Strong case for caravan towing licence

A prominent 'sharing the road' safety advocate has put forward a strong case for the introduction of tougher caravan towing laws.

In a recent social media post titled 'Caravan/ towing licences - the Pros and Cons', founder of the Truck Friendly caravan road safety program, Ken Wilson, argues there needs to be different approaches to education and training requirements depending on the type of RV.

For example, owners of smaller camper trailers and fifth-wheel caravans are less likely to experience sway and other towing issues and therefore should not necessarily require any special training or towing licence.

However, the 'pig trailer' design of most larger caravans is a different story as it "is one of the most unstable trailer designs on the roads".

"Towing a caravan in Australia, does not currently require any special licensing, education, and training, even though they are among most unstable trailer designs, and sensitive to bad loading and hitching, and combined with the tow vehicle are the same size and weight of some trucks that requires extra licensing and training, yet are more stable to drive," Wilson explains.

He says one of the advantages of incorporating specialized training as part of a compulsory caravan towing licence would be to make the roads safer for all users.

Another potential benefit is a boost in employment of training and licencing providers, with the income derived from licensing fees offsetting any increased cost of administration.

However, he says the biggest hurdle for the introduction of a nationally recognized standardized towing course is finding common ground among the various states and territories.

"Currently the states cannot fully agree on caravan towing speeds and GVM upgrades and other road rules so I cannot see this happening in the near future," he says.

Other 'cons' include the extra cost and inconvenience to caravanners as well as owners of other large trailers such as horse floats, and the potential negative affect it might have on tourism, as well as the drain on police and government resources in ensuring compliance.

"There is no doubt that more education and training is needed for those new to, and even those experienced, in towing a caravan or large trailer," Wilson says.

He outlines a multi-pronged approach to getting the caravan safety message across, including the role of TV advertising, point of sale promotions including discounted or complimentary towing course inclusions at dealers, and discounted registrations and insurance for those who have completed a registered towing course.

He also argues for more government funding for road safety programs, and a need for more random roadside weight and compliance checks.

Wilson also points the finger at some vehicle manufacturers' bold claims around 'real world' 3500kg towing, calling for "less deceptive marketing of vehicle towing capacity and load carrying capabilities".

One of a handful of 'sharing the road' initiatives, the Truck Friendly program aims to educate road users on how to interact with trucks safely, and improve the often strained relationship between caravanners and truck drivers.