Beginner caravan towing guide: city to Aussie adventures

Nervous about towing a caravan for the first time? Camplify has you covered! This guide will answer all your questions, from choosing the right tow vehicle to mastering reversing. Get ready for your next great Aussie family adventure. Last updated: October 2024

Imagine this: Your kids are giggling in the backseat , Aussie road trip tunes are playing, and behind you trails **a caravan you have hired from a local owner**on Camplify , Australia's leading van-sharing platform. The familiar cityscape fades as you head towards sun-kissed beaches, lush national parks, or the vast Outback.

But if you're new to caravanning , especially coming from city life, the thought of towing might feel as daunting as navigating a road train through inner-city laneways. Will your family SUV be up to the task? How do you handle emergency pit stops or reverse into a busy holiday park without breaking into a cold sweat?

Don't worry - we've helped countless city families embark on their first caravanning adventure. We've witnessed initial nerves transform into beaming smiles as families return from coastal escapes and country town explorations, kids bursting with excitement about their " best holiday ever" - all you need is to hire an affordable caravan from a local owner. Never done this before? Here's how it works.

So, let's get into the world of caravan towing. By the end of this caravan towing beginner's guide , you'll be itching to pack up the kids and hit the road for your next great Aussie family adventure!

Can your car handle it? Understanding towing capacity

Before you start planning your epic road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay or Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road, let's talk about your car. Can it handle towing a caravan? Here's what you need to know:

What's towing capacity?

Think of towing capacity as your car's superhero strength. It's the maximum weight your car can safely pull behind it.

How to check your car's towing capacity

1. Look in your car's manual

2. Check the sticker in your driver's door frame

3. Ask your car dealer

4. Use websites like Redbook or CarsGuide

Remember, your car needs to be able to tow the caravan when it's fully loaded with all your holiday gear, not just when it's empty!

Hire Bretts van on Camplify| Find similar vans

Getting your car ready for towing

Once you know your car can handle the caravan, it's time to get it ready for the big adventure. Think of this as packing your car's suitcase for a trip from the city to the bush:

1. Install a Tow Bar : This is what you'll attach the caravan to.

2. Fit Towing Mirrors : These help you see what's happening behind your caravan.

3. Install a Brake Controller : This helps control the caravan's brakes.

4. Check Your Tyres : Make sure they're in good condition and properly inflated.

5. Service Your Car : A happy car makes for a happy holiday!

Hitching up: Connecting your caravan

Attaching the caravan to your car might seem trickier than navigating a roundabout in Canberra, but with practice, it'll become as easy as ordering a sausage sizzle at Bunnings. Here's a simple guide:

1. Back your car up to the caravan (get the kids to help guide you - they love being in charge!)

2. Lower the caravan onto your car's tow ball

3. Lock everything in place

4. Attach the safety chains

5. Plug in the electrics and check all the lights are working

6. Do one final check of everything

Driving tips: You're the captain now!

Driving with a caravan is a bit different from your usual commute on the M1. Here are some top tips:

1. Take It Slow : No need to rush - you're on holiday!

2. Brake Early : It takes longer to stop with a caravan behind you.

3. Wide Turns : Swing wide when turning corners to avoid bumping into things.

4. Be Wind Aware : Strong winds can push your caravan around, so keep both hands on the wheel.

5. Plan Your Route : Try to avoid steep hills and tight turns if you can.

Reversing: The final boss of caravanning

Reversing a caravan can feel like trying to parallel park on King Street, Newtown, during peak hour. But don't worry, with practice (and a good spotter), you'll get the hang of it:

1. Use a Spotter : Get your partner or one of the kids to guide you.

2. Turn the Wheel the Opposite Way : To make the caravan go left, turn the steering wheel right, and vice versa.

3. Small Movements : Little steering adjustments go a long way.

4. Take Your Time : Rome wasn't built in a day, and perfect reversing takes practice!

Setting up camp: Home sweet (mobile) home

You've arrived! Now it's time to turn your caravan into a cosy home base for your adventures. Here's what to do:

1. Find a nice level spot for your caravan.

2. Unhitch from your car and make sure the caravan is stable, making sure you brake the van first!

3. Connect to power and water if your site has them.

4. Set up your awning and outdoor area.

5. Let the holiday begin!

Safety first: Your pre-trip checklist

Before you hit the road, always do these quick checks:

1. All lights are working

2. Tyres are properly inflated

3. The hitch is secure and safety chains are connected

4. All doors and windows are closed and locked

5. Everything inside the caravan is secured (you don't want flying objects while driving!)

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Common caravanning challenges: Bumps in the road

Even experienced caravanners face challenges sometimes. Here are a few common issues you might encounter, along with solutions:

1. Caravan sway: The wiggle wobble

Sometimes, especially in strong winds on exposed highways like the Nullarbor, your caravan might start to sway from side to side.

How to handle it:

• Don't panic or brake suddenly

• Ease off the accelerator and hold the steering wheel steady

• Once the sway stops, slow down and pull over when safe

Prevention: Make sure your load is distributed evenly in the caravan and secure everything in the caravan before departure.

2. Flat tyre: The unexpected pit stop

Flat tyres can happen to anyone, but they're trickier with a caravan, especially if you're far from a town.

How to handle it:

• Slowly pull over to a safe spot

• Turn on your hazard lights

• Change the tyre if you're comfortable, or if hiring through Camplify call Roadside Assistance.

Prevention: Always check your tyre pressure before a trip, including the spare.

3. Forgetting to retract the steps: The dragging dilemma

It's surprisingly easy to forget to fold up your caravan's entry steps before driving off from your campsite.

How to handle it:

• Stop as soon as it's safe

• Check for any damage

• Retract the steps and secure them

Prevention: Add "Retract Steps" to your pre-departure checklist. Some families put a colourful ribbon on their steering wheel that they only remove once the steps are up.

Remember, every caravanner has faced challenges at some point. The key is to stay calm, address the issue safely, and learn from the experience. These moments often become funny stories to share around the campfire later!

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Family-friendly caravanning tips: Making memories on the road

Caravanning with kids adds an extra layer of fun (and, let's be honest, chaos) to your trips. Here are some tips to make your family caravanning experience awesome:

1. Involve the Kids in Planning: Let each child choose one activity or destination for the trip. This gets them excited and invested in the journey.

2. Pack Entertainment: Bring books, games, and activities for the journey. A special "caravan-only" toy can make the trip more exciting for little ones.

3. Plan Frequent Stops: Kids need to stretch their legs more often. Plan stops at parks or interesting landmarks to break up the journey.

4. Create a Kid-Friendly Checklist: Make a simple checklist for the kids to help with setup and pack-down. It makes them feel involved and teaches responsibility.

5. Safety First: Teach kids basic caravan safety, like not playing near the hitch when setting up or packing down.

6. Outdoor Fun: Pack outdoor games and sports equipment. The beauty of caravanning is having your own gear with you wherever you go!

7. Bedtime Routine: Try to maintain some semblance of your normal bedtime routine, even when camping. It helps kids settle in unfamiliar environments.

Your family's next big adventure awaits!

Embarking on your first caravanning journey as a family might seem daunting, but it's also the beginning of incredible adventures and lasting memories. Remember, every expert caravanner was once a beginner too, probably fumbling with hitches and nervously navigating their first drive out of the big smoke.

Take it slow, embrace the learning curve, and don't be afraid to ask for help - the caravanning community is known for its friendliness and willingness to lend a hand. Before you know it, you'll be sharing your own tips with the next wave of newbie family caravanners at the local caravan park!

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