Towing Tips

You don't need a special licence to tow, but you DO need a great deal of common sense. A fully loaded rig is a lot different to handling the family car packed with groceries.

Towing a camp trailer or caravan will alter the way your vehicle performs. You will find that accelerating and braking requires more concentration and forward planning, and it's definitely a good idea to practice reversing as that is what you will be doing alot of in most caravan parks (much to the delight and entertainment of fellow nomads).

A list of check points are as follows:

Be sure to buy good quality towing mirrors, as inferior brands will shake badly and make visibility impossible.

Be sure your load is evenly distributed and your towing aids are set up properly to reduce any swaying.

Leave more distance between you and the vehicle in front for reaction time, and be sure to allow plenty of time to pull into traffic.

High winds have an impact on your caravan, and be aware that a head wind will cause higher fuel consumption, so when there are long distances between roadhouses, it makes sense to carry extra fuel.

Be aware that other people use the roads, therefore keep left for overtaking vehicles as often as practical.

Avoid night driving, as that is when you are more likely to meet Australia's nocturnal wildlife. Plus in remote areas, you will find that properties are too large to fence their livestock in. Accidentally hitting a cow or kangaroo can put you off the road indefinitely.

Driving during daylight hours also reduces the stress of setting up your camp in the dark, when you would rather have settled into dinner with a quiet beverage by then. And, once again, be entertained by stressed late arrivals with their arguing and threats of divorce.

Finally, take a break often to avoid the onset of fatigue.

Remember, you have set out to enjoy your nomadic life, so be sure to take it steady, and when you've had enough driving, pull over and have a rest.