How to tow a caravan: a beginner's guide

Understand caravan weights

Before you even think about hitching up, it's essential to understand caravan weights and how they affect safety and legality. These terms often cause confusion, but knowing them is critical.

• Maximum tow capacity - the weight that a car can safely and legally tow.
• Tare weight - the weight of the caravan when it leaves the factory, including all fittings, but excluding passengers, water, luggage and accessories you add later.
• ATM (aggregate trailer mass) - the maximum weight the caravan can legally weigh when fully loaded. This includes everything inside and on the caravan, including water and gas.
• GTM (gross trailer mass) - the maximum weight supported by the caravan's wheels when hitched to a tow vehicle.
• Tow ball weight (down weight, tow ball download) - the downward force exerted on the tow vehicle's tow ball by the caravan's coupling when the car is parked on a level surface. Typically, this is around 10 per cent of the caravan's total weight.
• GVM (gross vehicle mass) - the maximum weight of your tow vehicle when fully loaded, including people, luggage and fuel. When calculating the GVM, you must subtract the tow ball weight, since it's exerting pressure (weight) onto the vehicle.
• GCM (gross combination mass) - the maximum allowable combined weight of the tow vehicle and caravan, along with everything in them.

Just because an SUV or ute says it can tow 3.5 tonnes doesn't mean it can in reality – at least if you want to take passengers and gear with you. Once you take into account all the weight limits, some tow vehicles will only let you carry a few hundred kilograms.

Exceeding these limits can make your rig unstable, void insurance and even result in fines. Always check your tow vehicle's manual and the caravan's compliance plate to ensure you're within the legal weight limits.

Plan ahead and weigh your gear weeks before your first trip. You will be surprised to see how quickly the weights mount up and may need to rationalise your packing. Ask an experienced caravanner how they tackle the weights challenge - you're likely to hear some clever solutions to help you travel light!

How to hitch up a caravan safely

Hitching up is one of the most important parts of the towing process. It's worth taking your time to do it properly.

1. Line up your vehicle - slowly reverse your tow vehicle until the tow ball is directly under the caravan's coupling.
2. Lower the coupling - use the jockey wheel to lower the caravan onto the tow ball. Lock the coupling in place.
3. Attach safety chains - cross the chains under the coupling and connect them to the tow bar. This helps catch the drawbar if the hitch fails.
4. Connect electrics - plug in the trailer wiring to connect brake lights, indicators and caravan brakes.
5. Raise jockey wheel - retract the jockey wheel and secure it in its holder.
6. Check brake controller - if using electric brakes, make sure the brake controller in the vehicle is correctly adjusted.

Always perform a walk-around safety check before driving off, making sure all lights are working correctly. Look for loose items, open hatches or unsecured gas bottles.

Safe driving techniques for towing

Towing a caravan changes the way your vehicle behaves. It accelerates slower, brakes later and is more affected by wind and road conditions. With practice, you'll develop a feel for it.

Here are some key tips for beginners:

• Take it slow - drive at a comfortable, legal speed. Remember that towing speed limits in some states are lower than normal.
• Leave more space - allow extra distance between you and the vehicle in front, as stopping distances increase dramatically with a caravan.
• Smooth inputs - accelerate, brake and steer smoothly to reduce sway and improve stability.
• Watch your mirrors - extended towing mirrors are often required to give you a clear view down the sides of the caravan.
• Handle corners carefully - caravans cut in more than cars. Take wider turns to avoid clipping kerbs.
• Watch for crosswinds - gusty winds, especially when passing trucks, can cause sway. Ease off the accelerator and keep a firm grip on the wheel.

Braking when towing a caravan or trailer

Braking is one of the biggest differences when towing. Caravans over 750kg ATM must have their own braking system to reduce the strain being put on the tow vehicle's brakes.

Up to 2,000kg you can have mechanical brakes, which activate a piston or cable when the trailer pushes against the car. Over 2,000kg, you need electronic trailer brakes, which 'talk' to a brake controller in the car. This in-car brake controller lets you adjust the brake bias (how aggressively the trailer brakes compared with the car) and independently apply the trailer brakes to control sway.

Caravan sway can be caused by wind, passing vehicles, uneven loads or poor weight distribution. To minimise sway, load heavy items low over the caravan's axle and avoid overloading the rear of the caravan. Reduce speed if sway begins and do not brake suddenly.

Some modern caravans and vehicles even have electronic stability control systems that can automatically apply brakes to counter sway.

You can also use your water bottles as ballast to even out the weights. Talk to an experienced hand or your caravan retailer for more tips.

How to reverse a caravan

Reversing a caravan is the part most beginners find intimidating. It takes practice and patience.

Here are some simple tips:

• Practice in an empty car park - before hitting the road, spend time in a safe, open space.
• Use a spotter or two-way radio - if you're travelling with someone, get them to guide you. Agree on clear hand signals.
• Go slowly - small adjustments make it easier to control the caravan.
• Don't oversteer - gentle steering inputs are more effective.
• Straighten up gradually - once the caravan starts heading where you want it, straighten the steering wheel to follow.

Remember: it's perfectly fine to stop, pull forward and try again.

Fuel consumption when towing

One of the first things new caravan owners notice is how much more fuel their vehicle uses once there's a caravan hitched to the back. Towing places extra strain on the engine, increases aerodynamic drag and adds significant weight, all of which affect fuel economy.

Several factors influence how much fuel you'll use when towing:

• Caravan size and shape - a tall, boxy caravan creates more wind resistance than a smaller, more aerodynamic model.
• Vehicle engine type - diesel engines typically perform better under load and are more fuel-efficient for long-distance towing than petrol engines.
• Driving speed - fuel consumption increases dramatically at higher speeds. Dropping from 110km/h to 90km/h can save several litres of fuel per 100 kilometres.
• Weight - every kilogram counts. Keeping loads balanced and avoiding unnecessary gear helps reduce fuel burn.
• Terrain - steep climbs and soft, unsealed roads make engines work harder and use more fuel.
• Wind and weather - headwinds can noticeably increase drag, while tailwinds may improve efficiency.

More: How to save money on fuel

^{The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.}