Road trip safety tips – Towing trailers and caravans

Please note the information in this article is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any decisions based on this article.

As we say farewell to the humidity and head into the dry season, many of us start planning our weekend trips and family holidays.

If you’re planning a trip with a caravan or trailer, see the safety tips from the NT Government Road User's Handbook before you head off.

Safety Tips for towing a caravan or trailer:

• Make sure your car and caravan or trailer meets all legal and safety requirements and is well maintained.
• Pay particular attention to tyre pressure and tread, brake system, lights and the coupling.
• Safety chains (breakaway chains) must securely attach the trailer to the vehicle.
• Make sure your load is evenly distributed and that the caravan / trailer and car are not overloaded.
• NT law says you must leave at least 200 metres between vehicles over 7.5 metres in length (which includes cars towing caravans and trailers) so that other vehicles are able to overtake.
• When towing a caravan or trailer, pull over and stop regularly to let following traffic overtake.

One of the single most important things to keep in mind when towing a trailer or caravan is to secure your load. Australians are killed every year in crashes caused by unrestrained loads.

Tips for securing your load:

• Make sure your tarp is big enough to cover the load.
• Do not cover your lights or number plates.
• Limit the overhang from your load – keep as much as possible within the trailer or tray.
• Do not overload the vehicle – make two trips if necessary.
• Make sure to tie your load down securely.
• Remove or secure any loose items that could blow away or bounce out.

For more information on how to secure your load, refer to the National Load Restraint Guide.

Disclaimer

This article has been prepared by TIO. Information contained in this article is accurate as at 31 August 2023 and may be subject to change. In some cases, information has been provided to us by third parties and while that information is believed to be accurate and reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed in any way.

Any opinions expressed constitute our views at the time of issue and are subject to change. Neither TIO, nor its employees or directors give any warranty of accuracy or accept responsibility for any loss or liability incurred by you in respect of any error, omission or misrepresentation in this article.