Grey nomads are again being warned about the dangers of overweight and poorly loaded caravans and tow vehicles.
Police say that they contribute to nearly half the number of crashes in Queensland in which the vehicle towing the caravan is at fault.
Sergeant Brett Vinson, himself a keen caravanner, analysed traffic crashes over 2020 and 2021 and found that, in the majority of accidents involving caravans, the driver had lost control … and being overweight or incorrectly loaded was one of the major factors involved.
He told the North West Star that misunderstandings of vehicle manufacturers’ recommendations were contributing to those results.
“Vehicle manufacturers state that their vehicle can tow 3.5 tonnes, which it can, but then you can’t load the car up,” he said. “It’s not telling the whole story of towing capabilities … people put generators, jerry cans and bikes on the back, or the van could have full water tanks at the back but empty ones at the front.”
In addition, vehicles could be weighed down with a bullbar and other accessories, passengers and luggage.
Sgt Vinson said travellers had to keep as much weight over the axles and as low down as possible and that, as a rule of thumb, about 10% of a caravan’s weight should be on the towball.
The cost to life, medical bills and loss of possessions from caravan crashes is resulting in an increased presence of police on Queensland roads with weighing scales as an awareness-raising exercise.
A police spokesperson said these were located at Roma, Rolleston, Yeppoon water police, Atherton Tablelands, and Thargomindah police districts.
And, on a post on the Safe Weight NSW Facebook page, the author claimed to have been pulled up by police at Capella for a roadside breath test and caravan weight check. He said that, of the 72 caravans and motorhomes weighed, 65 were found to be overweight.
Sgt Vinson said Caravan Queensland ran regular weighing days along with the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
“It’s important to go along as if you’re heading off on holidays,” he said. “You drive onto the scales and someone discusses all these things with you … it’s something people should learn about before they buy, otherwise they’re up for either a new car or a new caravan, if they don’t match up.”
There is NO legal Mass Measuring Guidelines for Light Vehicles under 4.5t anywhere in Australia so NO mass measurements taken by police etc are legal and fines cannot be handed out. State Parliaments have to draw up legislation etc etc. Until this happens many caravanners will pretty well ignore anything. Ask any mobile Measuring setup just what their MMA (Mass Measuring Adjustment) is to allow for the variables such as operator error, calibration, level ground etc. For an idea of the sort of hoops that must be sorted check out the Mass Measuring Guidelines for Heavy Vehicles over 4.5t. (Google it)
There probably doesn’t need to have any guidelines in any state for police to take the matter to court. Once a court finds in favour of the prosecution case, it provides a precedence. The true test would be for the defendant to appeal the case to a higher County court, and case law to be created, either for or against the appellant!
I lost control of my caravan and tow vehicle due to a diesel spill on the highway at Taree NSW several years ago. Luckily I was able to control the loss of traction on the tow vehicle and caravan using learned skills as a licenced truck driver. The tow vehicle and caravan loaded and legally compliant. The damp road surface with diesel on it made it very slippery. The only change I made after that was to have Electronic Stability Control, (ESC) fitted to that previous van and the current one. Until you fit this system to your van, you run the risk of loosing control regardless of your driving experience, weights, loading etc when your tyres loose traction with the road surface. The system should be compulsory on all caravans. Why else would insurance companies give you such generous discounts to fit ESC.
I have yet to see an insurance policy (that is already well priced) that gives a discount for having ESC fitted!! Please advise of any you know of !!
You need to ring around as I have received a discount for having it fitted.
Who was the company. And like I said, Policy (that is already well priced). I usually have the good problem when getting a quote most insurers say that they doubt they can beat my current insurer. WFI rural policy package.
Where can you get ESC fitted at for a caravan
Virtually ALL caravan manufacturers are a major contributor to the van crash problem by having only a small or modest difference between their tare and loaded mass numbers insufficient to allow for the quantity/mass of all the appurtenances, accessories and “up grades” the Owners load into their vans.
Then they add more water tanks, a second toilet cassette, a satellite antenna system, more batteries, inverters etc etc and the loaded mass climbs and then the SUSPENSION, Wheels, tyres, bearings are no longer either suitable or legal for the loaded mass.
The van manufacturers don’t want to loose a sale due to higher cost suspension systems than what their competitors are prepared to foist on the inexperienced van buyer.
I’ve seen this in action and personally offended once (ok, or more) despite being a qualified Engineer.
Then, of course there are the other factors such as location of the heavy items, use/lack thereof of so-called Load Distrib Hitches, sway preventers, age hardened tyres,.
After that you always to worry about “inexperienced at towing” drivers and panicking drivers, SPEED and TIREDNESS.
Then you have the vehicle manufacturers making untested or engineeringly unsubstantiated claims of their vehicle’s towing capacity. Won’t name names here but there are vehicle manufacturers who have increased towing rating with questionable ( or nil ?) changes to back up rating increases.
I have totally retired from caravanning and motorhoming .
I Fully Agree Martin the Manufacturer/ Onseller has a Major Hand in these problems. They weigh a New Van with no Batteries/ Solar Panels etc than all this misleading information is on the plates as soon as someone picks there new Van up with a Fictitious Payload of 800 Kg for example they put a few standard items in and they’re overweight. The Manufacturer/ Onseller should be held Responsible for Misleading Plates on Vans.
Unfortunately the van manufacturers are not the only contributing factor to elements of weight control. There is the vehicle manufacturers who disguise the shortcomings of their vehicles by understating or hiding the appropriate weights, as others have said there are vehicles advertised as being able to tow 3.5 tonnes but only with a tank of fuel and a driver. There are yet others that comply with the Max GVM and Max CGVM yet exceed the permitted rear axle load. There needs to be regulatory requirements for more transparency on this matter. I also believe that some of our tax dollars goes into educational adverts and the need to demonstrate an understanding when applying for a driver’s licence, after all, learners in some states, can tow a 3.5 tonne trailer.
I’d reckon approx 80% of Caravans on the road are overweight..!
You have evidence of course! Or just a guess?
I wrote…thats what I reckon.!
So you can take that as an opinion.
It is my view that ‘facts” on a situation are more important and helpful than “I reckon” or “I’m guessing”. Speculation of that nature is of no use at all.
A reputable company in Bisbane that does nothing but weigh various caravan/trailer rigs on site, has openly stated that 18 months ago, 90% of their customers were overweight in one form or another. Since the recent crackdown by austhorities, they have found a substancial decrease in illegal weights, which they have found to have dropped down to 60%.
To support your claim, I was advised today by a caravan mechanic/repair centre that 80% of caravans on the road today are overweight based on not only their clients but also in the journals they are subscribed to … so your “reckon” was a pretty good fact as well
I,m guessing more. The Bruce Hwy is a breeding ground for the overweight McMansions .
We have a Retreat Caravan with Tare 2060Kg and ATM of 2460Kg . By the time you add 200 litres of water ,30Kg of gas, Solar panels how do you add clothes and food and stay underweight.Ron
Perhaps you should have paid a bit extra to upgrade the suspension like I did, then you wouldn’t have a problem. Too many people buy caravans without doing research first. It’s to easy to blame the manufacturers for all the problems. I also own a Retreat, which weighs 3500Kg fully loaded and is legal.
I had an isuzu dmax. With canopy and tub liner, side steps and tow bar with a full fuel tank and 1 person (driver) it weighs 2300 kg.
Plus 3500 kg caravan that only leaves 150 kg for anything else to add to ute. How many actually know the max weight allowed as GCM for their vehicle. Not many i guess based on what you see on the road.
Where and how does one get the suspension upgraded?
Sorry, I thought the conversation was regard to manufacturers, if you buy a new van, you have the option to upgrade before it hits the road (as I did) of course it will cost more $$ but you have that option. people tend to try and save money wherever, that tends to on the suspension, so the manufacturer is rarely to blame
HI Ron
Just a footnote Ron…. I reckon folks should consider not filling water tank until they’ve almost reached their destination..
Not unlike “Taking coal to Newcastle”
Not sure that it’d be quite 80% but I have seen test weighs where over 70% of combinations were found to be overweight, sometimes on the van but usually on the car’s rear axle. The idea that a twin-cab ute with a 6000kg GCM can tow a 3500kg van is stupidity in the extreme, and manufacturers should not be allowed to advertise these unsafe tow weights, which are issued for DOG trailers, not the usual PIG trailer caravan. Cheers
I do agree that us caravaners should endeavour to keep our weights within the allowable limits….but I have doubts that being a bit overweight in itself a major contributor of accidents. My guess is that more accidents can be attributed to other factors including poor weight distribution, speeding, inattention/distraction, impatience, inexperience and other factors not directly related to the weight of the van. Perhaps an exception related to weight are those I’ve seen towing a big heavy van with a heavily loaded tug that is totally unsuitable in terms of its GCM. These are my views only, no statistics.
Regardless of legislation there is enough information and evidence out there for those who wish to set up their vehicle and caravan sensibly for safe travel.
I have to agree with Martin’s decision to have his van fitted with ESC, after recent close calls I will be fitting this to my van.
I’d like to share an observation with the group where I was at my caravan storage yard working on my van prior to a 6 week trip away.
A fellow caravaner pulled around in front of my van to return there’s to storage, after several failed attempts to berth his van he did a lap and came back around to attempt the same on the opposite lock (smart move). Another series of failed attempts with a guide I offered help. I am an ex truck driver in my 60s and probably on the younger end of the Grey Nomad scale but the gentleman driving the vehicle was significant older, lacking flexibility, could barely turn his head to look around and struggled to get in and out of his vehicle.
I love the open road and the whole travel life all of the above points in this discussion are valid and when you throw slowed reactions, limited mobility and thinking in to the mix the outcome is inevitable.
I sometimes wonder if the ability to set the tow combination up is a contributing factor.
There are many services and accessories available on the market to assist with setting up the ideal combination for travel but the person behind the wheel needs to also be fit for the task.
It is hard to admit we are finding it harder to do especially when you love what you are doing, but better to except than regret.
Yeh well said Rob, we see this a lot when moving around people cant back their rigs or they dont even know that the trailer doesnt necessarily follow the cars footprint.
i also believe the speed they travel at is not suitable to some of these vehicles either.
You can see the unfit vehicles towing just by looking at them they are either higher at the hitch or lower either way that’s not a good set up.
The slower these guys drive is more frustrating to the person and van behind them, they may have the mirrors all set up but they need to use them.
Also i find the people that dont use cruise control are more annoying than ever as they are up and down on the speeds.
Don’t follow me then I never use cruise control when towing , too dangerous.
I have a Coromal Appeal 554S. It’s atm is 1575kgs. GTM is 1875kgs. But it has 50mm stub axles. 12” electric brakes. Which is a GTM of 2,000kgs.!! Coromal understate the GTM of their vans. I am getting the compliance plate upgraded to 2,000kg with no modifications required. Caravan manufacturers have a lot to answer for.
I have had my car & van weighed and found van was 180kg over . I have played around with moving items & in some cases taking items out of van to try and get weight correct. Problem now is it will cost $ 220 to reweigh Car & van after paying $320 initially and hhope that my adjustments have got me within legal limit.
Keith, Rather than pay someone to weigh the van, take it to a public weighbridge and do it yourself. I think it cost me about $40 a few years ago.
Neil
I am a former Policeman and I understand it can be frustrating with weight restrictions, etc. However the laws are there to protect not just those of us who tow heavy caravans, boats, trailers, etc, but for other road users as well. Motor vehicles are designed with certain geometrical calculations for safety, handling, braking, etc. To go outside those perimeters, without counter measures is inviting trouble. An example I have is that whilst in Narrabri, I spotted a Falcon sedan towing a car trailer which was carrying another Falcon sedan. Alarm bells went off. Upon inspection, the tow vehicle was fitted with a 1600kg tow bar, of which the tongue was severely bent downwards at severe risk of breaking, due to the weight of the trailer and load. Speaking to the driver, he was travelling from Brisbane to Melbourne. Imagine driving towards that set up when disaster strikes – whilst you are driving your own compliant vehicle and towing your compliant weighted caravan and there is nowhere to go. He was soon put off the road.
Another thought is one of the first things insurance companies do with a caravan involved accident assessment, is to weigh all the contents of the van, check the compliance plates of van and tow vehicle. If anything is incorrect, THEY WILL NOT PAY for repairs as the onus is on the driver, not the insurance company. I’d like to think that most caravan sales establishments will help with the configurations and some will even refuse to let you leave their yard until the weights, distribution, etc, are correct.
So peeps, do your due diligence/homework, stick to the weight restrictions and/or counter measures. It’s no one else’s responsibility, but yours.
Totally agree Greg, so many here are all looking to blame someone else for their lack of research and understanding of what is required to tow safety. Start looking inward people.
Whats the point of having a caravan if you dont have Water tanks full and gas on board to run your stove and cook top, And fridge,
You drive some where and then miraculously you have gas and water laying around to use,
Thats the idea of a caravan, Take your gas and water with you to out of the way places,
Then you add in food, Canned, Packets, Containers, Frozen and Fresh meat, Vegies, Thats a lot of extra weight, Which is normal to carry with you,
You dont weigh your car with out a full tank of petrol, Oil and water included,
So why do you weigh your caravan without water and gas on board, Duhhhhh,
Then you add people and every thing else that people need, Like clothing and bedding, Laptops, Cameras, GPS, Etc Etc, It all adds up,
I have a 36 foot Motor Home, I estimate I would have a Full Ton of water on board, Fresh water, Black Tank, Grey Tank, I am fully self contained,
I leave home with a Full tank of fresh water, I would not leave home with out it full,
I did have a 150 Gallon, USA Gallons, gas tank on board, But replaced it with four 12 Lb gas bottles,
I have gone fully 12 volt and Solar panels, and LPG, I also removed the 6.5 Kva Built in Generator, 3/4 Ton,
Which has lowered my weight from 12 Ton to approx 10 Ton, I must get it reweighed, Next time I pass a weigh bridge,
Selling a caravan with out water and gas and people accessories included in the Tare weight, And near the Maximum Tare weight of the van, Is a very shonky practice,
From what I have read, Just putting people in the van puts the van over weight, Let alone adding water and gas and people and their accessories,
I think that needs seriously looking into, Maybe even regulation to avoid overloading on a new caravan, Upgraded suspension, Perhaps, To allow extra necessary weight to be carried,
Automobiles are required to have safety things like Seatbelts and ABS Brakes and I believe every van built should have ESC fitted and electric brakes should be fitted to all vans regardless of size. I do not understand van builders not putting electric brakes and esc on vans. It is time for some legislation pollies.
my husband and I have 300 thousand klm around this country in 25 years. My husband is very safety conscious. And yes it is over loading. Sometimes . And the wrong vehicles towing. And do you need to take your coffee makers motorbikes.. and things you do not need? I have been guilty of that in the past. But no more because I got sick of taking it all out when we got home. Some caravanners go they pass you @120 km/h and then you see then stop down the road. You must spend your caravan evenly. Safe travels everyone
Thank you for all the information and comments
I do not own a caravan, nor do I have the right towing vehicle either.
That is why I am on this site .
My wife and I aim to retire next year, will be 60 then. We want to tour the country working short term contracts (we are both nurses) in rural areas and exploring our beautiful country at the same time.
So now I’m doing my due diligence. I’m looking to find the right caravan and towing vehicle.
I cannot afford a big V8 Toyota, nor do I have a fuel stash to accommodate a Patrol.
I am looking to match a new caravan with either a new Ranger or Isuzu or Amarok.
We have visited multiple caravan dealerships and almost all of them are very helpful in explaining the Max GVM and Max CGVM yet none of them has offered an upgrade to the suspension.
I am happy to hear more about the ESC and other lifesaving devices. Because we are going to camp (stay over) at sites for about 6 – 12 weeks at a time I do not think I need to carry a lot of water with me. Except maybe when I move between contracts and need to camp for a day or two on route.
I would appreciate any advice and comments.
Thank you for all the good suggestions and comments already made.
As a inter-state truck driver & caravaner I have fitted rear view camera electronic redark brakes system with Al-co ESC & a 80 channel UHF Radio. To me I find these items as essential to have as a caravaner all vans should be fitted with these items.
When operating my Semi, I find it a pleasure to contact a caravaner on channel 40 and let them know I am about to over take them, all they have to do is keep a constant speed and stay Left and I will make sure I am well clear as I over take them, also it would help me if the caravaner flashed his lights at me when I am safely clear, so I can move back over to the left.
Truckies pet hates are people that Speed up when trucks are attempting to over take in over taking lanes then slow to 80 kph when out of overtaking lanes, I have also run across 8 caravans running in convoy leaving no room for anyone to overtake safely let alone a 19 mt long Semi.
Any one who has a van also needs to do a towing course these courses are invaluable to learning how to tow vans and weight distribution.
Stay Safe we all have to share the black strip.
Regards
Trucker & Caravaner
Re rig overweight problems,You can blame vehicle and caravan manufacturers,magazines that state you can have everthing but the kitchen sink on board etc.When you see Raider traybacks ,tinnyon top,canopy ,winch ,bullbar towing a 24 foot Jayco Silverlines etc you know education etc has failed.! Start fining the overweight rigs owners ,it will soon get around social media .! Weight Check told me
that 30 % of tow vehicles,40 % caravans checked were overweight, bare in mind these were voluntary checks !