A growing number of caravan crashes across Australia is putting the spotlight on driver inexperience, particularly among 4×4 owners towing heavy vans and campers. 

With more people than ever exploring the country, many are getting behind the wheel with limited understanding of how to tow safely. Even capable vehicles can get caught out when towing limits are exceeded or loads are poorly balanced.

From 2019 to 2023, caravan and campervan registrations in Australia recorded a massive jump of 21 per cent. However, this boom in ownership hasn’t been matched by an increase in towing knowledge or driver training, leading to more accidents involving improperly loaded or overweight setups.

Some of these caravans and camper trailers are also being found unroadworthy before trips begin, with issues ranging from worn tyres and faulty brakes to mismatched tow gear. These faults, combined with poor weight distribution, significantly increase the risk of sway, loss of control and rollovers while towing.

Road conditions are another factor contributing to caravan crashes. Popular touring routes like the Bruce Highway and New England Highway are seeing increased traffic but offer few overtaking lanes and limited pull-over areas, leading to driver fatigue and pressure. Uneven surfaces and long, narrow stretches make towing even more demanding for 4×4 drivers.

As off-road travel and caravan touring continue to grow in popularity, towing safety is becoming a central concern. For 4WD drivers, safe caravan towing means more than just owning the right gear – it means knowing how to use it. 

Towing driver courses play a crucial role by teaching drivers how to properly secure loads, understand tow limits, maintain equipment, and adapt to how towing affects vehicle handling. These training programs improve driver confidence and control behind the wheel, helping to reduce caravan accidents and keep all road users safe. 

All reasons why towing courses should be mandatory.

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