Any trailer or caravan should be driven at speeds with respect to the terrain being traversed, the loads carried and care of both the caravan and towing vehicle.
Off-highway towing has additional challenges and is only recommended for experienced
off-highway drivers.
Always drive within your capabilities.
Always drive appropriately for the road/track conditions. Specific vehicle set-up and/or driving techniques may be required for rough roads, corrugations, and steep or narrow tracks.
Ensure that your caravan design is suitable for use off the highway. If unsure, seek advice from the caravan manufacturer.
Check your warranty coverage as some items you may not be covered for off-highway driving.
Be realistic as to where you are going. A large “off-road” caravan is unsuitable for most 4WD/Fire trails as they are too high (overhanging branches etc).
Use a suitable vehicle; in most cases low range capable vehicle is necessary.
Use an “off-road” style coupling which allows a bigger range of movement on the coupling.
Have at least basic 4WD skills, knowledge of recovery techniques, pick the best line, using the right gear, understand the technology in the vehicle etc.
Have electric brakes fitted to the trailer/caravan. Also know how to set up and use the electric brake controller correctly.
Mechanical over-ride brakes may not be suitable or appropriate for off-road use.
In an “off-road/highway” situation set the bias on the trailer brakes so that the trailer wheels will lock up before the car, thus preventing the trailer trying to overtake the car.
Know your approach, ramp over and departure angles and also the angles associated with the drawbar and trailer.
Know where the vulnerable/low points are underneath both the car and trailer.
Know where the wheels of the car and trailer are travelling. Are the trailer wheels wider apart or narrower than the tow vehicle wheels.
Avoid side slopes as the trailer can easily drag the rear of the car sideways causing roll-over.
Avoid travelling alone.
Practice reversing skills as you need the ability to be able to reverse the combination up or down steep inclines and/or around corners on narrow tracks.
Practice recovery skills and carry the appropriate recovery equipment.
Ensure that the trailer/caravan has rated recovery points.
Ensure that the load is located correctly in or on the trailer and is securely fastened.
Ensure that you do not exceed the Aggregate Trailer Mass as stated on the compliance plate and you also do not exceed the tow vehicle’s rated tow capacity.
Ensure that you do not exceed the tow vehicle’s Gross Combined Mass. (I.e. the total weight of the car and trailer). This should be in the handbook.
Some vehicles have an “Off Road” tow capacity and/or a speed restriction.
Carry appropriate spares to suit the trailer and car. For the trailer you should be carrying at least spare bearings, wheel nuts and studs.
Have a suitable jack that can be used to raise the trailer for changing a flat tyre or repositioning the trailer. You also need to have a suitable wheel brace that fits the nuts on the trailer.
