Problems on the Road - "Towing Caravans for Rec-reation? Not Wreck-creation!" 

Most unfortunately, the caravan industry is being badly tarnished by the continual reports of serious accidents, involving caravans, on our roads. 

For every major accident - involving a roll-over - the CCA receives many-fold the number of calls from 'vanners who have had frightening incidents, involving severe swaying or jack-knifing? thankfully usually without injuries or major damage. 

The CCA has written a poem to remind 'vanners of the important issues to be aware of when towing, and help prevent most of the basic causes of these scary - and potentially-lethal - incidents.

Towing Caravans for Rec-reation? Not Wreck-creation! 

It?s a good life for the ?vanners, who live out on the road,

Seeing our great country, without a fixed abode,

But there?s danger ever lurking, on our highways when you drive,

So be careful when you travel, so you get back home alive.

Towing sure can be a problem, if something isn't right,

It may be out of mind, but it?s never out of sight,

So check that all?s OK, both the tow-rig and the ?van,

And enjoy the pleasures of your trips, as safely as you can.

Is the ?van in sound condition, are mechanicals still good,

Are you never over-loaded, does it tow the way it should,

Is the Ball-Load as it should be, not too high and not too low,

To give the safest handling, on whatever roads you go?

Are the tyres still road-worthy, and still have lots of grip,

Have you had the brakes adjusted, so they?ll never lock or slip,

Are the pressures set correctly, as the makers recommend,

To give the needed traction, on a hill or on a bend?

Are all the lights still shining, and the coupling?s done up tight,

Are the safety-chains and shackles, still connected safe and right,

Are your heavy goods stored safely, in the middle of the ?van,

Are the wheels and bearings still turning well, as smoothly as they can?

Do you understand the meaning, of each Rating and each force,

Of the tow-rig and the caravan, and their legalise of course?,

There?s the ATM and Ball-load, the Tare and GTM,

There?s the GCM and Tow-bar specs, you need to know 'bout them. 

Questions for All Caravanners? to Improve Road Safety

How well do you understand the important basics of physics, when you are driving a vehicle that is towing a caravan or camper-trailer???

How well do you understand the important Definitions of "Ratings & Masses"??? 

Here is your chance to find out!  

The "Test" is available under "Technical Articles" on the CCA web-site:  www.caravancouncil.com.au 

The "Theory Test" has a number of "multiple-choice" Questions? so see how you go!

The "Theory Test" Answers are also on the web-site? but no peeping first! 

Safe & Happy Travels!

Colin 

Caravan Council of Australia