As the allure of the open road beckons, more and more Australians are hitching up caravans to explore our country’s vast beauty. But with this increase in caravanning comes a significant and often overlooked road safety issue: the proper loading and towing of mobile homes.
A recent incident captured on video has brought this concern into sharp focus, revealing a potentially deadly problem on the country’s roads.
Hannah Jones, who had been enjoying a serene camping trip in Pemberton, a rural town in Western Australia’s southwest, witnessed a heart-stopping scene on the Kwinana Freeway.
A caravan ahead of her was swaying dangerously from side to side, threatening the safety of everyone nearby.
‘The swaying was scary! We thought there was going to be an accident. All of the cars behind and to the side of him were avoiding him,’ she said.
In a decisive move to avoid disaster, Jones overtook the erratic caravan, but she couldn’t help but wonder if the driver was even aware of the peril he was causing.
As she passed, the driver seemed oblivious, windows down, smiling, exuding a confidence that belied the gravity of the situation.
‘[He had the] window down smiling. I’m sure he would have known from his side mirrors or even felt it. He seemed very confident,’ she said.
This is not an isolated incident. There have been multiple cases of swaying caravans, and experts are sounding the alarm over a lack of knowledge regarding the correct and safe way to load these vehicles.
The caravan appeared to have additional features on the rear and roof, which could have thrown off its towing weight balance.
The consequences of incorrect loading are severe. An imbalance between a car and its towed caravan can lead to a loss of control, with potentially fatal outcomes.
Just last October, a swaying caravan nearly caused a collision with a 57-tonne truck, and numerous caravans have overturned on roads, prompting emergency responses.
Glen Walker, an RAC claims manager, has previously emphasised the gravity of the situation: ‘It is crucial caravan owners prioritise learning how to safely maintain, load, and tow their vans.’
He added, ‘It’s also critical to keep the caravan balanced, with the correct weight on the tow-hitch, by distributing weight evenly when packing.’
For those hitting the road with their caravans, it’s essential to consider the following:
- The weight of your vehicle and its towing capacity.
- The caravan’s weight and ensuring it’s within the vehicle’s towing limits.
- The combined weight of the car and caravan must not exceed legal limits.
- The overall weight distribution between the vehicle and caravan affects stability and control.
This caravan driver’s terrifying behaviour is a stark reminder of Australia’s daunting road safety crisis. As we embrace the freedom of caravanning, let’s not forget the responsibility that comes with it.
Ensuring our vehicles are correctly loaded and towed isn’t just about compliance; it’s about protecting our lives and the lives of others on the road.
Have you experienced or witnessed similar issues with caravan towing? Share your stories and tips for safe caravanning in the comments below. Your insights could help prevent accidents and save lives.
Also read: Safety concerns for caravan owners: A close look at roadworthy issues on Aussie highways
I can’t see much danger in that minor amount of sway. Have seen a lot worse.
That is not a minor case of swaying. The driver should have known what was happening and pulled over somewhere safe. Perhaps low tyre pressures, incorrect or unbalanced loading. The potential to totally lose any control and create a dangerous situation for other road users. No excuses. Who hasn’t seen this along with no towing mirrors or rear cameras?