TOW TIPS Over-width Trailers

The rules governing oversize vehicles and loads vary from State to State (or Territory). The amount of leeway allowed before you’re relieved of hard earned cash from the back pocket also varies, so it’s best to stay legal all the way!

While many think they are within the legal boundaries there are more and more imported boats, caravans and trailers that overstep the mark, so buyers need to be aware.

In most states the maximum width of a vehicle is 2.5 metres and mirrors will be allowed out past that measurement. Pictured is a camper trailer with a side wall width of 2.5m but a pull-down wall awning that’s been installed aftermarket. It’s now over width by 150 to 200 millimetres; not much but enough to get you an on-the-spot fine.

Another scenario is an imported boat with a maximum hull width of 2.6m; that’s over-width from the start!

Both of these vehicles require a regulation sign on the front of the tow vehicle and the rear of the trailer or body of the trailer. A red and yellow or yellow flag must also be installed on the load at the forward part and rearward part of the projection. So that means a flag on each of the retracted struts of a caravan wall awning.

During the hours of darkness a flashing orange light must operate on the towed vehicle.

There are all sorts of draconian requirements regarding how the signs are attached; no lanyards or bungee cords in lieu of steel pins to fix in place, for example.

And in Queensland, if you display too much warning you can be prosecuted for being ‘over-signed’! Go figure that one out. I have also been told that operating the flashing orange light during daylight hours could also overstep the boundary.