How to tow a caravan
Check the loaded van fits your car, then drive more smoothly.
Your car's tow rating, towball limit and GCM (Gross Combination Mass) set what it may tow, unless the towbar or towball is rated lower.
Then hitch up in the same order every time.
Published . 9 min read • Technical Guide
- Check the loaded van fits your car's tow rating, towball limit and GCM.
- Your towbar and towball can set a lower limit, and the lowest one applies.
- Hitch up in the same order every time.
- Allow longer distances for braking, overtaking and joining traffic.
- Slow down well before corners, and use a lower gear downhill.
- Plan more rest stops and shorter days.
This is general information from published road authority guides. Your car's owner's manual and your state's road rules come first.
Check the numbers first
Your car's tow rating, towball limit and GCM set what it may tow, unless the towbar or towball is rated lower. All three are in the owner's manual, in the towing and specifications sections. If the car has a GVM or towing upgrade, use its label and certificate.
- •Tow rating (braked). The heaviest loaded van the car may tow when the van has its own brakes.
- •Towball limit. The most ball weight the car may carry.
- •GCM (Gross Combination Mass). The most car and van may weigh together. On many cars it is less than GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) plus tow rating.
The towbar and towball have their own ratings, on the towbar's label and stamped on the towball. The lowest limit applies.
Compare them with the van's ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass), the most the van may weigh fully loaded. It is on the van's plate. Ratings are limits, and a weighbridge gives you the real loaded weight to compare with them.
What the car and van need
- •Brakes and a controller. A van over 750kg GTM (Gross Trailer Mass) must have brakes. Electric brakes need a brake controller in the car at any weight over 750kg GTM.
- •Safety chains. One chain on a van up to 2,500kg ATM, two above that. Two chains are crossed over.
- •Towball height. 350 to 460mm from the ground to the centre of the ball, measured with the car fully loaded.
- •Mirrors. Extra mirrors may be needed for a large van.
- •Plugs and lights. The car needs a socket for the van's lights, and brake wiring if the van has electric brakes.
Our brake controller guide covers the types and the rules. The essential accessories guide covers the rest of the kit.
Hitch up in the same order every time
Doing it in the same order each time makes a missed step less likely. Steps 2 to 4 follow the road authorities' advice. Our printable checklist adds the breakaway cable, the jockey wheel and more checks to tick off at the drawbar.
- Couple the van to the towball, following the coupling maker's steps.
- Connect the safety chains, crossed over if there are two, and as short as practicable.
- Connect the plugs for the lights, and for the brakes if the van has electric brakes.
- Check every light works, each time you hitch up.
Pack heavy things low and near the axles
The NSW road authority says to keep loads low and close to the axles. Aim for about 60% of the total weight forward of the centre of the axles. The drawbar should sit level or slightly nose down.
Ball weight is how much of the van's weight presses on the towball. About 10% of the loaded van is a common guide, and it changes with packing. It counts towards the car's GVM.
Sway is the van swinging side to side behind the car. The NSW road authority says keeping heavy loads towards the centre of the van reduces sway. What to do if it starts is under "On the road" below.
Drive smoothly and allow more room
These come from the NSW and WA road authorities' towing advice.
- •Allow longer distances for braking, overtaking and joining traffic.
- •Use the accelerator, brakes and steering smoothly. Avoid sudden lane changes.
- •On corners the van's wheels run inside the car's path, so allow for it. Slow down well before the corner.
- •Use a lower gear downhill.
- •Look further ahead than normal, so you have time to react.
- •Watch for cross winds, gusts and the push of air from trucks. Reduce your speed to suit.
- •Plan more rest stops and shorter days. Towing is more tiring than normal driving.
- •At stops, check the coupling, doors, hatches and load are still secure, and the tyres are inflated and not rubbing.
If the van starts to sway
The NSW and WA towing guides say to use the car's brakes only as a last resort.
Brake the van on its own gently if you can.
Otherwise hold a steady speed or speed up slightly until the sway stops.
Speed limits when towing
In WA the limit when towing is the posted limit or 100km/h, whichever is lower. In NSW it is 100km/h when the car's GVM or the combination's GCM is over 4.5 tonnes.
Other states differ. Our border laws tool shows the rules for each state on your route.
Reverse with someone guiding you
The NSW road authority advises having someone outside the car giving directions when you reverse.
Driving with a van takes practice. Practise reversing somewhere quiet before your first trip.
Learn to tow on a course
An instructor can teach you to hitch up, reverse and handle a loaded van before your first trip.
- Tow-EdNSW, ACT, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria
A nationally recognised one-day towing course, in your own car and van or a hired trailer.
- RACQMount Cotton, south of Brisbane
A caravan workshop on a closed course, with a weight check of your rig.
- RAASouth Australia, at a place you choose
Safe caravan and trailer use, taught in your own rig.
- RACPerth, WA
Tow Safe sessions on reversing and hitching, with the car and van supplied.
Make the first tow a short one
Our first 30 days guide plans a first tow close to home, with a list of what to practise.
Common questions
What do I need to know before towing a caravan for the first time?
Check that the loaded van fits inside your car's tow rating, towball limit and GCM (Gross Combination Mass). The towbar and towball can set a lower limit, and the lowest applies. Then practise hitching, braking and reversing on quiet roads before the first trip.
How fast can I drive when towing a caravan?
It depends on the state. In WA the limit when towing is the posted limit or 100km/h, whichever is lower. In NSW it is 100km/h when the car's GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) or the combination's GCM is over 4.5 tonnes. Other states differ, so check the rules for each state on your route.
What should I do if the caravan starts to sway?
Use the car's brakes only as a last resort, as the NSW and WA towing guides say. Brake the van on its own gently if you can. Otherwise hold a steady speed or speed up slightly until the sway stops.
How much weight should sit on the towball?
About 10% of the loaded van is a common guide. The WA road authority gives 8 to 10% of ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) and the NSW one about 5 to 10%. It changes with packing, so a weighbridge gives you the real figure.
How do I learn to reverse a caravan?
Practise somewhere quiet before your first trip, and have someone outside the car giving directions. The NSW road authority advises a spotter when reversing. A towing course lets an instructor show you in person.
Related guides
Caravan weights explained
ATM, tare, GTM, GCM and ball weight, and how they fit together.
Electric brake controllers
When a van needs one, and which type to get.
Interstate border laws
Towing speed limits and rules that change when you cross a state line.
Printable checklists
Hitching, weighing and roadside checklists to print and keep in the car.