Caravan safety has become a growing concern on Australian roads, especially as more and more travellers hit the highways during peak holiday periods

Recent footage has highlighted a potentially deadly issue that could be affecting more caravans than we realise.

As one driver made their way home after a long weekend getaway, what appeared to be an ordinary drive turned into a tense encounter with a swaying caravan.

Footage of a caravan swaying dangerously on a busy Australian highway caught the attention of viewers, shining a light on a critical safety issue that could be putting drivers at risk.

The incident occurred during the frantic final stretch of the Easter long weekend, as holidaymakers were returning home after their getaways.

Hannah Jones, who had been camping in Pemberton, WA, described the moment she noticed the caravan ahead of her swaying uncontrollably along the Kwinana Freeway.

Dangerous caravan swaying raises safety concerns on Aussie roads. Image source: TikTok/misshannahjayneeee

‘The swaying was scary! We thought there was going to be an accident,’ she shared.

‘All of the cars behind and to the side of him were avoiding him.’

With the caravan's erratic movement making her uneasy, Hannah decided to overtake it to stay safe, but she couldn't help but wonder if the driver even realised the danger.

‘[He had the] window down smiling. I'm sure he would have known from his side mirrors or even felt it. He seemed very confident,’ she said.

Concerns over caravans swaying on the roads have become more common, as reports of such incidents have risen in recent months.

Experts believe that one of the main culprits behind this dangerous issue is incorrect loading, which can seriously affect the stability of the caravan.

In this case, the caravan had extra features added to the rear and roof, which likely altered its towing weight, creating an unstable towing situation.

When weight distribution is off, the risk of losing control increases, making it far harder for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.

Source: Tiktok/misshannahjayneeee​

A similar incident last October saw a swaying caravan nearly causing a collision with a 57-tonne truck, underscoring the seriousness of the issue.

Caravan swaying nearly causes collision with 57-tonne truck. Image source: Tiktok

Authorities have been called to several incidents where caravans have overturned after the driver lost control, often resulting in serious accidents.

‘It is crucial caravan owners prioritise learning how to safely maintain, load and tow their vans,’ said RAC claims manager Glen Walker.

‘It’s also critical to keep the caravan balanced, with the correct weight on the tow-hitch, by distributing weight evenly when packing,’ he added.

When towing a caravan, it's important to consider factors such as the weight of the vehicle, the weight of the caravan, and the combined weight of both.

The correct weight distribution between the vehicle and the caravan can make the difference between a smooth journey and a potential disaster.

In a previous story, we explored how dangerous caravan swaying can be on Aussie roads.

In light of this, one caravan driver’s unexpected move on the highway has caught the attention of truckers everywhere.

You can read more about this surprising act and why it’s being praised by truckers.

Key Takeaways

• Caravan safety is becoming a growing concern as more people travel during peak holiday periods.
• Incorrect loading and poor weight distribution are major factors contributing to dangerous swaying caravans on the road.
• Recent incidents highlight the risks, with some caravans nearly causing collisions with large vehicles.
• Experts urge caravan owners to learn proper loading techniques to prevent accidents and ensure safer journeys.

With so many travellers hitting the road, how confident are you in your caravan’s safety? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

 

[RFG]

It is all too often you see this on our roads. People towing caravans should be made to pull into weigh stations for a check...just like truckies have to do.

 

[IAN3005]

Couldn't think of a worse holiday than a caravan....

 

[fittsy]

hello, just read your post, at re caravan towing, do believe that a lot of vans also camping trailers, are towed with an suv or a four wheel drive which has had a lift kit fitted, with that the towed unit is also been lifted, then that put the centre of gravity a lot higher, the do see towed unit have roof loading , that increases the sway rate. this can be corrected if yhe item is fitted with an antisway mechanism, along with load correction, again it is this old story, the owner thinks that it is simply buy this aftermarket product and bang it on, doesnt work like that, needs some authority to step up regulate this, I feel and see this happening more often.

 

[Reet]

Why don't the caravan owners put some kind of weight in the back of the caravan to hold it steady. I had a small car once that would sway in the wind if I didn't weight it down in the back.
I would never go on holiday in a caravan as I spent the first four years of my marriage living in one and didn't enjoy that life very much at all.

 

[Jest]

another dumb driver.

 

[Macarj]

Too much weight in the back of the camper most weight should be at the front of the camper to put the downward pressure on the towball

 

[Macarj]

Why don't the caravan owners put some kind of weight in the back of the caravan to hold it steady. I had a small car once that would sway in the wind if I didn't weight it down in the back.
I would never go on holiday in a caravan as I spent the first four years of my marriage living in one and didn't enjoy that life very much at all.

That's right for a car but not for a caravan the weight should be at the front of the van

 

[Luckyus]

Couldn't think of a worse holiday than a caravan....

And tents, "The only advantage of a caravan for a couple is the sign (If its rocking, don't bother knocking)

 

[fittsy]

yes, sort of right fella, if too much weight is on towbar it can create a bigger snag, weight should be slighly in front of axle and as low as possible, there are outfits out there that fit up and do advice on load sharing and supply , fit of anti sway mechanisms, and yes they do work,

 

[Littleboy8]

It is all too often you see this on our roads. People towing caravans should be made to pull into weigh stations for a check...just like truckies have to do.

Reminds me of the Lucille Ball movie the Long long trailer such a classic. whatever you do, do not use rocks.

 

[Wombat2u2004]

Too much weight in the back of the camper most weight should be at the front of the camper to put the downward pressure on the towball

Yep.

 

[natalielocket]

The amount of caravans that are being towed with the front too high or too low. There needs to be education on the towing of vans. Many years ago, while managing a Caravan Park, a van came in with a Family. Had just bought a van from a Dealer. Their Car was not suited to the size of the van, and we rang the Dealer and blasted them. Anyway we sorted the problem out and eventually the Family went off on their trip around Australian.

 

[Still Ebby]

We lived in a caravan for a few months and while l loved the freedom it gave it wasn't without it's downsides . One time on our way back to Sydney they were stopping traffic on the main highway and only letting so many through at a time as they had just finished tarring the road. We were hoping not to be stopped as it was up a hill and we were having trouble with our station wagon but we were and the car conked out . We all got sticky tarry shoes as we tried to get off the road.. The scariest part was when a nice truck driver offered to tow us using a thick rope. Going down hill into Shepparton the rope was either taunt and about to snap or we got so close to the truck we thought we would bang into it. l can laugh now but it wasn't funny then.