Aussies are spending their hard-earned cash and hitting the road in caravans more often than ever. The number of registered caravans, new or used, is on the rise. But most buyers aren’t aware of the safety precautions in place for their purchase and any extra accessories that bring peace of mind when on the road. The recent surge in accidents involving towed vehicles, the majority of which are caravans, is evidence that we need to put more thought when driving, especially with heavy vehicles at the back.
Towing does need some getting used to, and first attempts can be harrowing. Experience helps, as with everything, to build confidence and make it second nature. But having the vehicle equipped the right way means there’s less of a chance that something will go wrong. Simple and inexpensive additions like caravan electric brake controllers and bigger towing mirrors help you navigate your way around tight spots and bring your caravan to a safe stop. Other items, like GPS trackers, chock blocks, and covers keep your investment protected from the elements as well as sticky fingers. Some items may already be fitted, but whatever else you need is easily available at your nearest camping, off-roading, and 4×4 accessory store.
Why You Need an Electric Brake Controller
Towed vehicle brakes are regulated by federal and state laws. In short, trailers, boats, caravans, and any either vehicles below 750 don’t require independent braking. Vehicles between 751 and 2000 kilos require brakes fitted on both wheels and at least one axle, and those up to 4000 kilos aggregate weight need brakes on all wheels and automatic braking systems in case the towed vehicle decouples. Brakes also must be operable from the driver’s seating position.
With a fitted brake controller, any towed vehicle can brake independently of the towing vehicle in front. And this is a safety measure that can prevent serious hazards. For instance, driving downhill with a heavy caravan missing out on brake controllers means when you step on the brake the car brakes but the caravan doesn’t. And the resulting push can lead to a loss of control and hurl you towards oncoming traffic.
In addition, cases of detached caravans wreaking havoc at highway speeds aren’t unheard of, and this can happen because of a myriad of reasons (couplers coming off and safety chains breaking). Ensuring that the caravan comes to a controlled stop when you’re no longer operating the brakes from the cabin is done with an automatic braking system that slams on the brakes in the caravan.
Power to the brakes is fed from the onboard caravan electrics via compatible pin sockets and mounting brackets let you install the unit anywhere on the caravan. Most brake controllers are rated to stop even heavier vehicles riding on up to three axles.
Electric Brake Controller Types
There are two types of caravan electric brake controllers. Proportional controllers gauge the rate the towing vehicle is slowing and adjust the brakes in the caravan accordingly. They include in-built accelerometers to do their thing and are aided by some complicated maths with onboard microprocessors. With the correct voltage applied, the proportional braking in both vehicles provides for the safest and smoothest driving and towing experience. Proportional controllers are mostly wirelessly operated from phones and allow for a large degree of customisation. And this is why they are favoured by the majority of caravan owners.
Time delay controllers are less expensive but also less functional (at least at highway speeds). A fixed voltage is sent to the caravan brakes each time the driver applies the brakes in the towing vehicle. The reaction is not the smoothest and can be jolty in heavier caravans. One advantage though is the adjustability allowed with driver input, meaning these can perform better at slower speeds and on more difficult terrain.
Towing Mirrors
When towing, you must be able to see behind you. Caravans are large, and most of the time, seeing out through both stock car mirrors can prove a challenge. Tow mirrors are an easy and inexpensive fix, and there are different types and shapes to suit different needs and drivers. Clamp-style mirrors easily clamp onto the car mirrors to give you that wider field of vision. Suction towing mirrors use suction cups to attach to your car mirrors. They are often the most affordable but do block out some of the views to the back. Another simple choice that is quick to fit and remove is strap-on mirrors. Most expensive are electrically operated towing mirrors which can be adjusted with remotes from inside the cabin. Drivers also need to choose between convex or flat mirrors, with the first offering a wider field of vision and thus recommended.
Levelling Ramps
These safety accessories are designed to level caravans, motorhomes, and trailers on inclines and uneven or loose terrain. This is for the obvious reason of keeping the vehicle secure at all times, but also take in mind that levelling ramps help with onboard appliances like fridges and water pumps to work as they should. And eating, cooking, or sleeping inside the caravan is a lot more comfortable when level.
GPS Trackers
GPS trackers help in many ways. They offer peace of mind, serving as an irreplaceable security feature that informs you of the location of the caravan every time. Security features like geofencing warn owners that the caravan has been moved outside a pre-defined perimeter. Even if the caravan were stolen, the tracker can help authorities retrieve it. In addition, many owners use trackers to record routes and a host of data while travelling, and info is easily shared on social media to stir some spite.
Caravan Covers
You’ve invested a lot in your caravan, and not just financially. Keeping it clean and safe from the elements should be a top priority. Consider covers in thick, durable and UV stabilised materials to reduce fading and aging from high sun exposure. Look for reinforced stitching and tie-down straps to keep covers unmoved in high winds. Waterproof, yet breathable materials fare better against heavy downpours and hail and prevent mould build-up due to high humidity levels in the caravan. Besides build and thickness, also take into account overall dimensions to ensure a good fit.
