10 Myths About Towing Caravans (And the Truth You Need to Know)

Towing a caravan isn’t just about hooking up and hitting the highway. It comes with rules, safety limits, and a fair bit of know-how. Unfortunately, there are plenty of myths floating around – from pub talk to old bush wisdom – that can get travellers into serious strife. Let’s bust the most common myths so you can tow with confidence and keep your Big Lap safe and stress-free.

Myth 1: Any Car Can Tow Any Caravan

Reality: Every vehicle has a manufacturer-set towing limit, including braked towing capacity, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass), GCM (Gross Combined Mass), and tow ball load. Exceed them and you’re illegal, uninsured, and unsafe.

Why it matters: Even big utes can be overweight once you add passengers, fuel, and gear. A caravan that “fits on paper” might still be too heavy in real life.

Get it right: Always match your caravan’s ATM with your vehicle’s real-world capacity, and double-check at a weighbridge.

Myth 2: You Don’t Need Towing Mirrors

Reality: If your caravan blocks your view behind, towing mirrors are legally required in every state.

Why it matters: Police (especially in NSW and QLD) fine heavily for this. More importantly, safe lane changes and reversing depend on proper mirrors.

Get it right: Fit extension mirrors that give clear vision at least 20 m behind and 4 m either side of your van.

Myth 3: Caravan Sway Is Just Part of Towing

Reality: A well-set-up rig should track smoothly. Excessive sway usually means poor loading, the wrong tow ball weight, or under-inflated tyres.

Why it matters: Sway is one of the biggest causes of caravan accidents.

Get it right: Keep 6–10% of van weight on the tow ball, load heavy gear low over the axle, and consider a sway control hitch.

Myth 4: Bigger Caravans Are Always Harder to Tow

Reality: Size isn’t the only factor – balance, vehicle capability, and driver skill matter more. A well-matched 3-tonne van can tow better than a mismatched smaller rig.

Get it right: Choose a tow vehicle with the right GCM margin and practice your towing skills before hitting remote roads.

Myth 5: You Can Tow at Normal Driving Speeds

Reality: Most states cap towing speeds at 100 km/h. WA makes it a hard maximum, even if the posted limit is higher.

Why it matters: Towing increases stopping distance and reduces stability at higher speeds.

Get it right: Stick to 90–100 km/h. It’s safer, less stressful, and easier on fuel and tyres.

Myth 6: Towing Doesn’t Affect Fuel Consumption

Reality: Dragging a caravan is like driving with a parachute. Expect to burn 30–50% more fuel, sometimes more with headwinds or heavy vans.

Get it right: Plan fuel stops carefully, especially on long outback stretches. Apps like Fuel Map Australia can help.

Myth 7: Caravan Brakes Are Optional for Smaller Vans

Reality: By law, any trailer over 750 kg GTM needs its own brakes. Caravans over 2,000 kg ATM need electric brakes with a breakaway system.

Why it matters: Brakes massively improve stopping distances and stability.

Get it right: Always run a quality brake controller and test settings before each trip.

Myth 8: You Don’t Need to Practice Towing

Reality: Towing is a skill – reversing, turning, braking, and manoeuvring all feel different with a van behind you.

Get it right: Practice in a big empty car park or showground before you leave. Learn to reverse with mirrors only (you’ll thank yourself later).

Myth 9: Power Is All That Matters

Reality: Power gets you moving, but brakes, suspension, and stability keep you safe. Plenty of “powerful” setups are dangerous because they exceed axle or tow ball limits.

Get it right: Look beyond horsepower – check payload, suspension, axle ratings, and GVM upgrades if needed.

Myth 10: Insurance Isn’t Essential When Towing

Reality: Comprehensive insurance is a must. Car accidents, theft, damage from storms or fire – they all happen. Without insurance, you’re on your own.

Get it right: Make sure your policy covers both your tow vehicle and caravan, and double-check weight compliance clauses.

Final Thoughts

The myths about towing usually come from half-truths or old habits. But the reality is simple: know your numbers, use the right gear, adjust your driving, and practice. Do that, and towing a caravan isn’t daunting – it’s just another part of the adventure.

Bottom line: Don’t rely on myths or “what a mate said.” Get the facts, set your rig up properly, and you’ll tow safer, smarter, and with confidence.