A Tasmanian caravan owner hopes other drivers will give caravans extra room on the road, saying many people towing them may still be getting used to how they handle.
David Gough’s comments come as the RACT reminds drivers to take extra care when towing, with many families expected to head away over Thursday’s Royal Hobart Show public holiday in southern Tasmania and into summer.
Gough has owned a caravan for about five years and often travels Tasmania’s east coast with his family.
“Most vans are quite wide. Trying to fit them in a narrow road is a fair handful,” he said.
“Most caravanners probably don’t tow vans on a daily basis, so the first part of the trip’s probably quite nerve-wracking, trying to work out your placement in the road.”
Gough said a caravan seen wandering on the road was likely being driven by someone still working out its position.
More than 143,000 caravans and trailers are registered in Tasmania, according to Service Tasmania data.
RACT head of roadside service delivery Josh Dobie said patience was important for drivers towing and for those around them.
He said drivers overtaking a caravan or trailer should leave enough space before and after the vehicle and those towing should not speed up when others were trying to pass.
“Allow yourself a bit of extra time to get you to your destination and that will ensure that everyone arrives safe and sound,” he said.
Gough said he checked the weather forecast before planning a trip.
“There’s no fun being on the road with the caravan in high wind,” he said.
He said he checked tyre pressures, bearings and springs and tested the brakes before leaving the driveway.
Dobie said a box trailer needed about a five-minute check.
He said larger boats and caravans needed more time to secure loads, distribute weight and check connections.
He said owners should check tyres for sidewall damage, tread wear and correct pressure and make sure all lights were working.
“When connecting any trailer, use the appropriate hitch for your tow vehicle and make sure safety chains are crossed under the trailer tongue and attached using approved shackles,” Dobie said.
“Mountain climbing carabiners are not an acceptable substitute for approved safety chain shackles.”
“Taking a few minutes to check your trailer before leaving can help prevent a breakdown and keep you and other road users safe.”
