Keep your caravans safe by preventing this common mistake!
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Many Australians have been hitching up caravans and setting off to explore the vast beauty of The Land Down Under.
Yet, with the uptick in caravanning, authorities addressed a critical safety issue often overlooked by many and could put adventurers and drivers at risk.
At a recent caravan and trailer safety awareness day held in NSW, many caravanners pointed out a concerning trend: the age and condition of caravan tyres.
NSW Police, who also attended the event, emphasised that this could lead to catastrophic consequences if not addressed.
'The sole aim of the event is to ensure greater safety for the public travelling,' Getabout Training Services' owner and chief instructor.
According to statistics, about 201 crashes involving a vehicle towing a caravan on NSW roads between 2018 and 2022.
These incidents claimed the lives of 24 people and caused severe injuries to 87 others.
In a collaborative effort between Transport for NSW and Getabout, up to 40 caravan combinations were thoroughly inspected.
Three of these caravans exceeded the permitted weight limit, and about half were almost at full capacity with only a basic load.
Additionally, five towing vehicles were over their permitted weight limit.
A significant number of these caravans also had tyres unfit for travel.
The Australian Tyre Industry Council recommended that tyres should be replaced after 10 years.
Upon reaching the tyres' five-year mark, they should be professionally inspected every 12 months.
According to Transport for NSW, each tyre must have at least 1.5mm tread depth.
It should also be free from deep cuts, bulges, exposed cords, or other signs of damage.
Vehicles with tyres in poor condition are typically issued a defect notice and must go through inspection before hitting the road.
While it's not illegal to drive with old tyres, Eggenhuizen warns that it's a matter of safety.
'By the time a tyre gets to 10 years of age, its life is done anyway. Over time, the rubber will perish, making them unsuitable for driving.'
Another critical issue is tyre pressure.
Weigh Your Rig's Darren Anderson pointed out that underinflated tyres have been common among caravanners.
This could lead to swaying on the road and tyre blowouts—which could be dangerous and leave drivers stranded.
The general rule of thumb for tyre pressure is around 50 PSI, but this could vary depending on the vehicle and caravan.
Anderson recommended checking the manufacturer's recommendations to keep tyres inflated properly.
Eggenhuizen shared that caravanning within Australia recently became big.
While awareness towards caravan weights and safety has increased, there's still a significant number of people making mistakes on the roads.
Eggenhuizen lamented that some people are likely aware they're over the weight limit but choose to ignore it, posing a danger to themselves and others on the road.
So, before you hit the road for your next adventure, take the time to ensure your caravan is up to the task.
Check your tyres, know your caravan's weight, and travel with the peace of mind that you're doing your part to keep Australia's roads safe.
Have you checked your caravan's tyres and weight recently? How do you keep yourselves safe on the road? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments section.
Yet, with the uptick in caravanning, authorities addressed a critical safety issue often overlooked by many and could put adventurers and drivers at risk.
At a recent caravan and trailer safety awareness day held in NSW, many caravanners pointed out a concerning trend: the age and condition of caravan tyres.
NSW Police, who also attended the event, emphasised that this could lead to catastrophic consequences if not addressed.
'The sole aim of the event is to ensure greater safety for the public travelling,' Getabout Training Services' owner and chief instructor.
According to statistics, about 201 crashes involving a vehicle towing a caravan on NSW roads between 2018 and 2022.
Caravan owners often overlook their tyres' condition, which could cause problems later on. Image Credit: Pexels/Alan Caldwell
These incidents claimed the lives of 24 people and caused severe injuries to 87 others.
In a collaborative effort between Transport for NSW and Getabout, up to 40 caravan combinations were thoroughly inspected.
Three of these caravans exceeded the permitted weight limit, and about half were almost at full capacity with only a basic load.
Additionally, five towing vehicles were over their permitted weight limit.
A significant number of these caravans also had tyres unfit for travel.
The Australian Tyre Industry Council recommended that tyres should be replaced after 10 years.
Upon reaching the tyres' five-year mark, they should be professionally inspected every 12 months.
According to Transport for NSW, each tyre must have at least 1.5mm tread depth.
It should also be free from deep cuts, bulges, exposed cords, or other signs of damage.
Vehicles with tyres in poor condition are typically issued a defect notice and must go through inspection before hitting the road.
While it's not illegal to drive with old tyres, Eggenhuizen warns that it's a matter of safety.
'By the time a tyre gets to 10 years of age, its life is done anyway. Over time, the rubber will perish, making them unsuitable for driving.'
Another critical issue is tyre pressure.
Weigh Your Rig's Darren Anderson pointed out that underinflated tyres have been common among caravanners.
This could lead to swaying on the road and tyre blowouts—which could be dangerous and leave drivers stranded.
The general rule of thumb for tyre pressure is around 50 PSI, but this could vary depending on the vehicle and caravan.
Anderson recommended checking the manufacturer's recommendations to keep tyres inflated properly.
Eggenhuizen shared that caravanning within Australia recently became big.
While awareness towards caravan weights and safety has increased, there's still a significant number of people making mistakes on the roads.
Eggenhuizen lamented that some people are likely aware they're over the weight limit but choose to ignore it, posing a danger to themselves and others on the road.
So, before you hit the road for your next adventure, take the time to ensure your caravan is up to the task.
Check your tyres, know your caravan's weight, and travel with the peace of mind that you're doing your part to keep Australia's roads safe.
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