Caravan Rollover

rockylizard · Guru

Caravan Rollover

Tony Bev · Guru

Thanks for that link, John (rockylizard)

It goes to show how easy it is to get things wrong, and probably why you should not travel with the gas on

Thankfully no injuries apart from a bit of damaged pride

rgren2 · Guru

There was another rollover today just south of Tiaro. Van on roof still connected to tug. Didn't look like any injuries.

Desert Dweller · Guru

Poor buggers, luckily no-one hurt.

Dave1952 · Senior Member

From what I have seen, and the experience I have, it seems that a lot of caravanners do not have a great deal of experience in controlling their vans when these situations arise. If the bloke in the video had immediately activated his brake controller, it would have controlled the sway and the incident would not have occurred.
The big key is to reach for that brake controller as soon as the swaying starts.
As well, drive to conditions. Just because we tow caravans, it does NOT mean that we have to travel at the same speed as other vehicles. Sometimes it is simply not possible to keep up with all the other traffic. I personally prefer to sit on about 90 on th e open road. It is less stressful, easier on me and easier on the machinery.
This couple were very fortunate to walk away from their crash, but they will never forget it, and perhaps they may never go caravanning again.

Bill B · Guru

Dave1952 wrote:

From what I have seen, and the experience I have, it seems that a lot of caravanners do not have a great deal of experience in controlling their vans when these situations arise. If the bloke in the video had immediately activated his brake controller, it would have controlled the sway and the incident would not have occurred.

It was a European caravan (Geist) and unless it had been modified they were fitted with over-ride brakes not electric brakes.

reikioz · Member

I think this is a very useful article for consideration around crashes: claytonstowing.com.au/caravan-crashes/

mezza56 · Senior Member

That Clayton's article makes good reading ,their take on WDH's seems logical, also the van in the video on the original post didn't flip the car ? would that be because of a good hitch , or light van behind a decent tug or just plain luck or no WDH ?

STRETCH ARMSTRONG · Senior Member

Thanks reikioz that is good reading.

I often wondered how WDH would go in a rollover? I don't use one, instead I've done my suspension to handle the weight?

I also think a decent hitch that will allow the Den to turn over without the Tug doing a beetle back is a good thing?

I set my brake controller (T3) to start applying the brakes instantly to the Den at a predetermined percentage. I thought if the Den out brakes the Tug at the start then it may help pull the Den back into line?

So much to think about. So many ideas and theories out there.

-- Edited by STRETCH ARMSTRONG on Wednesday 27th of June 2018 02:18:06 PM

Dave1952 · Senior Member

Bill Clayton has been around for a long time and knows what he is on about. That knowledge and expertise has been passed on to all his drivers and staff. Great to see.