2
NEWS
Towie enters weight debate
Tow truck business offers advice on how to reduce caravan roll-oversA Queensland tow truck business that has attended numerous rollovers has pointed the finger at ill-equipped tow vehicles along with unbalanced caravans, as major contributing factors in caravan accidents.
Clayton’s Towing on the Sunshine Coast has concluded not all heavy-duty tow vehicles especially dual-cab utes are up to the job, despite what their advertised tow ratings may suggest.
“Just because it says on paper that a vehicle can tow 3.5-tonne it doesn’t mean you’re going to be all good to tow even a 2.5-tonne van,” general manager Mike Clayton said. “There is no doubt the heavier towing vehicle is, the better.”
Another major factor in roll-overs is not paying enough attention to weight distribution, including items packed and water tank levels as well as overall weight and ball weight.
Caravanners should buy a cheap, tow ball weight scale and ensure there’s sufficient weight at the front of the van so it's not tail-heavy.
“Lots of caravans we collect after accidents - when they stay together - we do see evenly balanced with the tow bar up in the air, or are able to pick the drawbar up with one hand,” he said. “This is a recipe for disaster and we consider the biggest factor for a lot of crashes we attend.”
To keep out of trouble caravanners also need to adapt to local conditions, whether its slowing down through downhill highway sections with bends or watching out for cross-winds that can lead to the towing wobbles.
Better education of caravanners can also help reduce the number of accidents, but rather than introduce a caravan licence, Clayton has recommended a more user-friendly online course with a certificate of completion.
Tags
Share this article
Written byCaravancampingsales Staff
See all articlesStay up to dateBecome a caravancampingsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Subscribe todayDisclaimer
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.
Love every move.
Buy it. Sell it.Love it.
®Contact
Advertise with us
Local marketplaces
International marketplaces
Consent
Download the caravancampingsales app
