Recent statistics show that more Aussies are looking to embark on that great Australian road trip of discovery, and / or simply chill out with family and friends at a seaside tourist park over the holidays. The popularity and participation rates in the caravanning lifestyle are booming. The Caravan Industry Association of Australia report that there were some 554,344 caravans registered in Australia as at 31 January 2016, representing a 4.42% increase on the previous year and a staggering 30.7% growth in 6 years from 2011. It is also worth mentioning that over 50% of those registrations are in Queensland and New South Wales. Indications are that this trend is only going to continue and accelerate.

These figures suggest that there will be many new comers to towing and those that may only have minimal or distant towing experience. Therefore, gaining good advice and some practical knowledge should be high on the to-do list for quite a few would be caravanners.

Here are five good reasons why investing in a caravan towing course should be a consideration:-

2. Thinking about buying a caravan or camper for the first time: Part of any decision-making process to purchase a caravan, or towing vehicle for that matter, is to do your research. Learning hands on about the intricacies and implications of towing weights, weight distribution, towing regulations, on road vehicle stability and defensive driving techniques, and reversing of course may well guide your end decision.

Do we want, and are we comfortable towing a full caravan, pop top or camper trailer? Will we be able to manoeuvre and store a caravan or camper when we get it home?

3. What will we do if the primary driver becomes ill or incapacitated? Let’s face it none of us are bullet proof but why should we let niggling health issues dissuade us from living the caravanning dream? However, the answer to this question will often figure in the decision to buy or not to buy. Rest easy, if more than one travelling companion possesses the knowledge, skills, and confidence to tow, fears about what to do in the case of sickness or injury to one driver can be alleviated.

4. Fatigue and sharing the load: One of the fatal five causes of road fatalities. Fatigue is very real and needs to be appropriately managed. Towing for any length of time, particularly on a road trip, can be mentally exhausting. Having to be concentrate carefully on the extra dimensions, handling characteristics, and defensive driving when towing are all additions to the considerations of simply driving the family car to the shops. Having a skilled partner along for the ride allows for the load to be shared. Swapping drivers every two hours allows you both to stay fresh and enjoy the drive and comfortably cover higher daily driving distances if required. After all the caravanning experience is as much about the journey as the destination. Learning how to set up your driving position and mirrors properly will also have an impact on your safety and help manage fatigue.

5. Communication and understanding: Having a first-hand appreciation of the skills and techniques required by a driver to reverse a caravan or camper makes for a more helpful observer. Particularly when trying to reverse unsighted into the yard at home or onto that tricky caravan site in the tourist park. An observer that, through personal experience, can advise the driver when the back of the caravan needs to go to the left or right is a real asset. After all, to my way of thinking, reversing a caravan is best done as a team effort.

Acquiring and adopting some shared communication language and hand signals can prove invaluable. We have all seen what happens when frustration sets in because communication fails.

6. Confidence and peace of mind: The peace of mind that comes with knowing that you have all the bases covered. Your caravan and tow vehicle are compliant with regulations and best practice. You have had shared with you some of the best hints and tips from a professional with great personal and industry experience. You have acquired the skills and techniques required to tow safely on the open road and to avoid and manage dangerous situations. You are comfortable to reverse a caravan in a controlled manner with a minimum of fuss. At the very least you should have the confidence to go away and practice the new techniques you have learned on your own to further hone your new skills.

These are by no means the only reasons why doing a caravan towing course should be considered, but they are some of the more obvious. There are many providers of these courses out there from driving schools to corporate driver education companies. Courses offered can range from a ½ day private practical training to a 2-day group, nationally recognised, certificate courses. Which one you do is up to you and your budget. Course prices can range anywhere from around $400 to $900. Not cheap I know but whatever the cost, investing in the safety of yourself and your family is priceless. If you are in South East Queensland and thinking about doing a towing course check the Caravan Towing Tuition website www.caravantowingtuition.com.au Their towing course offers a good balanced combination of theory and practical elements. Caravan towing courses are not just for the new comers, there is much to be learned as a refresher for people who may have towed a box trailer or similar in the past and their skills might be a bit rusty or underdone. It doesn’t hurt to spend some time with a trainer who is conversant with the latest industry and regulatory happenings. Their insight and advice could prove invaluable.

 

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Stay safe out on the road and happy caravanning.