Things you didn't know about towing
Towing a trailer or caravan
Towing a trailer or caravan requires extra concentration and skill. You should gain
experience before trying to tow at high speed or in confined spaces.
Before you start ensure your vehicle and trailer or caravan are safe to drive or tow.
What to check
- Tyres and tyre pressure
- Wheels and suspension
Brakes – an efficient braking system is needed for all trailers with a loaded weight of more than 750 kg
Trailer coupling, including lights and safety chain. Couplings must be strong enough to take the weight of a fully loaded trailer and must be marked with the manufacturer’s name or trademark and the rated capacity
- Safety chains should be short enough to stop the front of the trailer hitting the ground if the couplings break.
Loading – distribute the bulk of it over the axles.
Check the manufacturer’s towing rating for your vehicle to ensure it can legally tow the weight of the trailer or caravan.
How to tow safely
When turning, allow additional space for the extra length and width of the trailer.
Steer smoothly to avoid swaying, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
Allow for a greater stopping distance and look ahead for any changes in road or
traffic conditions.
Avoid braking unnecessarily even if the trailer begins to sway or snake. Continue at a steady speed or accelerate slightly until the swaying stops.
Keep left – don’t hold up traffic unnecessarily.
More information about towing is available on the Department of Transport and Main Roads website. http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au
Restraining your load
As a driver, you have a legal responsibility to your passengers, other road users and yourself to ensure that all loads carried by your vehicle are securely restrained.
This is how you carry loads safely
Choose a suitable vehicle to carry the load.
Position the load correctly, ensuring the load does not affect the vehicle’s stability, steering or braking performance.
If your load is light material, for example bark chips or leaves, secure it properly. This may mean covering your load with a tarpaulin.
Use suitable restraints that are strong enough and in good condition.
Provide adequate load restraint to prevent movement of the load.
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