Whether you’re buying a new or used caravan or simply hiring one for a specific trip if you haven’t towed a caravan before it can seem intimidating. But don’t despair, with some expert advice and a little practice, towing a caravan can soon feel second nature.
At REDARC we’re focused on helping Aussies tow safely, keeping their family, gear and other drivers on the road out of harm's way — and, of course, ensuring a successful and exciting outback adventure.
These tips can help you to tow confidently and safely the first time you hitch up — let’s get started.
Expert tips to tow a caravan safely the first time
Practice driving in a known environment
The first time you hitch up your caravan and take a drive should not be the big road trip you bought it for. Take short trips and practice towing on roads you’re familiar with the first time.
As you gain confidence with the caravan in tow, take roads that are winding, a freeway or even a gravel road to gain a feel for how these different conditions feel and how to respond to stay safe on the road. You’ll also have the opportunity to check all of your equipment, from the lights and electrical connections to extended mirrors and brakes, to ensure that everything is in tip-top shape.
Pack carefully and load evenly
A caravan load should always be evenly distributed, with most of the weight above the axle. Check your caravan weights before towing, and make sure you check the fully loaded setup as well.
All items inside the caravan should be secured so the luggage can’t roll and shift while you are driving. An unbalanced load can affect safe braking and contribute to caravan sway, so it’s important to check before towing the caravan.
Passengers are never allowed to ride in the caravan while it is being towed, this creates a safety risk. Check any other applicable towing laws to ensure you stay safe on the road.
Do safety checks for the tow vehicle and caravan
Before towing the first time, check that the towing vehicle and caravan are both set up for safe towing. This means checking:
- Caravan braking, indicator and reverse lights work consistently
- Electric brakes are operating correctly
- Reversing camera is working (if applicable)
- Stability control in the caravan is working
- Tyres are in good condition on the towing vehicle and caravan
- Tyre pressures are correct for the load (it can be a good idea to bring a portable air compressor along)
- Wiring is in good condition (see how to troubleshoot common trailer wiring faults)
- Safety pins and emergency chains are firmly attached and don’t hang too low
- Contents of the caravan are secured
- Gas bottles are turned off
On the practice drive, ensure that you are comfortable with the visibility and braking — the time to make tweaks is before the big trip or weekend away.
Install a reliable caravan braking system
Most modern caravans have electric brakes, which require an electric brake controller installed on the towing vehicle so the driver can operate the caravan brakes.
Whether your towing vehicle has a 12V or 24V electrical system, the Tow-Pro electric brake controller is intuitive, easy to use for first-time caravanners and suitable for most tow vehicles. Once installed, the factory finish seamlessly fits into the dash.
An electric brake controller allows you to brake the caravan from the driver's seat, either proportionally with the vehicle braking or independently to respond to changing driving conditions, like caravan sway or steep terrain.
Have an auto electrician complete the installation for full confidence in the system. Once the electric braking system is set up, practice braking to get a feel for the stopping distance of the vehicle and caravan. There’s no need to calibrate the Tow-Pro initially, as the system will actively calibrate while you drive.
Drive attentively and allow extra time
Driving while towing a caravan is different to driving a vehicle, even a large vehicle. Here are a few things to be aware of the first time you pull onto the road.
The turning radius when towing a caravan is longer
Ever notice that a double-trailer truck swings out across double lanes when turning a corner? The same principle will apply to a vehicle towing a caravan.
Beginner caravanners often cut in too close to corners in the road — this is because the turning radius of the towing vehicle is shorter than the turning circle once the caravan is hitched up. Take corners a bit slower and wider than you usually would as you get comfortable with the new length of the combined vehicle.
Braking and slowing will take longer
It’s not just the length of the vehicle that changes when towing a caravan, the weight of the combined vehicle is higher too, which means more momentum. Stopping or slowing the vehicle and caravan will take longer than braking the vehicle alone.
The first time you tow the caravan, stay alert and prepare to respond early to potential hazards. Plan ahead and slow down more than usual before cornering. Allow extra braking distance when stopping.
You may feel a slight lurch when you brake as the inertia of the caravan acts on the vehicle. This is normal.
Have someone guide you when reversing
Beginner caravanners should always have a guide when reversing. Someone standing behind the caravan can prevent you from backing into unseen objects and provide valuable assistance to guide the caravan to the correct spot. Always reverse slowly and check your mirrors, communicating continually with the person guiding you.
If you get stuck, simply drive forward to straighten out the caravan and try again. It takes patience and a calm mind, but reversing a caravan is something you can learn to be confident about.
Drive to the conditions
The weather can change fast in the outback, from sunny, still and calm to windy, stormy or rain. Be aware of your limits and prepare to take extra rest stops on the journey.
If the roads are wet, allow extra braking distance. In windy conditions, use the electric brakes to prevent caravan sway. If the weather is particularly bad on your first trip you can always wait it out — this is one of the benefits of having your temporary home towing behind your vehicle.
Can you tow a caravan on your Ps?
In Australia, licence conditions from the state the licence is issued apply to drivers when they travel interstate, so whether or not you can tow a caravan before getting your full licence depends on where you live.
Drivers with a South Australian Learners or P-plate licence may tow a caravan, provided the vehicle and caravan's GCM (gross combined weight) is no more than 4.5 tonnes. This also applies to Victoria, Queensland, and the Northern Territory.
In the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia and Tasmania, Learner drivers may not tow a caravan but P-platers may, provided the P-plates are clearly displayed on both the towing vehicle and the caravan. Caravan weight or length restrictions may apply.
In New South Wales learner drivers are not allowed to tow a trailer and P1 licence holders can tow a small trailer with up to 250kg of unloaded weight.
This information is current as of October 2024, be sure to check your driver’s licence restrictions with the applicable motor registry office before towing a caravan.
Get ready for a caravanning adventure with reliable electric brake controllers from REDARC
A caravan is the perfect way to explore the thousands of kilometres of open roads around this sunburnt country, removing the need to lock in accommodation or stick to a specific timeline. Learning to tow a caravan can open up new experiences for Aussie families , couples and retirees.
At REDARC, we provide the highest quality gear for caravanning and safe towing to enable you to design and action the adventures of your dreams. Travel independently on your next holiday and discover the great outdoors on your terms, backed with gear designed to perform in the toughest conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Is towing a caravan hard for the first time?
The first time you tow a caravan it will feel challenging, so make sure to practice on familiar roads, an empty car park or paddock where you can gain confidence with the extra weight and the way the caravan moves behind the towing vehicle. With some practice, as well as proper packing and preparation, most drivers quickly gain confidence.
How do you tow a caravan for beginners?
Beginners should practice towing and reversing a caravan in a controlled environment before taking unknown roads or a big trip. Keep the speed to 80-90km per hour, check the tyre pressures on the towing vehicle and caravan before beginning and never carry passengers inside the caravan.
Is it easy to learn to tow a caravan?
Towing a caravan requires additional skills to those used to drive a vehicle, which means there is a learning curve for beginners. Anyone with a full driver's licence can learn to tow a caravan, with the right practice and guidance. Knowing how to tow a caravan is a pathway to new adventures exploring the great outdoors.