Ultimate caravan towing guide
Everything you need to know about towing a caravanHow do I hitch up a caravan? What sort of tow vehicle do I need? How important are trailer weights? Caravan towing aids -- do I need them?
There are countless things to consider when towing a caravan, and with caravan accidents increasingly in the news, it's important to get up to speed on all the towing basics before hitting the road.
We've published a number of towing-related articles over the years, designed to make towing both easier and safer, for first timers as well as experienced ‘vanners.
The articles are listed below in various categories, to make it simpler to find the right advice for your towing requirements...
Also read:
Dummies' Guide to Caravan Buying
Choosing a tow vehicle
How to choose a tow vehicle
- There are a few things you need to consider before buying a tow vehicle
Which tow vehicle should I buy?
- More than 40 popular tow vehicles, reviewed and rated
Top-5 American pick-ups for towing
- Our pick of the best full-size American utes for big towing jobs
How to upgrade your tow vehicle
- There are various ways to enhance your tow vehicle's performance and durability
Best dual-cab utes for towing
- They're among the most popular tow vehicles, but which 4x4 dual cab ute is best for caravannning?
Do you need a tough tow truck?
- A big work truck can make sense for towing a heavy caravan
Legal issues
Trailer laws explained
- Get up to speed with the latest towing requirements for caravans
- Does your trailer rig need brakes? Are you legal and insured?
- Towing laws differ across states, and there can be big fines if you break them
- How can you really know what your caravan weighs unloaded
- Many caravanners are surprised to learn their rig is either unsafe or illegal
- How can you drive a truck and trailer with a combined weight of 11 tonnes on a car licence but not drive a truck over 4495kg?
Before heading off
- Basic things you need to know before setting off with a trailer or RV in towTop-5 hitching tips
- It all looks so easy but there are traps when hooking your van up
- There are a few things you need to check off before heading off on a caravan holiday
- What are the best all-round tow couplings on the Australian market?
- They might not look like much but these small items play a big role when towing
- Using a dual-cab ute to tow more than three tonnes is unrealistic
How much weight can you really tow when loaded up for a holiday?
How to pack your caravan
- Getting your gear squared away in a caravan is all about balance
- Queensland mobile weighing specialist sheds light on overweight caravan epidemic
- Overloaded and over-modified dual-cab utes are a safety issue on Australian roads
- Clever computer program helps keep you safe when towing
Safer towing
- 10 tips to help keep you out of trouble in your first year of caravanning
- 10 top tips to help keep your van’s shiny side up
- 10 tips to help you stay out of trouble when driving a big rig
- Many caravan accidents occur when overtaking, so think twice before doing it
- Towing smarter doesn’t necessarily mean travelling slower
- Should we all be towing fifth-wheelers instead of caravans?
- You don’t have to live with caravan sway if you solve it at the source
- Don’t believe everything you hear about towing a caravan
Learning to tow off-road
- Learn from the experts by doing a professional towing course
- Towing on sand is easy when you follow these simple rules
The art of reversing
- Backing a big trailer can be an embarassing and sometimes costly exercise if you get it wrong
Checks and maintenance
- Few have one but a detailed to-do list can ensure your next holiday stays on track
- Don't forget to give your RV a quick once-over before hitting the road
- Some tips on how to make your van’s tyres last the distance
- Steps you can take to avoid being stranded on holiday
- Some simple checks can save you time and money in the long run
- Towing a caravan can boost your fuel bill dramatically but there are ways to cut the costs
Towing accessories
- Wheel lock ups are a thing of the past with this multi-mode brake controller
- Do portable electric trailer brake controllers really work?
- Aussie caravanners swear by them but there are better ways to ensure a balanced rig
- The essential items you need when travelling through the Outback
- Are weight distribution hitches worth the trouble and expense?
- Keeping your van level behind your tow tug is simple with this heavy-duty hitch
- Soft-ride hitch takes the rock 'n roll out of rough-road towing
- Towing mirrors are not only a legal necessity; the right ones make towing safer and more enjoyable
- An American rival to Al-Ko’s ESC is good news for Aussie caravanners, but which sway controller is best for your rig?
- Does this new Bluetooth-connected electric brake controller make towing easier?
- There’s a reason these quality aftermarket mirrors are so popular with caravanners
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