Overweight caravans still a big issue

The overweight caravan epidemic shows no signs of abating, with a recent roadside weigh-in conducted by NSW police finding close to 40 per cent towing an overloaded caravan.

The 'no fines' education event conducted by the Macarthur Highway Patrol on November 11-12 checked the tow vehicle and weights of 44 caravan and camper trailers over the week-end.

In a Facebook post, the police reported that 16 of the 44 rigs were overweight when it came to the tow vehicle and its GVM (gross vehicle mass), with the majority of rigs (20) within 90-99 per cent of their GVM rating.

Seventeen of the caravans and camper trailers weighed more than the trailer's ATM (aggregrate trailer mass) rating, while six were also over the rated GTM (gross trailer mass).

When it came to the maximum combined mass of the tow vehicle and trailer, 8 (or 18 per cent of all weighed combinations), were over the GCM (gross combination mass) rating; one by as much as 699kg.

The Highway Patrol unit said it's an important reminder to all caravanners to ensure that their towing rig is withing the rated weight limits.

"Our recommendation to those who tow caravans/loaded trailers is that you should know your limits and weights of your own tow vehicle and trailer, and any time you replace one of them, have your weighing re-done," NSW Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said.

"Don't wait on the hope for a free quick weigh day. There are many reputable businesses who are mobile, and they will come to you for a relatively small charge, where they will invest more time with you and your vehicles to help you understand where you are currently at in relation to your weights.

"They can shift weights around inside your van or tow vehicle whilst they are on the scales and you can make a more informed decision on what you are going to take away with you and how you should load it.

"If you are buying a caravan brand new, just be aware that your original van Tare weight, and the actual weight once your options have been added may have in fact resulted in a compliance plate that no longer displays the correct weights. This is an issue which may cause you a few hundred extra kilograms of stress that you didn't know about.

"We would suggest that before you make changes to your standard tow vehicle, talk to qualified industry experts about what GVM upgrades are available for your vehicle, and then weigh your loaded caravan before you choose which level GVM upgrade you should choose. Do it once and do it right."

Meanwhile, according to Big Rigs those caught exceeding weight limits while towing caravans in Australia can attract fines of up to $287 and three demerit points in Queensland, $469 and three demerit points in NSW, $238 to $1580 in Victoria, up to $591 in South Australia and $130 to $735 in Tasmania.