Towing a trailer, caravan, boat, or work equipment might be part of your everyday routine but doing it incorrectly can quickly turn a regular drive into a dangerous situation.
If you have been injured due to a towing-related road accident then that is something we can help and give you advice on whether you are at fault or not.
The director of Revolution Law Ryan Birch and his family love to tow their caravan to go on holidays and they can safely say that they’ve seen a lot of unsafe towing practices which is why we’ve decided to share this blog based on their own advice and experiences.
Whether you’re towing for work or leisure, here’s what you need to know to tow safely, stay within the law, and protect yourself and others on the road.
1. Know Your Vehicle’s Towing Capacity
Every vehicle has a maximum towing capacity, listed in the owner’s manual or compliance plate.
Exceeding this limit affects your brakes, suspension, and handling – and if an accident occurs, insurance may not cover you.
Many Utes today say that they can tow 3500kg and this is really misleading!
Ryan assumed that his Nissan Navara would be able to tow a 3500kg caravan but luckily he investigated it and realised that it would have been impossible because the Nissan Navara has a gross carrying mass of 5920kg.
The weight of the Navara with nothing in it is 2146kg. That means if you combine the caravan ( 3500kg) plus Navara ( 2146) you have a total of 5646kg.
Now as mentioned the GCM of the Navara is 5920 so if you subtract the carvan weight and the empty Navara you are left with 274kg payload. With that 274 kg you need to consider 60kg for a full tank of fuel and also the weight of the passengers. G
iven that Ryan has a wife, three kids and a dog, and he had added a canopy to the back of the ute and naturally needs a full tank of fuel to go anywhere, towing a 3500kg caravan with the Navara would have far exceeded its towing capacity.
It so important to understand your cars GCM, GVM and ATM to ensure your vehicle can safely carry and tow.
Tip: Check both the braked and unbraked towing limits and ensure your trailer matches.
2. Use the Right Towbar and Equipment
Ensure your towbar and coupling are rated for the load you’re towing.
Safety chains, brake systems, sway controls, and towing mirrors should all meet Australian Design Rules.
Legal Reminder : Towing mirrors are mandatory if your trailer is wider than your car – and failing to use them can result in fines and liability in the event of a collision.
3. Balance Your Load
Uneven or top-heavy loads can cause your trailer to sway, especially at high speeds or in windy conditions.
Safe Practice :
- Distribute 60% of the load over the front half of the trailer
- Keep the centre of gravity low
- Secure all items to prevent shifting
4. Drive Differently When Towing
Towing significantly changes how your vehicle handles.
You’ll need more time to accelerate, stop, and turn. When people say ‘ drive to the condiditions’ they don’t just mean slow down if it is rainy.
The conditions of roads change drastically across Australia particularly when you are in regional areas, roads can quickly become bumpy and rough and even have washouts.
In the NT signage indicates you can drive 130km per hour, that doesn’t mean it is safe to do so when towing.
There are times when you can have whirly winds hit your vehicle or even have strong winds which can impact your towing.
Be alert always to your surrounding conditions and don’t become complacent because conditions can change quickly.
5. Check Your Trailer Before Every Trip
A quick pre-trip inspection can prevent serious issues.
One time Ryan was driving at night and unbeknownst to him the driving tail lights on the caravan were not working, although they were working on the car.
Since changing a fuse, it is all good to go again but checking the driving lights on the caravan has been added to our towing check list which is as follows :
- All lights, and indicators working
- Tyres inflated and not worn
- Brakes operational (if applicable)
- Antisway connected and on
- Safety chains attached securely
- Caravan windows and hatches secured and locked
- Grey water tank closed off
6. Stay Within the Law
In Queensland and across Australia, towing regulations are enforced to keep everyone safe.
Overloaded trailers, unregistered vehicles, or failing to use towing mirrors can result in heavy fines and increased liability if a crash occurs.
If you’re unsure, consult your vehicle manufacturer, RMS, or a towing professional.
What If an Accident Happens?
Despite taking every precaution, accidents can still occur.
If you’ve been injured in an incident involving unsafe towing wo whether your a driver, passenger, or pedestrian – you may be entitled to compensation under Queensland’s CTP (Compulsory Third Party) insurance scheme.
Our road accident lawyers at Revolution Law is here to guide you through your legal options, and we offer free, no-obligation advice to help you get started.
Stay Safe, Stay Prepared
Towing safely is about more than protecting your gear , it’s about protecting lives.
Don’t take shortcuts when it comes to equipment, load balance, or driving technique.
A few extra minutes of preparation can make all the difference.
Need legal advice after a towing accident?
Call Revolution Law today on 07 3416 4999 and know that you can speak to someone that understands towing!
07 3416 4999
