"TOP 10" CARAVAN TOWING TIPS - Road Trip Australia
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- čas přidán 17. 08. 2024
- Welcome back to another video guys. In this one, we run through some tips that we use to stay safe while towing a caravan around Australia!
- HOOKING UP THE VAN
- REVERSING
- BRAKES
- UHF RADIO
- SPEED AND TOWING COURSES
Whats your best towing tip?? Let me know in the comments.....
INFO LINKS -
Use coupon TIAV15 here to save on UHF Radio's - oricom.com.au
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Full Range of discounts on gear we use - www.tripinavan...
Disclaimer
*We are not trained towing educators, these are just tips from our own experience on the road*
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- / justins_roadtrip
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Our most watched Episode - z • BEACH CAMPS ON THE NIN...
It all started when…
In December 2015 we packed up and hit the road for what we thought would be a 12 month Lap of Oz. Fast forward 4 years and we decided to create a video series of our travels to show you all what it’s like to live life on the road!!
Hi J+B and kids. I'm a trucky. So the computer is set on our trucks to 100 kph. Unless we're going downhill, we can't go faster. A few times passing cars and vans doing 95 kph, the silly bludgers don't back off, so takes ages to get round. Sometimes when traffic coming the other way is getting close, on goes the blinker and I'm coming over. So a bit of common sense out there people, we"re at work. Your on holidays, work with us, back it off for a minute or two, and it'll be a lot happier/safer world. If you don't think 10 minutes makes a difference to us truckys stuck behind you. We are electronically monitored, so we have to pull up at a preset times. That 10 minutes can mean pulling up at a servo with toilets and food, or pulling up on the side of the road with nothing.
With the ridiculous time targets put on truckies it puts enormous pressure on you guys, to point it becomes dangerous for every road user. I've seen cars pushed off the road because a b double is taking 25 mins to overtake. It's not worth the battle. Caravan owners, if you see freight coming, slow down on a straight, indicate to pull over and let them pass.
Hi Colin. We are a part of the nomad community (caravan) and I certainly hear what you are saying. Unfortunately not all caravaners seem to care. However, I must sau, we have a radio and wherever possible, I call up the truck behind me and assist him with the pass. But I note, I rarely get the call from the truck? I am pretty sure a lot of caravaners have a radio so should always be worth the call? I travel at 90kph and have a rear camera but sometimes you boys sneak up on me so give us a call and I will do my best to let you through.
Anyway, good luck and safe travels 👍
@@steverodley4946 Thanks Steve, sometimes that's all it takes, communication and common sense. I don't tailgate and grey nomads are normally pretty cruisy and switched on. I'm on the road too much to be getting upset at everyone who slows me down or stuffs up. Unfortunately sometimes some choice words are said over the 2 way by my fellow truckies and or grey nomads then the shits are got and common sense can go out the window. Don't worry Steve, I've seen a mom in a car with 2 kids in baby seats pass me on a blind corner with double lines and then pull over at a shop 20 ks later.
As a fellow truckie (if you can look at it this way) the road network is our workplace. You are a consumer, we the Truckie aim to get your needs met and as old mate advised you all we are on time schedules, things are measured for a purpose. Look at it this way once again - if we are delayed and heck run out of fuel your produce, meats etc will be spoiled ..... yukky poo so give us truckies that little bit of respect after all you will be praying for one of us to stop and help you out one day ...... so till we cross paths on the Australian road networks ... Keep Safe we love you all.
Cheers Vic
Last week i was travelling at 113 kmh (without a caravan) and still somehow got overtaken by a roadtrain, a full size Western Star with 2 heavy machinery trailers.
Maybe its different in the north Kimberley but Roadtrains always seem to be going at least 105kmh.
Some really great advice, also just a few extra tips to do with sharing the road. I have driven heavy vehicles for more than 40 plus years all over Australia and some of the issues people have I think often arises from just a lack of understanding whats going on around them. If you are traveling at your safe comfortable speed don't stress when a truck is behind you, Just continue to maintain your speed. He is sitting up high and has a pretty good view of the road in front and when he deems it safe will pass, he also has a great knowledge of the road the road ahead having travelled it many times. When you are being overtaken don't speed up especially on an overtaking lane or divided roads. As well, be aware that a large vehicle overtaking you will change the air flow around your unit which may cause your vehicle to become or feel a little less stable so be prepared for that. Never be in a rush, you are on holidays so enjoy and safe travels.
Great info
These are times when Ch-40 is a ripper. When a truck comes up behind me, I call him up to reassure him that once he pulls out to overtake, I will back off thus significantly reducing the time the time spent on the manoeuvre.
I love how you guys take the piss out of each other all the time, that's true love right there. Great ep, cheers folks.
True love 😂🍺
Done a 3 monther around Oz last year i talked the wife into driving and towing the van firstly on straight roads then on a bit twisty sections to get her confidence going she doesn't like it in towns but we are working on it a little bit at a time. The most important thing to me is to be able to get out of the drivers seat for a while when its time to drive again i feel refreshed, we also have a system in place when coupling and uncoupling and double check each others work.. Funny story when i was about 20 i was pulling out of a caravan park in NZ their power cord coupling that goes into the van and power box has i screw on coupling on it to tighten it into the onsite power box .So all full of confidence I'm driving past reception ang the manager comes running out waving his arms so i stop and he gets me out of the car and points about 10 meters behind the van i had pulled the whole power box out of the ground i thought this is gonna cost but he said it happens on a regular basis hence the checks
Good run down on hooking up the van justin once I've hooked up I turn on my park lights and hazzard lights and make sure all are working on the van as I do my walk around
Good tip Trevor ,, that's what i do when i hook up the camper or the jetski
Some great tips. Do let your missus, partner, wife drive. Go on a course together and make sure you are both confident on the open road. In 2016 I had a health issue in Kalbarri and was barred from driving for 4weeks so my wife had to drive towing our van for the rest of our holiday back to Melbourne and did a great job. Thanks to the Flying Doctor Service I was OK. Take the tip.......
Just wanted to add one tip when connecting the chains. Crossing them should be standard as you mentioned, but one thing I learnt, the hard way, is to back off the D-shackles a turn and a half to ensure they do not tighten and lock.
Great tip🤙
After you plug in the caravan to the tow vehicle, always get a second person to stand at the back of the caravan to check all the brake and indicater etc ,lights are actually working. Connections do get dirty points, lights do blow.
Good info 🤙
Another great vid! My Mrs does just as much driving with the van on as I do. The only way to get their confidence up is by getting them behind the wheel. If I’m getting tired, or not feeling the best, I know I can take a break rather than thinking I have to push on as I would if she didn’t drive.
Totally agree. My husband and I did a Tow-Ed course when we got our caravan. That was a great move as I became confident towing, backing in etc very quickly. It was worth every penny. We drive 50-50 now but it is always me backing the van in and him directing.
Thanks Guys, a lot of common sense stuff in this video. A lot of it revolves around taking your time and not being in a hurry and as always you have you have it plain & simple so we can all understand it. Keep up the great work
Just got back from 3 weeks in eyre peninsula and flinders ranges. Been watching you guys for years and been using your inspiration to plan our 12 weeks on road next year!! And hopefully turn it into 12 months!! Love your work
Wolfashire Brewing co. Sweet mate, glad you enjoyed your trip👌🍺
Great info I think we need more people taking your advice on the open road thanks again guys love this stuff so from all here to all there Melbourne
Dennis Vivian cheers guys
2 more tips. Before you leave the campsite check your trailer lights.fit a second camera on the back of the van. I can switch between the car camera and the back of the van. great for checking out what is behind you and backing into a camp site.
Thanks for the vid and tips guys. We just bought our first caravan, a family off roader. So pretty new to towing something so big. This vid and some of the comments has put me at ease about towing our van, especially about trucks sitting behind me. It is good to hear from someone who is experienced in towing. Keep up the great work. Love your channel and your family and interactions. Safe travels.
Last tip is #1, I’m lucky enough to have a cam on the back of van so no reliance on the miso when reversing and best thing is knowing what or who’s behind ya. Love ya work guys!
The portable uhf for reversing simple but so effective 👍 good job
Re Hitching Up - I use a count method, same as I do when leaving the house. I know I have to pickup 6 items, Phone, Wallet, Drink Bottle, Smokes and Lighter (Yeah I know Bad) and Car keys, so I count to 6 as I do that. Same with hitching (Apart from backing up) Hitch, Hitch Cap, Left chain Right chain, 1 Plug (Just has 2) Brake safety hook, jockey wheel and hand brake. So I count to 8 every time.. And I also do the count when re checking..
Thanks so much for taking the time to put this together. Just bought my first caravan and videos like this are incredibly helpful. Cheers mate! 🥃
Cheers mate
When I hook up I count 7 things, 2 shackles, 2 plugs, tow ball latch lock, safety Alko brakes and lastly the jockey wheel. Point and count each till 7.
I do the same but count 6. 1 - tow ball latch, 2 - shackles, 3 - plugs, 4 - hand brake, 5 - break away cable and 6 - jockey wheel.
Absolutely love tip 1!!
100% do this if you have kids, exactly what we do and we only have a little camper trailer, great vid guys.
Scott Shaw cheers mate
Thanks guys - great tips. We are upgrading from a small van to a larger one to do the Nullarbor next year. So the info about the road trains was very helpful. Also love the tip about the two ways. Hope to see you when we finally get back on the road one of these days.
Great tips and straight to the point.
Cheers
Great tips and advice Justine, we are on our big trip feb22. Love seeing your beautiful family and your adventurous life. Good luck catching those fish.
Thanks mate
Justin it's good to hear you think the same as I do when I'm towing, I do basically the same procedure as you before towing and on the road, I enjoy watching you vids
John Cooper cheers man
Best vid I have watched yet being a newby to caravaning. Well done mate!
Cheers mate enjoy
Great vid guys! The main thing I’d add is I NEVER trust anyone other than a trucky if they signal to come around, and even then I’ll jump on the 2-way to get positive comms. I’ve had plenty of grey nomads indicate for me to pass, but they don’t know my vehicles capabilities/weights nor do they usually realise I’m towing a trailer. I also have a ‘five car rule’ if I’m towing my big tandem loaded or in a truck: ie if there are few passing opportunities & I get 5 cars or more behind me I’ll pull over when safe & let them all pass, less stress for everyone that way
So glad I found this channel. I’m from the UK, lived in Oz for a few years. Worked at Eco Beach in Broome and in town for part of my regional work.
I’m just binging your videos at the moment. Great memories . Love it. GET ME BACK . What a beautiful country ☺️
Eco beach is on Thangoo Station which is my families cattle station (eco resort is within Thangoo but we don't own it), we're probably the guys you might see occasionally zooming down the beach with some clapped out old hilux with people hanging off the side or old farm bikes or whatever we can manage to get over the dunes.
@@archygrey9093 ah amazing. Daz and Josie where running it when I was there in 2014. Dom Matsamoto was working there too and educated me about his family and the land also. Was looking to come over again end of this year but Covid has changed all that. One day I’ll get back soon though hopefully
hey Justin, in NSW if you are over 4500 kg max speed is 100 , WA is max 100 regardless of weight, and NSW dual chains must be crossed by law, and all good tips ... when doing walk around have head lights on (so you can check tail lights on van) and hazards on too, cheers, Garry
Liked the video again guys! Thanks for all the useful info.. Safe travels🤙
Thank you for all your tips. Very helpful.
You guys never seem to disappoint!! 🇭🇲🍻👌🏽
Frank Ortisi thanks man 🤙
good advice Justin . Constantly paying attention is always cheaper than the cost of a single moments inattention! cheers mate
Always great to get a video !!!
Great video its so good see a sensible driver like you hopefully others follow your lead cheers
Ray Turnham thanks mate
Thanks, great info, great family, all the best 👍🙏
Great video and thank you for taking the time to share it.
Great vid Justin, we have our place for everything and a system. Keep up the great work 👍👍👍👍👍
great tips Justin keep up the great vids mate
Thanks mate
Always a super treat guys ..luvin them tods top tips ... i jurrst wish mum would stop sowin my sleaves back on .. and iv done one of them fancy towin courses in sheperton 13 years ago.. im still there ..they wont let me leave ..😂🤣😂😂😎pip pips and carryon pilgrims
Awesome video, you got a good point of families with kids. Like always double check. Cheers
Yes, a great, simple to follow video. I would add though that the safety chains MUST be short enough to keep the coupling off the road should the coupling fail. If they are too long and it hits the tar and digs in the chains will just snap if you are doing normal road speed. Also the shackles need to be correctly rated for the van weight.
You make it so easy to understand! You guys are awesome! 👍
Great video. Only thing I would add is when towing don't do any sudden vehicle moves ( like jerking of the steering wheel to correct ect). Try and keep it all as smooth as possible. 👍👍
Well done mate.
A bunch of very helpful towing tips.
Your on road tips are really good.
Thanks bud
But they always speed up on overtaking lanes!
Great tips 👍🏼
Excellent video. Thank you.
May hit you up with some questions in the future
Great video guys! Thanks!
Wow! Great tips and visual instructions. Thanks heaps!
I have bolted a tow ball onto my bull bar as I need to park a large trailer in a very tight spot .first time every time so easy
I never knew to cross the chains like that, makes sense. Cheers for the hot tip 🤙
Daniel Pepe no worries, cheers for watching.
great video thanks a lot i plan to go to WA in 2021 please do more video on planning a Big road Trip what to take and want not to take etc great video loved it thanks
Best tip I can think of for caravanning is to service the van before you leave. Having a wheel detach because of bad bearings is not uncommon. Much easier to service before than to try and reattach on the side of the road.
WA has a 100kmh towing limit. I tow at 90kmh, my 200 will do that up and down hills. Fuel economy is much better, less stress on driver and more chance to catch it if something goes wrong.
Be mindful of following vehicles and back off in overtaking lanes.
Use your UHF.
I keep to the left to encourage trucks to keep their wheels on the bitumen. That way they are not chucking rocks at your windscreen and lights.
I believe there should be a check list to double check that every item has been done. Like does your van have a parking brake that has to be released or a caravan backing brake block that has to he shifted so that the trailer brakes will work. Disconnecting 240 volt power and the water hose, turning off the gas bottle, closing all windows, vents and doors, returning the steps, locking external items like tool boxes, Bar-be-que and rubbish bag. Pin the refrigerator door travel lock. turn off appliances, close all internal doors and drawers, secure all loose items. There's probably 20 to 30 more items to go on the list and be double checked. Assuming the Missus did all that is exactly how things go wrong.
Count your kids before you drive off, especially when sharing with 2 vehicles. Oh I though he was with you! 🤪
Love the idea of the cross over chains Justin....I’ve never heard of it before,thanks for the great information mate
Radar _six 🤙🤙
Despite heaps of towing, I’d never heard of it before either. Until I picked up my new camper in NSW where the camper manufacturer explained it was the law to have them crossed in NSW. I’ve done it ever since. Makes perfect sense.
Its interesting your brake controller is on the right hand side. Ive been advised to have it on the driver's left so that in an emergency your passenger can access it to assist with braking your van/trailer. Mine is in the centre console, accessible to driver and passenger.
I think the left is better. My last vehicle it was on the left, and I did have to activate it from the passenger seat. New car is a Toyota, and I just could not find a place on the left that was a reasonable install and would locate it in an easy to get to place, and could be seen - so it ended up going on the right. Might be a Toyota thing. Left is better.
Our REDARC controller is in the centre console because there was a blanked off spot and REDARC make a pop in controller module to fit perfectly in our BT50
@@zacandmillie My last vehicle was a ford Ranger, so also the centre console. Best place for it, not only because it can be activated from passenger seat, but also because it is easy to see. Took me a long time to resign myself to putting it on the right in the Toyota.
Hi Justin /Bec, Just watched above video and I think it is brilliant for the newbies or any caravaner. One comment I would like to say that as my wife and I travel around I have let my wife drive the car with the caravan for the the very reason if something happens to me (break a leg, after to many wines) she can drive the car/van with out to much fear.
Russell Cox cheers mate
Thanks for mentioning about not being in a hurry. It's as much about the journey as it is the destination. If you have a trip computer in your car you can actually see the average speed travelled over a trip. Worth having a look at that average speed over a trip. You will be surprised.
Well done mate. Cut straight to the chase especially about not going too fast. If you’re on holidays theres no rush anyway. Know what you mean about saving the marriage. Was talking about to a bloke a few hours ago. 😂😂😂
You definitely like living dangerously or outside the van with your last comment!
Another tip is watch the vehicle in front of you, we have not long completed part of the Burnett highway, to say it’s a GOAT TRACK IS MORE LIKE IT, it is so undulating it’s not funny, so when you see them hopping along the road, slow down. Watch out for the Main Roads signs which are placed in rough road sections with reduced speed signs. Our roads outback were single lane bitumen with gravel edges widened out to two lanes with no safe breakdown locations that now take ROAD TRAINS AND MINING EQUIPMENT which they were not built for!
2 suggestions. 1 I carry a pcket of cotton buds clean the 12 pin plug contacts before plugging it in. 2 Check your lights just to make sure the van lights are working before you head off.
Excellent information guys. 👍
Well that was great...till the last comment! I'm single and I will be driving! Jokes aside...thanks for the tips. I intend to do a course.
BTW...loved watching your round Aussie videos. I've just do e the Lap on my motorbike. Didn't do all those wonderful beaches though. Maybe in my wee itsy van?
Great tips about to pick up a new off road forward fold camper trailer and about to install the Redarc Tow Pro Elite so the tips on that are perfect.
Sweet
Thanks , great work and info us keep them coming guys , maybe from sandy here , Bec your advice on food travel research etc ... keep going love the dream
Daryl Neit cheers mate
We always do the walk around with our camper trailer helps to pick up any last bits of rubbish too always find a stray bottle cap. Where you camp should be exactly as you found it 👍
You provided some really valuable information 👍👍👍👍👍
Bloody brilliant! Thanks
Ditch the two way and put the missus in the drivers seat when reversing the van, then just guide her back. That's how we've been doing it for years and works a treat.
Really good sound advice there...Big dog Roberta well!! Good banter as usual guys we are along the same lines here. Enjoy your travels (any news on e-mail) :) Roy & Cheryl UK.
Great video. Thanks very much
My hot tip after hooking up my caravan is drive the vehicle away from the site 20/30 ft (6 to 9 mts) get out and check the site. Sometimes you have dropped/left something behind that you need for the next stop. My wife dropped a watch about 40 years ago she always said that I was nuts getting out and looking , but after I found the watch (a birthday gift from me) she started to do it with me. And for the love of God DON'T HOLD A TRUCK UP
Thanks mate, good vid.
Thanks for the tips
No problem!
Super informative vid mate, some great logical tips 👍
Luke Passchier cheers mate
Good video with some good information. Great job mate.
Thanks mate 😂😂
A tip from and old truckie both hands on the wheel sonny . Keep your eyes on the road . Talking to your camera in some states could cost you 500.00 but yes a cool video.
Good tips mate liken the simple comments and sound commemts
I've only got one tip and it's tow with an F Truck it's awesome!🤙
Great advise. Thanks.
A lot of coin spent there .. nice work!
Handy tips!🙃🙃🙃
great work guys, good info,take care
Cheers mate
Great video guys, very useful.
Greg Poly Nat Sammy cheers
Classic! Don’t let the missus drive haha you’re a brave man!!!
Wade Man 😂😂
3:30 it also limits how the drawbar can sway side to side if it becomes disconnected, since it will be getting pulled from two different angles at the same time, making it naturally want to remain central.
When do we get to see more episodes of season 2 I have watched the first 2 or maybe 3 ? and brakes upgrade and towing tips, hanging out for another road trip 😁 Cheers keep up the great vids I always enjoy them 👌
Wayne Cassidy Sunday arvo mate
Well done again take care guys cheers 👍🍻🇦🇺
Amos&Bandi Garner cheers mate
Hi guys, how about few tips for people new in the caravans, what to buy just for a couple, or with one kiddo or big family, caravan, pop tops or camper trailer, what size and if road, off-road or semi.. can you get with on road one to the Red Bluff, or is it good to have a toilet etc..
just few tips you took over the years and all the different settings you had and road you traveled..
I would love that.. ( in the market now for a new caravan) :) been following you for years, so your opinion would be awesome ! thanks you are amazing, keep going.. !
Good video guys... great info!
Thanks mate
Ok from Facebook to here, lemme watch then off to sleep for work.
Great tips. Thank you. 👍👍
I never let my Mrs drive when towing the van 😎. Even when we aren't towing I'm at the wheel of the mighty 200 series ☺
😂😂
Great sensible info guys 👍
Cheers
Great vid, thank you.👍👍
We check our brake lights and blinkers are working too
Thanks mate 👍
Great show keep it up and your wife looks great great great great 😁😁♥️
😂😂thanks
😂😂😂 at the last tip, poor wife... love the vlogs guys.
Cheers man 🍺
Hey,
I've just receive a congratulations message to say I've won your father's day completion one of the $500.00 dollar couches and I think its a scam, as you've mentioned it's not drawn until the 6th of Sept.
Just letting you both know.
I enjoy all your You Tube vids👍👍👍
Great Vid love your work 👍👏🏻
Also you should teach Bec to back trailers and to caravans