In a bid to reduce the number of accidents involving caravans, Transport for NSW is to host a series of free safety information days at Hay, Deniliquin and Wagga Wagga next month.
Similar events in other areas have revealed shocking results. Back in December, 2023, for example, Macarthur Highway Patrol weighed a total of 44 combinations of towing vehicle and caravans/camper trailers near Appin in NSW … and found 18% of all weighed combinations were overweight.
There was no enforcement conducted at the education event.
Transport for NSW said the Riverina and Murray were popular regions for caravanners.
Many caravanners are surprised by the results when their van is weighed. PIC: NSW Police
A spokesperson said the upcoming information days would educate people about calculating their caravan’s weight, loading their caravan for even weight distribution, safe driving tips while towing, and ways to reduce the risk of being involved in a crash.
“The purpose of these events is to address caravan safety, particularly as we get closer to the Easter break and see an increase in caravans travelling our roads, including the Sturt Highway,” the spokesperson said. “Owners of registered caravans are encouraged to come along to learn more about their caravan and more about safe towing and driving practices.”
The spokesperson said driving while towing a caravan is a different experience to normal driving and requires a higher level of knowledge and skill, a need for greater stopping distances, and consideration of environmental factors such as high winds, wet roads and uneven surfaces.
“Simple things like adding a toolbox to the back of the van, popping a kayak on the roof or travelling with full water tanks can cause the caravan, tow vehicle or combination to become overweight or non-compliant and may increase the risk of a crash,” the spokesperson said. “An incorrectly loaded caravan can lead to snaking, swaying or loss of control of your caravan and vehicle.”
As part of the free weighing days, owners can learn the actual aggregate trailer mass (ATM) of their caravan, actual gross trailer mass (GTM), actual gross vehicle mass (GVM), actual ball weight and actual gross combination mass (GCM) of their caravan and vehicle.
The event includes an informal education session before each loaded vehicle and caravan is placed on portable scales to confirm weight and a detailed report is provided to participants.
The caravan weighing days will be from 8.30am-3.30pm at:
Bookings are essential to secure a free spot.
Find more information on safe caravanning on Transport’s Caravans page, click here.
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