Towing speed limits for caravans

Hairyone · Veteran Member

Towing speed limits for caravans

yobarr · Guru

Hairyone wrote:
If they were going to look at changing licences, I think weights would be more beneficial than purely towing......A commodore with a camper trailer handles a lot different to a Hilux with a 3.5t off road van.

Agreed Sean, but incorrectly loaded, ANY trailer will unsettle a car. This is why the licence testing should include questions on how to properly load the caravan . Whilst I understand that you used Hilux simply as an example, it should be pointed out that NONE of the lightweight twin-cabs should ever be asked to tow much more than about 3000kg as a PIG trailer if safety is of any concern. Cheers

Ivan 01 · Guru

86GTS wrote:
Quite a few old blokes with big rigs fancy themselves as being like truckies.
Probably a boyhood dream that came true after retiring.
Has anyone else noticed that vertically challenged men love BIG TOYS?
A step ladder being an essential item to reach things on their caravan.
Some of these guys have the attitude that " I'm not slowing down or letting trucks overtake me". " I'm a good driver I can tow this thing in any type of conditions".
These guys are a danger to others & themselves.
My opinions have been gained by listening to blow hards at Happy Hours.
I don't do Happy Hours or CP's any more.

Yes, I have noticed it.

The *small man syndrome* raises its head with regular monotony at Happy hour and tends to get worse as the sun sets.

You can never tell hem anything. If it was black they would call it white.

landy · Guru

Long Weekend wrote:

Well, it does look like an 'off road' van!

Murray

If it wasn't before it is now biggrin

TimTim · Senior Member

From the UK RAC.

Trailer licence

From late 2021, all drivers will be allowed to tow trailers with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) of up to 3,500kg without the need to take a car and trailer driving test. Rule changes were delayed after they were originally scheduled for 15 November 2021.

Previously, drivers who passed their test from 1 January 1997 faced tighter towing restrictions.

Drivers who passed their test before 1 January 1997 are allowed to drive a vehicle and trailer combination up to 8,250kg MAM.

If you're a learner driver, where you may be driving trailers legitimately with L plates, you are not allowed to take the trailer test until you first pass a test and hold a licence for a rigid vehicle.¹

Pradokakadudavid · Senior Member

I find that 90klms/hour with my 6-7 tonne rig (GCM) improves my fuel economy significantly compared to towing at 100kph.

Whilst my 5.6l V8 monster can tow at any speed, I find that extra 10klms per hour really makes a difference of at least 5 extra litres + per kilometre.

oldbloke · Guru

Dougwe wrote:
Aussie1 wrote:
deverall11 wrote:
DMaxer wrote:
There are thousands of people towing vans and the vast majority are safe, courteous and competent drivers. Likewise, there are thousands of truck drivers and the same rationale applies to them. All you are doing is looking to find isolated incidents to highlight your own deluded self perception that you are the alpha oracle because you drive a big truck. Or do you?
X2

X3

X4

X5

All these arguments still happening. Oh dear. Just ask yourself. Who is the common denominator?

Cheers ;)

Long Weekend · Guru

Yes Pradokakadudavid, it is 90km/h for me as well. As you say, even 10kms faster really pours the fuel out of the tail pipe.

My only problem is my navigator - she keeps the comments coming, like "everybody is passing us!" and "it's going to take forever to get there at this rate."

Murray

86GTS · Guru

Long Weekend wrote:
Yes Pradokakadudavid, it is 90km/h for me as well. As you say, even 10kms faster really pours the fuel out of the tail pipe.

My only problem is my navigator - she keeps the comments coming, like "everybody is passing us!" and "it's going to take forever to get there at this rate."

Murray

As you drive past the next fuel outlet, point out to your navigator, the rigs that overtook you filling up with juice.

Then tell her that she doesn't have to cook tonight because with the money that you've saved on fuel you're taking her out for dinner at the pub.

Di and Bill · Member

Our rig with the boat - thanks - driver a ex truckie and crane operator and vehicle and van loaded correctly - the vehicles GCM is 6000kgs and we're right on it. Done over 200,000ks without incident, including Gibb River twice, Birdsville and just done the Great Central - in all this time 1 caravan tyre worn out no punctures even. This is our 4th van and never had an incident of any kind. The car serviced every 10,000ks.

The toolbox on drawbar is for water hoses! Some people are so opinionated without knowing the facts.

KJB · Guru

Di and Bill wrote:
Our rig with the boat - thanks - driver a ex truckie and crane operator and vehicle and van loaded correctly - the vehicles GCM is 6000kgs and we're right on it. Done over 200,000ks without incident, including Gibb River twice, Birdsville and just done the Great Central - in all this time 1 caravan tyre worn out no punctures even. This is our 4th van and never had an incident of any kind. The car serviced every 10,000ks.
The toolbox on drawbar is for water hoses! Some people are so opinionated without knowing the facts.

A Pic and some Details of your "outfit" would be good...... KB

Di and Bill · Member

Our rig with the boat - thanks - driver a ex truckie and crane operator and vehicle and van loaded correctly - the vehicles GCM is 6000kgs and we're right on it. Done over 200,000ks without incident, including Gibb River twice, Birdsville and just done the Great Central - in all this time 1 caravan tyre worn out no punctures even. This is our 4th van and never had an incident of any kind. The car serviced every 10,000ks.

The toolbox on drawbar is for water hoses! Some people are so opinionated without knowing the facts.

Di and Bill · Member

Custom built van and BT50 full suspension upgrade!