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Safe Caravan Towing Guide
Introduction
Towing is very different from everyday driving - it requires additional driving skills and safety precautions. As a driver, you have a legal responsibility to other road users and yourself when towing a trailer, caravan or another vehicle, to drive to suit the conditions.
Also, the towing vehicle, trailer and its load must meet all legal and safety requirements. This Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) publication provides information on how to:
- ensure the vehicle and trailer are correctly equipped; and
- drive a vehicle and trailer combination safely.
Note: The guidelines in this section relate to Queensland regulations. The object of the relevant Queensland regulations is to provide road rules that are substantially uniform with road rules elsewhere in Australia. However, if travelling outside Queensland, check the relevant state or territory legislation.
Towing will affect your vehicle
The first step to safe towing is to ensure the vehicle, trailer and load are suited. While modern vehicles are lighter and provide better service for normal motoring, some do not have the necessary characteristics for towing. Vehicle manufacturers usually indicate in the owner’s manuals the maximum weight and other features of trailers appropriate for the vehicle. These limits should not be exceeded. Similarly, some trailers are designed to carry certain types of loads and cannot be towed safely when carrying other materials.
Other ways towing will affect your vehicle are:
- decreased acceleration and braking performance;
- reduced vehicle control and manoeuvrability; and
- increased fuel consumption.
These effects become more pronounced on your vehicle as trailer size and the mass of the load increase. By understanding the limitations of your vehicle and trailer, you can help prevent crashes and both structural and mechanical damage to your vehicle.
Driving with a trailer takes practice. Remember:
- Allow for the trailer’s tendency to ‘cut-in’ on corners and curves.
- Allow longer distances for braking, overtaking and joining a traffic stream.
- When reversing, it is advisable to have someone outside the vehicle giving directions.
- Avoid sudden lane changes or changes of direction.
- Look further ahead than normal so you can react to changes in traffic or road conditions.
- Use the accelerator, brakes and steering smoothly and gently at all times.
- Use a lower gear when travelling downhill to increase vehicle control and reduce strain on brakes.
- Slow down well before entering corners and curves.
Accelerator, brake and steering must be operated smoothly when towing. Unnecessary steering wheel movement should be avoided because sway or “snaking” of the vehicle and trailer may result. If sway occurs the trailer brakes should be applied gently if they can be operated separately from the towing vehicle, otherwise a steady speed or slight acceleration should be maintained if possible, until the sway ceases. The tow vehicle’s brakes should only be applied as a last resort.
- Take care not to hold up traffic unnecessarily.
- Plan more rest stops and shorter travelling days as towing is more stressful and tiring than normal driving.
Legal requirements
To ensure the safety of yourself and other road users, you must abide by the laws governing the towing of trailers. These are:
- the vehicle and trailer must comply with all relevant registration requirements;
- the vehicle and trailer must be in a roadworthy and safe condition;
- all trailers must be fitted with a rear number plate and a registration label fixed to the left side or rear of the body, with the label facing outward;
- towbars and couplings must not obscure the towing vehicle’s number plate or rear lights when the trailer is not connected;
- towing more than one trailer is prohibited;
- people are not permitted to ride in trailers or caravans; and
- the speed limit for a vehicle towing a trailer is the same as for a normal vehicle.
Definitions
Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) is the total mass of the laden trailer when carrying the maximum load recommended by the manufacturer. This includes any mass imposed onto the drawing vehicle when the combination vehicle is resting on a horizontal supporting plane.
Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) is the mass transmitted to the ground by the axle or axles of the trailer when coupled to a drawing vehicle and carrying its maximum load uniformly distributed over the load bearing area.
Note: If you are unsure about the mass of the trailer and its load, you can have it weighed at a public weighbridge.
Pig Trailer is a trailer having one axle group near the middle of the length of its goods carrying surface. Most caravans, box, and boat trailers are this type.
Inspections
Light trailers with an ATM over 750 kg and up to and including 3500 kg require a current safety certificate and trailers over 3500 kg a certificate of inspection when:
- offered for sale or disposed of by way of gift whilst registered;
- re-registered after being unregistered; or
- transferred from interstate registration
Towing vehicle
In the interests of reliability and safety, follow these rules and conditions:
- Ensure the vehicle is suitable for towing, if required, towing options such as special suspension or transmission options or load-distributing devices, that may be fitted to the vehicle by either the manufacturer, dealer or a firm specialising in towing equipment.
- Ensure the vehicle is properly equipped for the type and size of trailer:
- towbars and couplings must be of a suitable type and capacity;
- electrical sockets for lighting are required;
- suitable brake connections may be required;
- extra mirrors may be required for towing large trailers.
Ensure that the lower of the following is not exceeded:
- the maximum towing capacity of the motor vehicle as specified by the vehicle manufacturer; or
- the capacity of the towing apparatus fitted to the vehicle
Note: This information can be obtained from the owner’s manual or the manufacturer. If the motor vehicle manufacturer has not specified a maximum towing capacity or it cannot be identified, the following is taken to be the maximum towing capacity for the purposes of the above:
- One and a half times the unladen mass of the motor vehicle if the trailer is fitted with brakes; or
- the unladen mass of the motor vehicle, if the trailer is not fitted with brakes.
Towbars
A properly designed and fitted towbar is essential for safe towing. The load capacity of the towbar must be at least equal to the loaded mass of the trailer. As a guide to assessing this, towbars manufactured after 1January 1992 for passenger vehicles must be marked with their load capacity and the vehicle model for which they are intended.
The towbar must be fitted with attachments for connecting safety chains capable of withstanding the rated load capacity of the towbar. The safety chain attachments must be mounted adjacent to the tow coupling and arranged so as to maintain the direction of the towed vehicle in the event of coupling failure or disconnection.
Towbars, including towbar tongues, must not protrude dangerously or have sharp corners.
Couplings
Trailers that do not exceed 3500 kg ATM must have a quick release coupling which is designed to be engaged and disengaged without the use of tools. It must be of a positive locking type with provision for a second independent locking device. The locking must be readily verifiable by visual inspection.
Typical approved couplings for light trailers are:
- 50 mm ball couplings for trailers with an ATM up to 2300 kg;
- heavy duty 50 mm ball couplings for trailers with an ATM up to 3500 kg; and
- pintle hook couplings for trailers with an ATM up to 4500 kg.
Couplings should be marked with their load capacity and the manufacturer’s name or trademark.
Braking systems
Trailers that do not exceed 750 kg GTM with a single axle
- No brakes are required.
Note: Where a trailer has two axles where the centres are less than 1 metre apart are regarded as a single axle.
All other trailers that do not exceed 4500 kg ATM
- These trailers must be fitted with an efficient brake system that complies with ADR 38/-. Except for over-run brakes, all brakes must be operable from the driver's seat of the towing vehicle.
For trailers up to 2000 kg GTM, an efficient braking system is considered to have brakes operating on the wheels of at least one axle. Over-run brakes may only be used on trailers that do not exceed 2 tonnes GTM.
Every trailer over 2000 kg GTM must have brakes operating on all wheels. The brake system must cause immediate application of the trailer brakes in the event of the trailer becoming detached from the towing vehicle. Under these circumstances, the brakes must remain applied for at least 15 minutes.
All flexible hydraulic brake hoses, air or vacuum brake tubing and air and vacuum flexible hoses must conform to SAA, SAE, BS, JIS, DIN, ISO or ECE Standards and be fitted to the vehicle in a way that will prevent chafing, kinking or other mechanical damage under normal motion of the parts to which they are attached.
Safety chains
All pig trailers with rigid drawbars (with or without breakaway brakes but excluding converter dollies) and, any other trailer without breakaway brakes, must be fitted with safety chains that are marked in accordance with the relevant Australian Standard complying with the following:
- trailers that do not exceed 2500 kg ATM must have at least one safety chain complying with Australian Standard AS 4177.4-1994 or Australian Standard AS 4177.4-2004 'Caravan and light trailer towing components Part 4: Safety chains up to 3500kg capacity', or be a safety cable with a certified load capacity of the same
- trailers over 2.5 tonnes and not exceeding 3.5 tonnes ATM must have two safety chains of designation of 3500 kg complying with Australian Standard AS 4177.4-1994 or Australian Standard AS 4177.42004
- trailers over 3500 kg ATM must have two safety chains made from steel of a minimum 800 MPa breaking stress that conforms to the mechanical properties of Grade T chain as specified inAustralian Standard AS 2321-1979 'Short Link Chain for Lifting Purposes (non calibrated)' or Australian Standard AS 2321-2006 'Short Link Chain for Lifting Purposes.' Each chain must be sized such that the minimum breaking load exceeds the ATM.
The length of the safety chain/s must prevent the trailer’s drawbar hitting the ground if the trailer is detached from the towing vehicle. The safety chains must be properly connected to the tow bar with attachments capable of withstanding the specified breaking load of each chain. Do not use padlocks.
For further information regarding couplings, brake requirements and safety chains please refer to the Vehicle Standard Bulletin - Building Small Trailers (VSB1) available on the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development website (www.infrastructure.gov.au)
Safety Chain Connections (Shackles)
TMR requires that “D” Shackles, used to connect a trailer safety chain(s) to the towing vehicle, must have strength that is compatible with the safety chain (fit for purpose). This can be ensured in a couple of ways:
- Use of “D” Shackles that comply with AS 2741-2002 “Shackles” and having the appropriate markings is one way. TMR recommends this method.
- Another way of ensuring that the “D” Shackle used is of appropriate strength is to select a “D” Shackle of reputed brand (for example, a towbar manufacturer) so the part has its brand name/model permanently marked on it.
“D” Shackles that do not have any markings make it difficult to identify there source and strength and may raise questions during any roadside audit by enforcement officers.
Safety chain strength is specified in terms of minimum Proof Load in kN. Proof load is defined in AS4177.4-2004 as “The load which chain must be able to withstand, while remaining in service”. D shackle strength is specified in terms of Working Load Limit (WLL) in kN. Working Load Limit is defined in AS2741-2002 as “The maximum load that may be applied to the shackle, which may be re-rated for particular conditions of use”.
As you can see, the definitions for Proof Load and Working Load Limit (WLL) are similar. In other words, WLL is to D shackle what Proof Load is to safety chain.
With this in mind, the following simple mapping can be drawn:
Note: Left/right table scroll in mobile view
| Trailer ATM (kg) | Chain Size Classification (kg) AS 4177.4-2004 | Chain min. Proof Load (KN/t) (Strength) | D Shackle Size Classification (AS2741-2002) | D Shackle Working Load Limit (WLL in kg) (Strength) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-1000 | 1000 | 4.9 / 0.49 | 6 mm, 8 mm | 500, 750 |
| 1001-1600 | 1600 | 7.9 / 0.8 | 10 mm | 1000 |
| 1601-2500 | 2500 | 12.3 / 1.25 | 11 mm | 1500 |
| 2501-3500 | 3500 | 17.2 / 1.75 | 13 mm | 2000 |
Click here to view enlarged version
Note:
- Pin diameter of shackle will be greater than the diameter of the main shackle body.
- Same size shackles of different quality grades will have a different WLL (i.e. 6mm “S” grade shackle has a greater WLL than a 6mm “M” grade shackle).
- Stainless steel shackles are unsuitable for trailer use due to the material’s general low resistance to bending stresses.
- Bow shackles provide for greater angular usage compared with “D” shackles.
Rear Marker Plates (Do Not Overtake Turning Vehicle Signs)
Note: A person must not drive a vehicle or combination in Queensland displaying a do not overtake turning vehicle sign if the vehicle, together with any load or projection, is not 7.5m long, or longer.
If your vehicle (meaning the towing vehicle together with the trailer and projecting load) is 7.5 metres long or longer, you may have the sign “Do not overtake turning vehicle” displayed at the rear of the rearmost vehicle. This can be either a separate sign or the words can be incorporated on either the left hand marking plate only, or both left and right plates.
Please note: if your vehicle (meaning the towing vehicle together with the trailer and projecting load) needs to straddle lanes or turn from an adjacent lane in order to turn left or right at intersections, and it is 7.5 metres long or longer, you must have the sign “DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE”.
The Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Road Rules) Regulation 2009 Part 11 Keeping left, overtaking and other driving rules, section 143 states:
Passing or overtaking a vehicle displaying a do not overtake turning vehicle sign.
(1) A driver must not drive past, or overtake, to the left of a vehicle displaying a do not overtake turning vehicle sign if the vehicle is turning left and is giving a left change of direction
signal, unless it is safe to do so.
(2) A driver must not drive past, or overtake, to the right of a vehicle displaying a do not overtake turning vehicle sign if the vehicle is turning right, or making a U-turn from the centre of the road, and is giving a right change of direction signal, unless it is safe to do so.
Driver
Apart from the added legal responsibilities for drivers, towing requires more knowledge and skills than normal driving. Drivers not experienced in towing need to make sure they understand the general principles of driving with a trailer before attempting to tow in traffic or at highway speeds. When towing, drivers
should:
- allow for the extra length and width of a trailer when entering traffic and allow for its tendency to "cut in" on corners and curves;
- apply the accelerator, brakes and steering smoothly and gently to avoid sway, especially in wet or slippery conditions;
- allow for the increased effects of cross-winds, passing vehicles and uneven road surfaces on the vehicle and trailer combination;
- avoid applying the towing vehicle’s brakes if the trailer begins to sway or snake. If the trailer is fitted with brakes that can be operated independently, apply them gently. Otherwise, continue at a steady speed or accelerate slightly until the sway stops;
- leave a longer stopping distance to the vehicle ahead, increase the gap for longer, heavier trailers and allow even more distance in poor driving conditions;
- engage a lower gear in both manual and automatic vehicles when travelling downhill to increase vehicle control and reduce strain on brakes;
- allow more time and distance to overtake because of the reduced performance of the towing vehicle and avoid “cutting off” the overtaken vehicle when returning to the left lane;
- reverse, if possible, with a person watching the rear of the trailer - reversing is difficult and takes practice; and
- pull off the road where suitable, to avoid a build-up of traffic unable to overtake.
- be aware, when a heavy vehicle is overtaking the car/caravan combination, it will have a tendency to sway.
Loading trailers
It is unsafe and illegal to overload a trailer. Drivers must ensure:
- the ATM specified by the trailer manufacturer is not exceeded;
- lights, number plate and registration labels are not obscured in any way; and
- tyre or tow coupling capacities are not exceeded.
The load must be properly secured to your trailer. It is recommended that you refer to the Load Restraint
Guide available from the National Transport Commission website.
For further information on the size of load and any projection allowed for cars, utilities, trucks and trailers, please refer to the Projecting Loads section of the TMR website.
Load equalisers
Many people, particularly those towing large caravans, use load equalisers. This device transfers some of the load imposed on the towbar ball to the front and rear suspension of the towing vehicle.
This retains vehicle ride height and effective steering control. Heavy duty towbars and attachments should be used with equalisers. Consult the towbar manufacturer or caravan dealer before using this equipment as it may overload the towbar and its components.
Caution: Load equalisers should never be used to compensate for a badly loaded trailer.
Maintenance
Proper, regular maintenance of your vehicle and trailer is vital for safe towing. See your trailer and/or vehicle dealer, the RACQ or other competent service agent in this field to check that:
- the towing vehicle and the trailer are in a roadworthy and safe condition; and
- the trailer’s wheel-bearings, suspension and brakes are in good working condition. This is particularly important for boat trailers or if the trailer has not been used for some time.
Before the trip
There are a number of safety checks you should make before each trip. These are:
- inspect all tyres carefully. When towing heavily loaded trailers, vehicle tyre pressures should be increased to the level recommended in the owner’s handbook or on the tyre placard (usually about
- 15 kPa above normal). Otherwise, ask a reputable local tyre dealer;
- carry out normal service checks of oil, water, brake fluid, battery and tyre pressure., remembering that towing places additional demands on your vehicle;
- ensure the coupling socket and ball are the matching size. If the coupling is not a ball type check that all parts fit and function properly;
- check the coupling is securely fastened and latched or screwed down when the trailer is connected to the towing vehicle;
- check safety chains are properly connected with attachments capable of withstanding the specified breaking load of each chain. Do not use padlocks. If two chains are fitted, cross them under the drawbar before they are attached to the towing vehicle. This provides better directional control of the trailer and helps prevent the front of the drawbar hitting the road if the coupling disconnects;
- check trailer brake and light connections are secure and all lights work;
- check the initial operating adjustments of electric or vacuum operated brakes fitted to the trailer are in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions;
- disengage any reversing catch fitted to the trailer coupling (as used with over-run brakes);
- make one or two test stops from low speed to confirm the trailer brakes operate properly;
- ensure all doors, hatches, covers and any load or equipment are properly secured; and
limit the mass of the load carried in the boot or luggage space of the towing vehicle.
During the trip
Soon after beginning each trip, stop in a safe location and make sure:
- couplings and safety chains are still fastened;
- brakes and wheel-bearings are not overheating;
- light connections are secure and lights are still working;
- tyres are still inflated correctly and are not rubbing on the mudguards, suspension, trailer body and so on;
- loads doors, hatches, covers and so on, are still properly secured.
- on long trips, repeat these checks every two to three hours when taking a rest stop.
Insurance
Compulsory Third Party insurance for trailers in Queensland is provided by the towing vehicle’s insurance cover. If your trailer is being towed by an interstate registered vehicle, contact your insurer to obtain additional cover. A trailer may not be covered by comprehensive insurance if:
- it does not comply with Queensland registration and vehicle standard legislation;
- its on road mass exceeds your vehicle’s towing capacity;
- it is not roadworthy or safe; or
- it is overloaded.
A final word of advice
When towing, ensure your trip is safer, better planned and more pleasant by:
- scheduling more rest stops and shorter travelling days for long trips because towing is more stressful than normal driving and more likely to cause driver fatigue;
- taking care not to hold up following traffic unnecessarily;
- looking further ahead than usual to anticipate appropriate driving actions for traffic and road conditions; and
- remembering fuel consumption increases for most light vehicles towing caravans and large trailers, particularly at speeds above 90km/h.
Related documents and links
Vehicle Standard Bulletin - Building Small Trailers (VSB 1)
Available on-line from the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development
Vehicle Standard Bulletin - Rear Marking Plates (VSB 12)
Available on-line from the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development
Australian Design Rules
Available on-line from the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development
Australian Standard AS 4177 Safety Chains
Available for purchase from Standards Australia
www.standards.org.au
Available for purchase from Standards Australia
www.standards.org.au
Load Restraint Guide
Available online from the National Transport Commission
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