Getting your vehicle tow-ready, buying a caravan, learning how to tow safely – there’s a lot to take on board if you’re in the early stages of going on caravanning adventures. There are different skills to learn compared to just driving a car, and quite a few more boxes to tick before and during journeys.
As a result, there are a few common mistakes that catch out beginner caravanners. We’re not going to say they will definitely catch you out – but you do want to be across these for the sake of your safety, comfort and confidence. They’re easy to avoid once you know what to look for.
Beginner Caravanning Mistakes
1. Overloading your caravan
Every caravan enthusiast around the world is guilty of packing two weeks of provisions for a three-day camping trip. We get overexcited and pack for every possible scenario – it’s easy to do. The problem is it can mean you end up putting more weight in your caravan than what it’s designed to hold. The trailer manufacturer sets an Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) limit, which is the most your caravan and everything in it should weigh. You need to ensure you don’t exceed this – or you’ll experience poor handling, wear out tyres faster, and put extra strain on your towbar and suspension.
2. Getting the tow ball weight wrong
Tow ball weight, or tow ball download, is the downward force your loaded trailer puts on the tow ball. It’s different to the total weight of your trailer, but still important on two fronts – if its too low or high, your caravan can start to sway at speed. If it’s too heavy, it negatively impacts steering and braking.
Your tow ball weight should generally sit around 10% of your loaded trailer’s weight, you will need to check your vehicle and towbar specs to confirm your capacity. For best results, you can measure your tow ball weight with a specialised scale, like this Hayman Reese Ball Weight Scale from our online store. The more knowledge you have about your setup, the safer you’ll be – and tow ball weight is a good stat to be across.
3. Not checking towing capacity before buying a caravan
Your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity, its tow ball rating, and its gross combination mass (GCM) all need to line up with the van you’re buying. Before you fall in love with a caravan, you need to know what your vehicle is capable of towing. We often chat to people who have made this mistake as a beginner caravanner – they think that installing a towbar on their vehicle means they can tow anything. Unfortunately its not that simple.
4. Skipping a proper brake controller setup
The majority of caravans will weigh over 750kg, which means they need their own braking system as it’s too much weight for the vehicle brakes to deal with. Electric trailer brakes require an electric brake controller to activate and operate the trailer’s braking system in conjunction with the vehicle’s brakes. Getting this wrong or skipping it means your trailer brakes won’t work as they should. This article about electric brakes gives you more information, and you can always chat to a team member if you have questions.
5. Uneven load distribution
You could be well under the load capacity of your vehicle and caravan, but if the load is not evenly distributed you will likely run into issues. If you put heavy items at the rear of the caravan or only on one side, the centre of balance is thrown out and your trailer will be susceptible to swaying. You need to keep the heavy gear close to the axles, and don’t pile it high.
6. Not doing a pre-departure check
A quick walk-around before every trip catches problems early, before they become a safety issue. Check your lights, tyre pressures, coupling, safety chains, and jockey wheel are all in order. It takes a few minutes and it’s the difference between a smooth trip and a roadside surprise.
7. Reversing without a spotter or mirrors set up properly
Reversing a caravan is a skill on its own, and it’s much harder without extended mirrors or a second set of eyes. Take the time to set your mirrors up properly before you go, and don’t be too proud to ask someone to guide you in. If you’re at a campground, we’ve found other caravanners are always happy to help guide you as you reverse into your spot.
8. Driving too fast for conditions with a load on
Towing changes how your vehicle handles, especially under brakes and in crosswinds. What feels fine unloaded can feel very different with a caravan behind you. Easing off your usual driving speed, particularly on the highway or in windy conditions, gives you more room to react. Take it slow, take it safe and enjoy the ride.
9. Ignoring wiring or plug issues
A flickering indicator or brake light that cuts out needs to be addressed promptly. Wiring issues tend to get worse, not better, and they’re a common reason for failed roadside checks or breakdowns on your journey. If something’s not working properly, get it looked at before your next trip rather than during it. You don’t want to disrupt your excursion!
10. Assuming all towbars are the same
Not every towbar is built to the same standard, and fitment matters just as much as the brand on the box. We recommend TowRite towbars, made right here in Brisbane, for their fit, strength, and quality. Have a look at our TowRite brand page to see why it’s our go-to recommendation.
Ready For Your Next Caravan Adventure
Don’t just dream about going on caravan adventures. Make them happen! It all starts with the right towbar and towing setup, and the Speedy Towbars team is here to make sure you land on the correct one for your vehicle and caravan. We’ll get your towbar and wiring sorted, so you can tow confidently and safely.
If you have any questions or want some advice on how to avoid the ten mistakes above, we’re here to help. Swing past our Everton Hills and Slacks Creek workshops, or give us a ring now on 1300 SPEEDY. Alternatively, get a free quote here.
Jordan is the co-owner of Speedy Towbars and a trusted source of towbar knowledge for Queensland drivers. When he's not installing towbars, he treasures time with his family and hitting the road for caravanning adventures!