Tips, Road Rules and Security Advice Every Aussie Should Know
So you’ve finally done it. You’ve got yourself a caravan, or you’re about to, and now the open road is calling your name. Whether you’ve just picked up a brand new Millard Toura, a Dreamhaven van with those stunning apartment-style interiors, or you’re eyeing off one of the Crusader range at Cannington RV Centre, the adventure ahead is genuinely exciting.
But before you hitch up and head north on the highway, let’s have an honest chat about towing. Because towing a caravan is one of those things that looks straightforward until you’re 200km from home realising you’ve forgotten something important, or worse, something’s gone wrong on the road.
This guide is here to make sure that doesn’t happen to you.
First Things First: Know Your Numbers
Before you even think about loading up the van, you need to understand the relationship between your tow vehicle and your caravan. This is where most new caravanners come unstuck.
Your vehicle’s owners manual will have information about its specific towing capacity. If your trailer has its own braking system, you’ll need to know your vehicle’s Maximum Braked Towing Limit. If your trailer does not have brakes, you need to know the Maximum Unbraked Towing Limit, which typically sits at 750kg, though many smaller vehicles are more limited than this, some as little as 350kg.
The golden rule is this: your caravan should never exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity. If your brand new Millard Breakaway or Dreamhaven van is heavier than your vehicle is rated to tow, you need to either upgrade your vehicle or explore a GVM or GCM upgrade through a certified workshop.
Getting this right from day one protects you legally, financially, and most importantly, keeps everyone on the road safe.
Why Trailer Sway Happens and How to Avoid It
Trailer sway is the number one fear of caravanners, and for good reason. A caravan is continuously exposed to external forces such as wind or bumps in the road that move it around. Larger forces such as strong gusts, a truck driving past, or a sudden change of direction can push the van further sideways before the pulling effect of the car swings it back, and because the reaction is greater, the van returns further past centre, creating a larger pendulum effect. Ultimately, if the oscillation continues, the van can try to overtake the tow vehicle, and if this happens, jack-knifing or even rig rollover can occur.
That sounds scary, and it is. But understanding why it happens means you can prevent it.
Speed is a critical consideration. The faster you go, the more forces are amplified, and it is not linear, it is exponential. Travelling at 90km/h is not a little bit safer than travelling at 100km/h, it is a lot safer. This is one of the most important things to take away from this blog. Slowing down by 10km/h is not just a minor adjustment, it genuinely changes how your rig behaves.
Pack Smart: Weight Distribution Makes All the Difference
Here is something experienced caravanners know that beginners often learn the hard way: how you load your van matters just as much as what you put in it.
When packing, you should aim to have as much weight as possible in the centre of the van over the axles after allowing for an appropriate nose weight. Weight towards the rear of the van creates a leverage effect that causes the van to swing further sideways before the opposing force of the car can pull it back, creating a greater sway.
A practical rule to follow: heavy items like tools, water containers, and food go in first, positioned low and as close to the axle as possible. Clothing and soft goods go in the overhead lockers. Never stack heavy items high in the van as it raises the centre of gravity and makes the whole rig less stable.
Pack all heavy items first, just forward of the axles, low to the ground and evenly on both sides. Medium-weight items can then be loaded around the heavy ones, while light items can be placed in overhead lockers. Never store heavy objects up high. rac
A good tip that applies to any van in the Millard, Dreamhaven, or Crusader range: use the front boot storage for heavier gear to help keep the nose weight up and the rig balanced.
The WA Road Rules You Actually Need to Know
Let’s keep this simple and practical. These are the key road rules that apply in Western Australia when towing a caravan.
- Speed limits. In WA, when towing a caravan or any trailer, the maximum speed at which you may travel is 100km/h where posted speed limits allow. However, a safer towing speed is between 80 and 90km/h, which keeps things manageable should you need to suddenly apply the brakes, and helps you stay in control in strong crosswinds or on uneven road surfaces.
- Following distance. If the total combined length of your vehicle and any attached trailer or caravan is 7.5m or more, you must keep at least 60m behind any similar long vehicle on all roads outside built-up areas that don’t have more than one lane in the direction you’re driving, unless you are overtaking.
- Parking rules. In built-up areas, you cannot stop a long vehicle on the side of the road for more than an hour unless the driver is dropping off or picking up goods, or signage allows for longer. Outside built-up areas, you can only stop on the road if the vehicle and its load are completely on the shoulder.
- Wide turns. If the combination of your car and caravan is more than 7.5m long, you may use part or all of an adjacent second lane for turning left or right if any part of your vehicle is within 50m of the nearest point of the intersection and if it is not possible to turn from the lane you are in. You must display the regulation “Do not overtake turning vehicle” sign at the rear of your caravan or trailer.
- Securing your load. Failing to properly secure a load on the exterior of your vehicle or caravan carries a penalty. A vehicle and its load cannot measure more than 2.5m wide, 4.3m high, and cannot have a load that extends more than 1.2m in front or 1.2m to the rear, or 150mm beyond the extreme outer portion on either side.
Your Pre-Trip Checklist: Don’t Leave Home Without Doing These
Even the most experienced caravanners run through a checklist before every trip. It is not about being overly cautious, it is just smart travel. Here is the one we recommend.
Tyre pressure on both the car and van. Tyre pressure on your caravan is just as important as on the car you are driving, so check both. Your tow vehicle’s rear wheels often need to run at higher pressures when hitched up to compensate for the additional load. Check the manufacturer recommendations for your specific caravan model.
Test all caravan lights. Indicators, brake lights, running lights. Do this every single time before you move. A non-functioning brake light on a van you can’t see in your mirrors is a real hazard, and it’s a defect notice waiting to happen.
Double-check your hitch connection. Make sure the coupling is fully locked, safety chains are crossed underneath and secured, and the breakaway cable is connected correctly. Give the van a firm tug forward to confirm it is properly hitched before you drive off.
Check your wheel bearings. Caravans need their wheel bearings checked every twelve months to ensure there is no excessive play and the grease is in good condition. At Cannington RV Centre’s service department, this is something the team can handle for you before any major trip.
Towing mirrors. If your caravan is wider than your tow vehicle, you are legally required to fit towing mirrors. Investing in towing mirrors to extend your range of view is highly recommended, as you must have a clear view of the front, side, and rear of the vehicle, which includes the caravan.
Caravan Security: Protecting Your Investment on the Road and at Home
Your caravan is a significant investment, and unfortunately, caravan theft is a real issue in Australia. Here are some practical security measures worth building into your routine.
Hitch locks. When you are parked or storing the van, a quality hitch lock prevents opportunists from simply coupling up and driving away. This is your first line of defence.
Wheel clamps. A visible wheel clamp is one of the strongest deterrents available. Thieves want quick, easy targets. A clamped van takes too much effort and attention.
Caravan alarms and GPS trackers. Modern GPS trackers are compact, affordable, and can be hidden discreetly inside the van. If your van is stolen, a tracker gives you and the police a real chance of recovering it quickly. Many new-generation caravans, including those in the Dreamhaven and Millard ranges, have enough 12V power onboard to run a tracker continuously.
Pin locks for the coupling. A separate coupling pin lock adds another layer on top of a hitch lock and makes the van even more difficult to move without the right tools.
At caravan parks. When staying overnight, try to position your van in a well-lit area and close to other caravanners if possible. A chatty camping community is also a great natural security system.
At home. If you store your van at home, consider installing a ground anchor in your driveway or shed. Chaining through the wheel and to a fixed anchor point is a serious deterrent.
One Last Thing: Buy a Van That’s Right for Your Tow Vehicle
The very best towing experience starts with choosing the right caravan for your setup in the first place.
Cannington RV Centre proudly offers Australia’s best brands in Dreamhaven and Millard Caravans, as well as the Crusader range. Whether you are after a lightweight entry-level van that’s easy on your current vehicle, a semi-off-road model for serious adventuring, or a feature-packed family van, the team at Cannington RV can walk you through the weights, specs, and compatibility with your tow vehicle before you commit. Canningtonrv
Getting that match right from the start means fewer headaches on the road, better fuel economy, a more confident tow, and ultimately more enjoyment out of your caravanning life.
Come and see the team in Cannington, or visit our stock to browse the current range. The open road is out there waiting, and it is a lot more fun when you know what you’re doing.