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NEWS
TOP TIP: Find your perfect match
Finding your caravan's perfect match is really importantIn recent years much has been written about various tow vehicles being matched or not matched with caravans.
But which tow vehicle is the best and most fuel efficient?
In most cases when buying a tow vehicle and a caravan around the same time, do your homework and find out what suits your requirements best. In other words, what is the safest tow vehicle for the size and weight caravan you plan to tow?
Unfortunately, some folk don’t understand the weights or limits around having the correct tow vehicle for a particular size caravan. This can end up causing much pain and anxiety, not only for themselves, but other road users.
Their decision can ultimately lead to accidents and grief with some possibly losing their lives. All because they did not seek advice or have the correct tow vehicle matched to their caravan by a professional, experienced person.
As I travel across Australia relocating caravans, camper trailers and boats I see this on a regular basis. Massive caravans being pulled by dual-cab utilities that weigh less than two tonnes, but are legally allowed to tow these monster 3.5 tonne pay loads.
Sure they may have the grunt to pull the big vans, but what about in an emergency and you need to stop quickly or avoid wildlife that suddenly darts out in front of you?
One of my favourite sayings is “the tail wagging the dog”. This is when the caravan is heavier than the tow vehicle and makes it the dominant force in an emergency situation.
Having the right equipment, like electronic stability control or weight distribution bars and ensuring the rig is set up properly is a good way to avoid this scary scenario. There are many outlets across Australia that will offer advice on these matters, and it’s a good idea to source a few opinions in this regard.
Personally I recommend Hayman Reese as they have been around a long time, and have the knowhow with experienced qualified staff and a range of equipment.
One of the real dangers with towing a caravan is when a shear or cross wind hits when you least expect it, driving down the highway at 90-100km/h.
It’s important to ensure you’re within the stated weight limits for both the tow vehicle and caravan.
Most importantly, make sure the tow vehicle you’re buying is suited to pulling, as well as stopping the caravan you plan to place on the tow ball.
My personal tow vehicle is a Toyota LandCruiser GXL with twin-turbo V8 and upgraded suspension including airbags that’s more than capable of towing 3.5 tonnes comfortably.
If you own a big van and your tow vehicle isn’t (even if the vehicle manufacturer claims it can legally tow 3500kg), get another tow vehicle or a caravan that better fits it capabilities.
Anthony Thomas runs Caravan Relocation Services. If you need a caravan, motorhome or boat trailer relocated or moved anywhere around Australia, click here.
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Written byAnthony Thomas
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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