01/08/2023
Hi everyone,
This is a lot of post but PLEASE take the time to read it and learn from it.
Not all caravanning accidents are the fault of the driver towing but for the ones that are most could be avoided.
Scenes like this are happening far to often at the moment. This accident happened just a few days ago. Here's a quote taken from the report and a link to the full report is below.
Please take the time to read it.
"What tends to happen is, once the owner takes over, they can upset that balance by putting too much weight on the back of their caravan or trailer," Mr Williams said.
"That's one of the main reasons a caravan or trailer sways, because you've putting too much on the back.
"Load weight and position is important.
"So it might be set to go, but the owner might put a 20-litre fuel jerry on the back, they might add a bike rack or spare tyre — those things will easily cause problems."
Mr Whish said he had sat in the passenger seat of a caravan that began to vigorously sway during a training course on the highway after the owner shifted a bike rack from where the manufacturer had positioned it.
"That guy put his wife, two kids, and my life in danger just by changing the dynamics of the caravan," he said.
https://www.abc.net.au/.../qld-highway-caravan.../12402706
If you are thinking that this is an isolated case or that caravan crashes don't happen that often or you are thinking this is "Bu****it", just google "caravan accident".
The below link is actual footage from a dashcam that was a caravan rollover, you can clearly see the way the van starts swaying and pulling the vehicle around.
https://claytonstowing.com.au/.../caravan-terrifying.../
Do you know what to do if this happens to you?
Do you know how to avoid this happening to you?
Scenes like this can be avoided.
Drive to the conditions.
Drive within your own ability.
Make sure that your tow vehicle is more that capable of towing your van or trailer.
Most people are towing overweight with an unsuitable vehicle, just because the vehicle manufacturer and the salesman say "sure your Ranger (or what ever vehicle you have just purchased) can tow a 3.5 ton van" doesn't mean it can actually tow it well!
Weight your car and van properly, if you are unsure ask an expert (Not a Facebook expert).
Know what to do in an emergency.
If you are new to caravanning or do not have much towing experience, don't be afraid to do a course it could save you from this happening to you.
Before you take off on that long awaited trip of a lifetime be as educated and informed as you could possibly be.
Get your car and van weighed. Knowing the weight and how it's distributed is extremely important.
We at Weigh Mobilee can obviously do this for you, but there are plenty of mobile weighing businesses out there that can weigh your setup and educate you on the best and safest way to load your car and van.
Education is the the key people.
Like I said at the start, not all caravan accidents are the fault of the driver, there are a lot of idiots on the road and we all need to be vigilant and on our game while driving, especially towing.
Take care and safe travels
Andy and Jo
Weigh Mobile