As caravanning becomes increasingly popular in Australia, safety on the roads has become a growing concern. A recent post on social media has sparked alarm over a dangerous issue affecting caravans on our highways.

A driver on Queensland's Bruce Highway recently noticed a caravan with its tyres "leaning in quite a way" and wobbling as it changed lanes. The concerned motorist shared an image in a caravan and camping group on Facebook, hoping to alert the owner. However, the photo highlighted a bigger issue that industry experts say could pose serious risks.


Caravan Safety Issues: What Could Be Going Wrong?

Dave Jason from Get-A-Weigh, a caravan weighing service, pointed out that multiple issues could cause the caravan's wheels to turn inward. These might include being overloaded, suspension issues, or a damaged rim. Darrin Anderson from Weigh Your Rig suggested the problem could stem from worn-out suspension bushes, which can affect the vehicle’s geometry and even cause the suspension to detach, a "pretty dangerous" scenario.

Last month, a caravan’s back wheels and axle fell off while driving, leading to a frightening situation when the vehicle swerved across lanes. Both experts emphasised the risks associated with not maintaining proper suspension.


Neglected Maintenance: A Growing Problem

Dave Jason also stressed the importance of regular maintenance, saying that caravans should have a wheel alignment and a full service every 10,000 kilometres. Sadly, many caravan owners neglect these checks, often leading to undetected issues that can escalate into accidents.


The Caravan Industry: Poor Regulation and Safety Concerns

The caravan industry’s lack of regulation is another major concern. In a previous interview, Dave revealed that more than 80% of caravans his team inspects are over the weight limit or fail to meet roadworthy requirements. One anonymous caravan owner pointed out that some manufacturers supply caravans with tyres that aren't suitable for the load, contributing to unsafe conditions.


Caravan Owners Sound the Alarm

Other caravan owners who saw the post on Facebook were quick to express their concerns. Many advised a visual inspection of both the vehicle and the caravan before hitting the road. Some even suggested flagging down caravans with visible issues to ensure safety.

While the Caravan Industry Association of Australia has called for better regulations and driver training, they have not yet supported mandatory licences for new caravan owners.

As more caravans hit Aussie roads, experts and concerned drivers are urging better safety checks and proper maintenance to avoid potentially dangerous situations.


We invite you to share your thoughts about this issue. Have you witnessed similar instances? How do you think this should be handled by the authorities? Let us know in the comments below.