Towing a Caravan

Towing a caravan can be a daunting experience for the novice. Here we give you some tips on what to do when you're behind the wheel
Note: In some areas there are caravan towing schools - for your own piece of mind this could be money well spent.

How do I load my trailer and caravan so that it's safe?

A trailer must be loaded with the greatest concentration of its mass as near to and slightly forward of the centre of the axle as possible. This ensures the towed vehicle is safe.
How can I learn to reverse a caravan or trailer?
Reversing a trailer can be really tricky and it's best to get professional help when learning. For those who want to improve their reversing skills, however, there is an easy way to remember which way to turn.

Grasp the steering wheel at the very bottom. Move it to the right and the rear of the trailer will turn to the right. If you move the steering wheel to the left it will turn the rear of the trailer to the left. The shorter the trailer, the more difficult it is to reverse.

How will I know the size of caravan my car is capable of towing?

You should check your vehicle manufacturer's guidelines or consult a specialist caravan retailer. However, as a quick guide

a 2-litre car should tow a trailer with a laden weight of 750 kg
a 2-3 litre car 750-1,000 kg
a 3-litre car 1,000 kg.

Should I buy a manual or automatic transmission car for towing?

Experienced caravanners tend to favour manual transmission, because this gives greater driving control. Holden and Ford recommend automatic transmission for towing with late model Commodore and Falcon vehicles. But there are some automatic transmissions that are not as suitable for heavy-duty towing.

Are safety chains between car and trailer essential?
They are not only essential, but a legal requirement. Some states require two chains and others require a minimum of one. In NSW a single chain must be fitted between the "A" frame and the vehicle's towbar. We recommend the use of two crossed chains, because this is safer and more effective if the towed vehicle becomes unattached on the road.