Know before you go: top tow tips

Hayman Reese knows towing, and suggests that anyone setting off with a trailer or RV in tow should take heed of these crucial tips…

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Before you hit the road on your next towing adventure, be it your first or your thousandth, towbar specialist Hayman Reese says there are seven things you should know to ensure you and your family have a safe and stress-free journey…

Towing requirements

Consider if your towing set-up is right for your trip and destination. Are you planning on a family trip, heading down the highway or do you want to hit the 4WD tracks on the way to the centre of Australia?

Vehicle limitations

Before you choose your caravan or camper trailer, you need to understand your vehicle's maximum tow rating. Tow ratings change with different models and different makes of a vehicle, but there are two ratings that are crucial: maximum tow rating and towball load rating.

Your car manufacturer will be able to provide you with the specific ratings for your vehicle. You can check the towball weight you will be adding by using a towball weight scale to measure the down-ball weight of your RV or trailer.

The right towbar

When having a towbar fitted, ensure it matches your requirements – will a light-duty towbar suffice or will you need a heavy-duty model, and does it comply with Australian Standards? A towbar is an important but often overlooked addition to your vehicle. You should always remember, the towbar is the main connection between your vehicle and what you are towing.

Brake controller

If the vehicle you're towing exceeds 750kg, it's a legal requirement that trailer brakes are fitted (with some smaller vehicles, the weight is less).

The most common types of trailer brakes are electric or electric-over-hydraulic. Powered through the trailer plug, each type of brake requires a brake controller to adjust the voltage sent to the trailer brakes. Ensure that when choosing a brake controller, you select one that suits your type of brakes and is approved to work with your car's electronic stability control system.

Breakaway system

When the vehicle you're towing exceeds 2000kg, a breakaway system must be installed. A breakaway system is a safeguard that applies the electric trailer brakes for at least 15 minutes in the event of a disconnection. There are many models on the market, but choose one that allows you to test for charge to ensure your breakaway system is always ready.

As a secondary safety measure, breakaway monitors indicate visually and audibly if a breakaway battery is at low charge or flat. There are quick and easy wireless systems available that plug into a 12V socket.

Towing mirrors

If you can't see the rear corners or what you are towing you must, by law, extend or add mirrors. There are many options available, but choose one that gives you the best view of your tow vehicle.

Weight distribution kit

When a caravan or trailer is connected to your car, extra weight is added to its axles. This addition of weight unbalances your vehicle and can increase fuel consumption, cause uneven tyre wear, reduce braking response and direct your headlights away from the road.

A weight distribution kit restores the natural balance of the car, correcting the issues caused by excess weight on the rear axles. A properly fitted weight distribution kit improves handling, control and comfort when towing.

Reduce the likelihood of trailer sway

As a general rule, to avoid sway and any resulting loss of control, you need to decrease speed and ensure you apply the accelerator or brakes smoothly when towing. Some conditions are not as easily controlled and can have a greater impact on your towing abilities, including passing traffic, cross winds and uneven road surfaces.

There are systems available that can reduce the likelihood of trailer sway. Most new camper trailers and caravans are fitted with ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), but these systems do not prevent sway – rather they act to correct the sway once it has already occurred. When preparing to tow, consider a dedicated sway control that integrates with your weight distribution kit to prevent trailer sway before it occurs.

Hitting the road

Before you hit the road, make sure you have a balanced load. If you load your caravan too heavily at the front, you will increase the tow-ball load. If you put too much weight in the back you can reduce stability and increase sway. Where possible, load your trailer as evenly as possible and keep the heavier items in the middle, placed on top of the axles.

Another consideration is the location of water tanks, jerry can holders and gas bottle holders. Where possible, tow with a full water tank, as this will lower the trailer's centre of gravity.

Stay safe

When towing, you need to remember the length of your combined car and caravan. Allow extra space when changing lanes and keep at least 60 metres between you and the car ahead to provide extra time when braking. Finally, factor in more rest breaks. Drivers can experience more fatigue when towing.

Hayman Reese has been assisting Australians with their towing needs for over 65 years. For more information on the Hayman Reese range of towbars, weight distribution kits, sway controllers and more, visit
www.haymanreese.com.au.

Know before you go: top tow tips

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