towing speed for my Territory. I usually sit on 90kph, less if weather dictates a slower speed. I have not had any issues following the manufacturers advice/instruction. And it appears correct as the fuel usage is best for me in this range.
It’s seems to me that the fashion now is for higher and higher clearance off-road vans.
I’m quite sure many of them rarely see a dirt road.
As there is no governing body at all regulating the building ,
I believe they are now being built too top heavy.
I saw a new van being towed out of the sellers yard last week that was so high on its suspension that it was swaying before it even got to the road. I’m not surprised they are rolling over.
At last some one else sees the stupidity of higher center of gravity big baggy tires generating heaps of sway in a slightest wind, or change of direction. Years ago drop axels with 13″or 14″ wheels were standard the low center of gravity made towing much safer, I towed a 28′ Viscount tri axle all over North western Queensland on what they called Highways in the 70’s these days they would class these as 4×4 tracks , you wouldn’t go far with these new high vans without tipping them over on those old roads.
Totally agree with most comments, tyre pressure is also very important.
I’m surprised that there’s been no mention of load distribution (specifically tow ball weight) though admittedly it’s impossible to tell after the event if load distribution was unsafe. If tow ball weight is insufficient – or worse, negative – loss of stability at high speed is inevitable, and there will be a threshold speed where the combination suddenly becomes unstable.
A one-minute video demonstration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mW_gzdh6to
Article that cites research: https://outbacktravelaustralia.com.au/driving-towing-towing/towball-weight-and-trailer-stability/
Sure, exceeding a speed which is safe for the conditions of the road is a problem, but this is already policed. Unfortunately though a main issue is the amount of people out there towing who simply should not be on the road. They can be easily identified from a distance, no towing mirrors, rig not correctly set up and balanced, some with front wheels barely touching the ground, tow vehicle not rated for the load it is pulling. Some people don’t know, but others just don’t care. They are driving around the country, but for some reason invisible to all law enforcement officers. These are dangerous no matter what speed they are doing.
Many causes. One solution. Fit a frictional sway control hitch.
what is a ‘frictional sway control hitch”? is it a special hitch? different to the numerous ones i have researched?
I agree with most of the comments ( I didn’t read them all !) Firstly overtaking a “slower’ rig will need the passing rig to get up to a dangerous speed ( any research on this? ),Secondly , and very importantly , fatigue can drastically reduce reflexes. Thirdly, technical solutions ( WDH and sway control ) can help , but not override poor loading , incorrect tyre presures and general maintenance. Mike , I really appreciated your video clip , and wondered when a van is purchased , could Vicroads put a little package together and a small ” knowledge test”. I think an hour spent learning, could go a long way to saving lives.
Yes, there are more accidents, most of these issues have to do with load distribution
But, let’s not get a knee jerk rations here, it comes down to % of vans on the road and the vast number of kms travelled
When you do that you will find there are no more accidents on a % basis as there were years ago when there were less vans on the road and shorter distances travelled
Seems to me there are too many caravans that are heavier than the tow vehicle so the tail (caravan) wags the dog (tow vehicle) – simple physics – I deliberately chose a caravan that weighs less than my tow vehicle, and load both vehicles carefully, and have encountered no problems towing at 100kph WHEN the conditions allow that. Reading the road further up ahead is important too. Been towing for 50 years without an incident. And I’ve survived 30 years of motor racing. It is plain common sense that knowing your abilities and your combined vehicle’s limits, and driving within those in the conditions encountered, is paramount for safety.
Driving long distances at 80kph on an open, good road causes loss of concentration too – unsafe IMO.
WOW!!! some interesting comments.
We travel at 80kms on good roads. Now and then the cruiser wants to race ahead, but!!! I am the jockey, and I pull it back to 80. Very rarely do I pass any vehicle. In the 100 klms trip between outback towns we arrive only 15 to 20 later the speeding van. But We arrive safe. Truckies get right of way with a big THANK YOU. No so from the general driving public. Happy days and safe travel to all incl Grey Nomads like us.
Jay&Dee
All down to the simple thing.
THE MOST IMPORANT NUT ON A VEHICLE IS THE NUT BEHIND THE WHEEL.
With age usually comes experience. Its people in a hurry that are often the cause of an accident. We all need to learn to slow down. Yes certainly some people should not be towing caravans. Some people are so short they should not be driving a car when they can barely see anything over the dash. There will always be irresponsible people on the road who put their own considerations before the safety of others. Ongoing education is the solution.
if you’re towing and another vehicle, with or without a van, wants to overtake, be sensible and courteous, slow down safely, and use your blinkers to advise the overtaker if safe or not to overtake you. it’s not always the overtaker at fault. remember, it takes two to tango.
What I don’t understand is why is it necessary to tow a complete house with you when you go on holiday. So many caravans are too big to be on the road and when you see the car/4WD towing them you wonder how it can be safe to have a van heavier than the tow vehicle, most struggle to go faster than 80km per hour and so many are poorly set up with the van nose down and the tow vehicle nose up, not good.
Ex truckie towing a van at 110 km/hr picks up more speed down hill why ex if retired might be time to hang up the spurs and saddle & & enjoy the trip & let the passengers release the grip & get some colour back into the nuckles