Novice nomad, Philip Drew, weighs into the safe caravan towing debate.
‘I’m currently on the road around Australia and would support voluntary training, particularly if it could be made affordable … maybe a combination of theory and practical modules.
I would not consider myself to have enough experience, especially when backing, however I am getting better.
What I can claim is to use common sense when towing, particularly with respect to the following: Just because the speed limit says 100km/h, 110km/h or even up to 130km/h it doesn’t mean that is what you should travel at!
I am surprised at the number of large vans with big ute / truck type vehicles doing these speeds.
Reversing into tight spots takes practice ... and Philip reckons he could benefit from a training course.. PIC: Cizza
The best thing I have added is two rear caravan cameras (one high for general on-road use and one low for backing) which make it very easy (together with vehicle mirrors), so I have plenty of time to see what is coming and be able to manage situations including pulling off to the side to allow big trucks and caravans to pass.
The next best thing is the CB radio and I have been able to regularly communicate with the big road trains so, again, I can pull over when safe or slow down as the truck starts to overtake. I have resisted adding big boxes and an array of heavy attachments to my van but I am amazed at some of the additions and placement on some vans.
I weigh every item that comes in and out of my van and regularly run both car and van over a weighbridge before heading off. I have purchased a ball weigh scale and regularly check my ball weight and adjust the load as and when required.
I normally sit on around 90km/h but find a very small minority of caravanners sitting on around 80km/h speed up to a 100km/h when you go to past them.
Go figure.
Finally, like a minority of other caravanners when travelling in convoy with friends, I never sit that close to the other caravan that anyone wanting to pass has to pass two caravans at the same time, certainly doesn’t impress a 37-metre road train.
I emphasise I am a novice and certainly could benefit from practical training, but using common sense does go a long way.’
All makes sense
Well said
For a novice driver you are doing the right thing, just wish some others would learn the same lessons and think about all the above
Everything on your list is sensible. Thank you.
If the course was affordable I would do it. $650 for 1 day and then the long travel to get there seems difficult. TAFE should do it. Be more accessible
Intending to join the nomad circle next June. My partner and I have an old 85 Viscount and an offroad camper circa 90’s, obviously depending on what we want to experience will depend upon the choice of trailer we will tow. All that aside, i’m constantly looking at what is around us and my partner is all too eagle eyed as well, moreso than me I add, which helps enormously. Anyway, long story short, I don’t like to travel too fast as this can cause sway plus the fuel burns too readily.
As a Caravaner, Motor Home and road user. I totally agree with All your comments. Let’s use Common Sense and give all road user a little help when on the roads. Cheers.
Unfortunate, Phillip, but my experience shows that all too often, there is no ‘common’ in ‘common sense’ as each of us has different skills, and thus behaviours, depending on how well we have been taught…or NOT taught.
I would have thought there is a pretty good argument for passing a basic towing skill course (to be standardised nationally), before being allowed to take delivery of a van…or a trailer of any description, IF the statistics show that the number of crashes involving ‘new’ or inexperienced drivers is indeed rising.
16/8/23
I would agree with you Steve, but only for ALL the New Caravan, Campervan, RV, buyers as I believe that there are so many of them out there who haven’t even towed a 6×4 trailer let alone a caravan before. This is evident in some of their driving, skills, knowledge, and travel setups (mirrors, ‘Do Not Overtake Turning Vehicle-Lengths, etc). Yes there are some out there now towing a van that I would call a ‘Sail Boat’ due to the size, length and width of them and the small size of the tug. You see the van before you see the tug towing it.
Happy travels in this great country.
Tim
Hi Phillip
Like you I tend to tow at around 90-95 kmh as these are the speeds at which I feel most comfortable and which I believe are the most fuel eficient.I have been towing caravans of various sizes for the last 40 or so yearsl
It is amazing how much flack I experience on various caravan Facebook caravan sites when I mention these speeds from members who say if I cant travel at the maximum speed limits then I should not be towing a caravan. I just shrug my shoulders and ignore them.
Like you I use a camerand mirrors to keep a close eye on what is behind me and when I get a lot of little ducklings pull over when possible to let them past.
Happy travelling..
John
Hi John
I agree with you, I don’t have a rear camera but I do use extension mirrors and also have a UHF Radio that has paid for itself over and over with what is happening on the roads and detours, Heavy Vehicles with overtaking.
My speed is like 90-95 kph, but that can be less given the state of many roads. As I have stated in my earlier item, I do a lot of driving for a motor dealership, and the number of caravans that I see without extn. mirrors and traveling at the stated speed is absolutely astonishing. I also see a lot of these same caravaners with children’s bikes on them and having been a first responder for some 30 years, I cringe at the site of these irresponsible drivers.
Happy travels and enjoy this great country,
Tim
This is a dam good article that I believe should be on the blogs of all social media that have anything to do with RV/Caravanning as it is exactly what I have believed for a long time. His paragraph at the beginning of adding 2 cameras and “still including his mirrors” is excellent as I have been travelling around for some years with caravan and general driving and the number of new banners and RVs that 1. don’t have extendable mirrors or UHF radio is around 85% 0f the total lot I have seen this year(2months) so how do they get on with the trucking industry drivers let alone other road users is unbelievable and when you stop to talk to them about it they tell you to pull your head in I’ll do it my way even if its against the law of all states I believe that the Law Enforcement and State Road Safety Inspectors should be pulling these caravans over and weighing them as well as fining them for not having the correct mirrors,. Unfortunally they wouldn’t be able to enforce UHF radio use but they could advise of the safety that comes with having 1 fitted. The ‘Truck Friendly’ site is a very good site to go to for correct information. Sorry that’s my rant for the month at this stage.
I only do 90 klm this I find is good for my economy and gives the passing vehicle 20klm up his sleeve to pass. I call it nomad 90.At this speed Im comfortable to handle any issues that may arise in front of me. If a truck passes me when he is out on the other side of the road i slow down and flash my lights to him to tell him he has room to pull in front of me.