Whether for a weekend getaway or long summer holidays, Australians are always hitting the sunburnt lands, off to explore the countryside with their self-contained accommodations. With more than 600,000 registered caravans in Australia, the popularity is one the rise!
Enjoyable caravanning and safe towing require some basic knowledge and cross-checks. Here you’ll find a list of must-do tips for towing your caravan safely and smoothly when you’re on the go.
1. Check you have proper weight distribution
The most important things to check before hitting the road is that your caravan is balanced and the payload will remain evenly distributed along the way. You need to check whether your vehicle can tow your caravan. Additionally, you need to find out the weight of your car as well as the weight of your caravan – and don’t forget to take into account the weight of the towing rig itself! Pulling a more substantial load can increase your risk of accidents as well as causing damage to your vehicle.
If your tow vehicle or tow bar requires a specific tow ball weight, you should remain at or below the minimum ball weight specified. Excessive pressure on the tow ball can cause more stress to the coupling, which can lead to the tow bar and the trailer swinging!
When using a caravan trailer hitch and coupler, make sure you are using parts that fit together correctly. If you use a coupler that doesn’t fit the ball on the end of the trailer hitch, the trailer hitch won’t remain stable during towing.
2. Consider using a sway controller
Many factors can cause your caravan sway when you’re on the go. Getting hit with a gust of heavy wind, making a sharp turn down a narrow road, driving a little too fast or frequent coming to a jerking halt due to traffic conditions can all cause a sway problem. If your caravan is carrying a heavy load, this swaying can cause the driver to lose control.
A swaying trailer can rock the tow vehicle and cause a severe accident, so before you tow your caravan, you need to adjust the tow load balance properly. To reduce the risk of trailer sway, possible damage or fishtailing, use a sway controller and place heavier objects closest to the tow vehicle and the front part of your caravan’s axle.
3. Find the right weight distribution hitch
There are different types of trailer hitches and trailer hitch accessories (e.g., tow couplings) to ensure a smooth, safe towing experience throughout your journey. A hitch is a device which is connected with your caravan coupling.
Weight distribution hitches are heavy-duty hitches for heavy caravans that ensure the weight of the towing vehicle and caravan are evenly spread across the chassis of both of the vehicles.
4. Consider adequate use of brakes
While towing your caravan, you can’t solely depend on your vehicle’s brakes, as this will cause excessive wear and tear while you’re on the road. For a smooth ride, stop and take off, make sure you use the caravan’s braking system with your vehicle’s brakes. This has the added bonus of saving you fuel consumption.
Are you looking for the right caravan hitch for your caravan?
Only with the proper towing equipment can assure your caravan’s safety and have a stress-free journey. With maximum weight carrying capacity and minimum energy consumption, AirSafe Hitch Australia can provide you with the ultimate towing solution for your caravan with best quality AirSafe two hitches.
Image credit: Melbourne Roma Caravans