What to Do When Towing a Caravan in Bad Weather

Although we’re blessed with some truly wonderful weather in Australia, we’re no strangers to rain, wind and fog. Whether you’re in Perth, Sydney or Brisbane, the weather can change in a matter of minutes from fine to foul. Given the unpredictable nature of Australian weather and the extra focus required to tow a caravan, it’s crucial to learn how to drive safely in all conditions if you regularly take road trips. It was with these concerns in mind that we put together this comprehensive guide to towing a caravan in bad weather. Below, you’ll find a wealth of useful information on caravanning in inclement conditions, including many practical tips and insights.

Driving with a Caravan in Bad Weather: Staying Safe in Rain, Wind, and Fog

To ensure your safety in bad weather, we recommend preparing your vehicle, caravan and yourself. As it’s never easy to predict what the weather is going to do with a high degree of certainty, you should follow all vehicle and caravan preparation suggestions for every journey and be ready to adjust your driving technique and tactics should conditions deteriorate whilst underway.

Vehicle and Caravan Preparation for Poor Weather

To prepare your vehicle and caravan for an upcoming trip, you should first perform a full inspection.

Vehicle and Caravan Inspection

Regardless of the predicted conditions, it’s always a good idea to perform a thorough visual inspection of your outfit before setting off on a new caravanning adventure. If bad weather is likely, we recommend that you pay close attention to all of the following:

• Tyre Pressure and Tread - It's crucial to ensure there's adequate tread on all tyres: vehicle and caravan. If your tyres are worn, they won't provide enough purchase on wet surfaces. You also need to make sure they are properly inflated, as underinflated tyres could cause your vehicle to aquaplane in very wet conditions.

• Lights - Lights are very important when towing a caravan in rain or fog so make sure that all of yours are working as they should be before setting off. If you’re expecting fog, you may like to think about installing additional fog lights if you haven’t already done so.

• Brakes - Braking distances lengthen in bad conditions, especially when visibility is reduced. For this reason, don’t forget to inspect your brake pads for wear and replace them if necessary.

• Tow Hitch Connection - Whether you’re expecting rain, wind, fog or fine weather, always check the tow hitch connection before departing on a new caravanning adventure. If it comes loose on a public highway, chaos could ensue.

• Caravan Interior - Before towing your caravan in bad weather, make sure that there are no loose objects inside. All cutlery, crockery, pots and pans should be safely stowed in cupboards, and any other loose items should be secured.

If everything appears to be in order, you can set off on your journey. However, you might like to consider installing a few bad weather accessories first: parts for your caravan that are designed to lessen the strain of driving in poor conditions.

Caravan Accessories for Driving in Rain, Wind and Fog

There are various caravan accessories you can purchase and install to make life a little easier for yourself when towing in bad conditions.

• High-Performance Brakes - Brakes are very important when conditions are slippery, so it's well worth investing in a high-performance set for your caravan. If you're heading for a remote camping site, off-road brakes could be the best option.

• Reversing Cameras and Mirrors - Additional mirrors and high-definition reversing cameras can make all the difference when trying to manoeuvre your outfit in poor visibility.

• Tyre Sensors - While not completely necessary, electronic tyre sensors make a great addition to any caravan and are particularly useful in bad weather. In the event one or more of your tyres should start to deflate during a journey, the sensors will alert you to the issue immediately.

• Foam Sealing Tape - It’s a good idea to inspect all window and door seals in your caravan before setting off on holiday in potentially wet conditions. While it won’t improve your driving experience, sealing any cracks with foam tape before departing will make your nights a lot more comfortable in cold and wet weather.

If you have advance warning of particularly cold weather, you may also like to consider upgrading your caravan's HVAC system to ensure it's nice and warm inside when parked up overnight.

Caravan First-Aid Kit

Don’t forget to pack a well-stocked first-aid box in your caravan, with plasters, bandages and other essential items. You should also bring emergency lighting and reflective triangles in case of a breakdown.

Driving Strategies for Towing a Caravan in Rain, Wind and Fog

When road surfaces are slick and visibility is reduced, it’s wise to adopt the following driving strategies, especially if you are towing a caravan:

• Anticipate - Pay close attention to other road users at all times when towing your caravan in the wet. Be ready to react immediately to any potentially dangerous driving manoeuvres. With stopping distances extended, you need to keep your wits about you at all times.

• Drive Defensively - Reduce your speed, leave a greater distance between your vehicle and any you may follow, maintain a firm (but not too firm) grip on the steering wheel and switch on your sidelights when encountering bad weather.

• Avoid Sudden Braking and Changes in Direction - The aim is to drive as smoothly as possible when conditions are treacherous and you’re towing a caravan. Brake early and softly rather than late and hard. Make any lane changes and turns as gradually as possible without endangering your safety or that of other road users.

As always, pull over if you’re feeling tired and never attempt to tow your caravan if you don’t feel very well.

In Closing

If you prepare well and adapt your driving, it’s perfectly possible to enjoy caravanning in poor weather. For quality accessories that will make the experience even more enjoyable, check out the comprehensive range at RV Parts Express. We stock a great selection of parts and accessories.