Truck Friendly - caravan road safety program

05/11/2026

ROADCRAFT DRIVER TRAINING NOW OFFERING A 'FREE' COPY OF SAFE CARAVAN TOWING - THE MANUAL WITH EACH CARAVAN TOWING COURSE.

HEAVILY DISCOUNTED COURSE FEES ALSO NOW AVAILABLE.

Roadcraft, Driver Education in Gympie Q have been recommending this extensive safe towing manual to caravan towing course participants since the launch of this manual.

Ken Wilson says, “It is important for course participants to not only have the best hands-on caravan towing training, but also to have a comprehensive manual to take away and refer back to after the course has ended.”

After a meeting today with Sharlene Makin, CEO, and Jordan Willis, Operations Manager at Roadcraft in Gympie Qld, I am proud to announce some great news!

From this month on, Roadcraft Driver Education - Caravan Towing course participants will be gifted one of my books, “Safe Caravan Towing - The Manual” as a takeaway reference.

I delivered books to Roadcraft’s Operations Manager, Jordan Willis, earlier this week and they’ll be gifting one book per couple.

The other great news is that, thanks to course subsidy funding from Qld Transport & Main Roads’ Caravan Skills Based Education and Training Grants, the cost of this course is now drastically reduced to only $220 for one participant, or $295 per couple attending with the one van.

More details about Roadcraft’s Safe Towing Course in Gympie, here: -
https://roadcraft.org.au/courses/one-day-safe-towing-course

Photo: - Jordan Willis – Operations Manager, ROADCRAFT, & Ken Wilson, author and researcher Safe Caravan Towing – The Manual, TRUCK FRIENDLY caravan road safety program.

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ROADCRAFT Driver Education have a huge specially designed driver training facility at Gympie, and a team of extremely well trained and qualified driver trainers. Their courses are used by Government, semi-government, and industry as well as being open to the public.

You will need to book early as course vacancies fill very fast. You can plan your travels around your course booked date etc.

Follow the ROADCRAFT page to get notifications of any cancellation spots that may become available.
https://www.facebook.com/RoadcraftDriverEducation

Roadcraft are always looking for more suitable instructors who can be trained.
So, if you believe you have what it takes to be trained as a Roadcraft driver trainer for the Gympie facility, contact Roadcraft direct for more information. https://roadcraft.org.au/

Roadcraft train and accredit all staff to their extremely strict qualifications.

If you would like a copy of this safe caravan towing training manual, they can be purchased direct from the Truck Friendly web site.

https://www.truckfriendly.com.au/safe-caravan-towing-the-manual/

UNTIL CHRISTMAS, BUY A PRINTED COPY OF ‘SAFE CARAVAN TOWING – THE MANUAL’ FROM THE TRUCK FRIENDLY WEB SITE, AND RECEIVE A ‘FREE' ENGRAVED PEN AND KEYRING TORCH SET AS A CHRISTMAS GIFT. (While stocks last)
Not available for E-Book versions.

If you would also like copies of our manual for your mobile scales business customer's ongoing education, or to compliment your driver training courses in other areas, please contact Ken Wilson direct for more information.

Stay safe.

Cheers
Ken Wilson
Truck Friendly caravan road safety program
[email protected]
Ph. 0429944663

05/11/2026

FINALLY RUN OUT OF THE TOILET ROLLS YOU STOCKPILED DURING COVID?

Let's all put more thought into any life and death decisions we make while driving on the roads.

Stay safe.

Cheers
Ken Wilson
Truck friendly caravan road safety program
[email protected]
Ph 0429944663

04/11/2026

THE BIGGEST CAUSE OF CRASHES IS
IDIOTS FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE WHO ACCOUNT FOR 26% OF ALL CRASH INSURANCE CLAIMS.

WE SEE IT EVERY DAY ON EVERY ROAD BY DIFFERENT TYPES OF VEHICLES.

Yes, - ‘Nose to Tail’ crashes are the most common crashes at 26%, according to the ‘AAMI Crash Index, - A Decade of Driving.’

https://www.suncorpgroup.com.au/assets/documents/suncorpgroup/aami-crash-index-decade-of-driving-report-2024.pdf

The report states, “Analysing more than 4.3 million motor claims across the country from 2014 to 2023, AAMI’s Decade of Driving Report provides unique insights into accidents and driving behaviours and how they’ve changed, as well as how we can better protect all road users”.

This was discussed at the first, Bruce Highway Advisory Council Meeting I attended in Dec 2025. The result is extremely positive with Qld TMR conducting trials last year.

With 1.69 million vehicles successfully tracked, it was found that 31.4% of drivers adjusted their following distance once they were notified, they were following too close to the vehicle in front.

The results and more information can be found on the Qld Govt. TMR web site.

https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/safety/road-safety/reforms-and-innovation/tailgating-technology-trials

WE NEED TO ASK, " WHY DO WE NEED TO BE TOLD, ARE DRIVERS TOO SILLY TO NOT LOOK IN FRONT OF THEM?"

On a recent trip I was horrified to see a large B-Double following a Hi-Ace van at about 4 – 6 meters going at highway speed. Just bloody stupid behaviour by a so-called professional driver. While I have found the majority of all drivers want to do the right thing, there are far too many putting lives at risk on the roads.

Despite the NHVR and trucking companies campaigning for other drivers not to pull in front of a trucks stopping distance, we see many trucks following far too closely themselves, without concern for the lives in the vehicle that they are following nor their own.

However, it is NOT only the trucks but ALL vehicles, including motorbikes, cars, motorhomes, and cars towing large trailers and caravans.

There has been a lot in the media lately on the condition of the Bruce Highway and it gets blamed for almost all accidents. There have also been several accidents lately where trucks have run up the rear of cars and other trucks causing several fatalities. One of these accidents, according on one driver involved was in thick fog and driving rain. One has to ask obvious questions with that one.

We see caravanners following in close convoy where as soon as the lead vehicle touches the brake all following vehicle have to also brake. Leave some space for a safe braking distance and for other vehicles to leapfrog around any vehicles in convoy.

Use your UHF to help assist other vehicles to overtake when safe.

SO, WHAT IS A SAFE FOLLOWING DISTANCE.

Most State Governments agree that a min of 3 seconds is a good following distance when driving a car in good conditions on good roads. Qld state a min of 2 sec increasing by 1 sec for each 3m of trailer or caravan being towed.

Simply pick an object or roadside post and once the vehicle in front has passed that object count 3 seconds. (One thousand and one, one thousand and two, one thousand and three etc). If your vehicle has passed that object before you have finished counting three seconds you ARE following too close.

https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/road/distances

If driving a heavy vehicle or towing a caravan or trailer, then extend that out to 5 seconds or more for poor visibility or wet conditions.

BY LAW – all vehicles, including cars towing caravans that are more than 7.5m long must be at least 60m behind the vehicle in front. This is extended to 200m in areas used by road trains, like Western Qld, NSW, WA, the NT and many other areas of Australia.

https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/heavy/rules

For reference 60m at 100 kph is a following distance of only about 2 seconds. Too close when towing.

WHY?

The average alert driver who IS paying attention will take approximately 1 – 1.5 seconds to realise that there is a problem ahead and actually lift the foot and commence braking. We are not supermen or women. We are all similar, no matter how experienced you believe you are.

Assuming you are a perfect driver, and I have yet to find one, including me, and your vehicle is well maintained, tyre pressures are perfect, and your brakes are adjusted to the optimum position for the best highway braking in those conditions you will take about 100 m to 120meters to stop in a car, including reaction time.

NOW THAT IS WITHOUT A CARAVAN ON THE BACK. Allow far more distance than that when towing a caravan or trailer.

KEN'S TIP.

Next time you are on the highway, just look at the vehicle you are following and ask yourself: -

’Will you survive if the car you are following is suddenly involved in a head on crash in front of you? “

“Will you be able to stop in time if that vehicle in front suddenly stops still on the road because of a head on accident?”

Too many have already been killed by this stupidity.

PASSENGERS: - Remember it is your life that may be at risk also. Please assist the driver by reminding them of the safe following distance until it become a habit for them.

PLEASE, DO NOT BECOME A STATISTIC OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.

There will be lots more vehicles on the roads, therefore lots more idiots.

Don’t be impatient, please give others some space and courtesy.

ASSIST faster vehicles to overtake you when safe. Often it is the innocent people who are killed when some idiot overtakes when they shouldn’t and causes an accident. We have all seen them. Don’t be one.

Get your copy of SAFE CARAVAN TOWING – THE MANUAL from the Truck Friendly web site in time for Christmas delivery.

https://www.truckfriendly.com.au/safe-caravan-towing-the-manual/

Available in E-Book or printed copy posted anywhere in Australia.

A perfect Christmas gift.

FREE GIFT OF AN ENGRAVED PEN AND KEYRING TORCH SET FOR THE FIRST 100 PRINTED COPIES PURCHASED BEFORE CHRISTMAS 2026.

Many already posted, so be quick.

Above all - stay safe.

Cheers
Ken Wilson
Truck Friendly caravan road safety program
[email protected]
0429944663

03/11/2026

SHOULD YOU USE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN TOWING?

Whenever this subject comes up there are always divided opinions.
There are the. “Yes, I’ve been towing using cruise for 20 years without a problem”, brigade.

The “No, it can cause the vehicle to be unstable in wet weather, brigade”.

And then the “No, it uses more fuel and may interfere with the car’s stability and other controls, brigade.”

Personally, I don’t use cruise when towing my caravan with either my 4,495kg GVM Iveco Daily or my 3.5t GVM 2021 Ford Ranger, but that is my personal choice. (GVM Upgrade by Lovells)

Others choose their own driving style and live with any consequences.

I find that my vehicle constantly changes gears and accelerates to try and maintain speed up even the slightest incline with a heavy caravan on the back. This uses more fuel and takes driving control out of my hands to a large extent. The engine braking is not strong enough to maintain a safe speed going downhill.

SO, WHAT IS THE CORRECT WAY TO TOW A VAN WITH ALL THE NEWER ELECTRONIC ‘DRIVER AIDS’ IN MODERN CARS?

While opinions will always vary on this, I highly recommend that all drivers actually read their vehicle Owner’s Manual. There is some interesting information in there and you will usually pick up some forgotten or unknown information in there worth considering.

SOME EXAMPLES.

My 2021 XLT FORD RANGER’S OWNER’S MANUAL STATES,

CRUISE CONTROL - on page 175, “WARNING: When you are going downhill. Your vehicle speed could increase above the set speed. The system does not apply the brakes”. End of quote.

This speed will no doubt increase with extra weight, like my caravan hitch on the rear without braking when going downhill, relying on engine braking alone. Even on the flat, under cruise, not braking will require a lot longer to slow with the caravan attached not under braking.

USING ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (if equipped) on page 176, “WARNING: do not use the system when towing a trailer that has aftermarket electronic trailer brake controls. Failure to follow this instruction could result in the loss of control of your vehicle, personal injury or death”. End of quote.

It should be noted that my Ranger has a Red Arc electronic brake controller fitted aftermarket for towing my caravan. Some more modern vehicle may have original part electronic braking systems fitted as standard equipment. Check your manual for instructions re using cruise control for your individual vehicle.

While off subject, another interesting fact from the Owner’s manual, on page 207, “Reduce the stipulated maximum permitted gross vehicle mass by 10% for every 1,000m in high altitude regions above 1,000m.” End of quote.

While not a big impact on driving in a country as flat as Australia, there will be areas where this may have relevance, so understanding is important.

TRAILER SWAY CONTROL on page 208. “NOTE: This feature does not prevent trailer sway but reduces it once it begins”. And then “NOTE: This feature cannot stop all trailers from swaying”. End of quote.

Many I have spoke to seem to think their van will not sway as they rely on, and have trailer sway control fitted either to the car or van. These electronic sway controls do not stop sway from starting. They only cut in once sway has actually started. They are reactive not proactive. Prevention is your best defence.

My 2024 Iveco Daily MT222 - 50c van, Owner’s Manual-

PLKA (proactive assistance system for maintaining lane), on page 242, “NOTE: When a trailer is connected, the PLKA system is automatically disabled”. End of quote.

QUEUE ASSIST, on page 267, “ATTENTION: Towing a trailer is not recommended while using this device”. End of quote.

AEBS, Advanced Emergency braking System, on page 273, “ATTENTION: It is highly recommended that the AEBS + City Brake PRO system is deactivated when a trailer is connected.” End of quote.

TSM, Trailer Sway Mitigation, on page 287, “TSM – Trailer Sway Mitigation. This annuls the trailer oscillations (caused for example by uneven roads, sudden bursts if wind) that can cause the vehicle-trailer unit to become unstable, by reducing the engine torque and in the case of intense oscillations intervening on the brakes.” End of quote.

This is something for those who still foolishly believe accelerating is the best way to get out of trailer sway. You may be fighting the vehicle’s own safety systems by putting your foot down.

Food for thought.

I do NOT tell people how to drive, just research and write on my findings. All vehicles and set ups are different and many newer vehicles have different safety systems that may also need to be considered before making driving decisions based on hearsay, past experience in a different vehicle and of course, ignorance. Your call.

Do your own research on your vehicle. Reading the vehicle Owner’s Manual is a good start.

Extensive and more detailed information on safe towing research can be found in our (approx.) 200-page manual,

SAFE CARAVAN TOWING – THE MANUAL.

Available from the Truck Friendly web site if makes a great Christmas present for the caravanner or horse float towing family member or friend. Order before Christmas and receive a complimentary engraved ‘PEN AND TORCH KEYRING SET” with each printed copy posted. Limit of 100 gift sets.

https://www.truckfriendly.com.au/safe-caravan-towing-the-manual/

What’s Up Down Under described it as ‘THE NEW TOWING BIBLE’. (Nov ‘24 E-magazine review)

If you already have a copy of our book, please let us know your thoughts on SAFE CARAVAN TOWING – THE MANUAL.

Stay safe.
Cheers

Ken Wilson
Truck Friendly caravan road safety program
[email protected]
0429944663

02/11/2026

USING A GOWEIGH WEIGHBRIDGE FOR THE FIRST TIME?
YOU ARE NOT ALONE – USE THE PHONE SUPPORT NUMBER.

Each GoWeigh weighbridge has a phone support number where you can ask any questions, and even have the weighbridge activated remotely for you by the technician. They offer this service during business hours and weekends from 9am to 4pm.

This is handy when you want the weight of driver, and all passengers included in the report as they can stay seated in the vehicle during the weigh.

These public weighbridges are in over 20 locations throughout Australia and usually located at BP Roadhouses on major highways. More locations will be opening next year.

Check out the GoWeigh web site for a location on your next trip.
https://goweigh.com.au/

THE CARAVAN WEIGH

GoWeigh have a very unique comprehensive downloadable 3-page report available with each two-part caravan or horse float type weigh for the low cost of $65.00.

FIRSTLY, weigh your rig unhitched on the weighing plates as per the diagram on site.

SECONDLY, reweigh the rig with the caravan hitched.

The unique computer program will allow you to easily download the full report showing the following vital weights: -

Total Caravan weight.
Caravan to car weight ratio is automatically calculated.
Unhitched Car Weight.
Hitched car weight.
Car front axle weight - Hitched and unhitched.
Car rear axle weight – Hitched and unhitched.
Caravan combined axle weight.
Tow ball mass is automatically calculated.
Total combination weight. The weight of your caravan and car.

All this is presented in a simple to understand report as per the sample attached to this article. It also includes photos of your rig being weighed to help prove that all wheels were on the correct weighing pads at that time of weighing.

This is great to help ensure legal compliance on your next trip especially after you stopped at the local winery and gave the credit card a workout.

If selling or buying a new or second-hand caravan this is great selling point to be able to show any buyers that the rig is legally within all manufacturers weights and if it can be towed by the buyer’s car.
Get a GoWeigh report to printout and hand it to the buyers.

We all, including GoWeigh, recommend a mobile scales operator be used for your first caravan weigh, as they usually can provide education and assist with moving ‘stuff’ around to help ensure your rig is as safe as it can be.

You should get a better understanding of vehicle weights from their education. The cost is higher, but you are paying for a personal service, education and assistance.

Once you have your rig set up safely, a regular diversion into a BP and the GoWeigh weighbridge will help ensure you have not picked up too much weigh or put it in the wrong place.

Mobile scales operator’s scales, usually weigh each wheel and register to the nearest 1 x kg. Ask your mobile operator the cost and when also when their scales were last calibrated, their accuracy and what you will get for your money at the time of booking. The service may vary.

The GoWeigh weighbridges weigh the vehicle axles and are calibrated to weigh heavy trucks, so by Govt regulations must display the weight to the nearest 20kgs, much like using cash, some up, some down. This means that the GoWeigh weighbridge report may be plus or minus a max of 10 kgs. However, if you are that close to limits you have far bigger problems. Public weighbridges are strictly controlled and regulated by Govt for accuracy.

Call in and have a feed and coffee while you review the report.

SAFE CARAVAN TOWING – THE MANUAL, available from the Truck Friendly web site has a large section on how to correctly weigh a caravan and tow vehicle. It has over 14 pages explaining compliance and safe weights.

Some mobile scales operators also offer this manual as an educational takeaway to reinforce their explanations as a customer service.

Get your copy, or a copy as a Christmas present that may save a life.

ORDER YOUR COPY BEFORE CHIRSTMAS FROM THE TRUCK FRIENDLY WEB SITE AND RECEIVE A "FREE' ENGRAVED PEN AND KEYRING TOURCH WITH EACH PRINTED COPY. Limited to the first 100 books purchased.

https://www.truckfriendly.com.au/safe-caravan-towing-the-manual/

Above all stay safe and enjoy your trip with confidence.

Cheers
Ken Wilson
Truck Friendly caravan road safety program
[email protected]

31/10/2026

30/10/2026

29/10/2026

CONFUSION 'STILL' EXISTS ON NSW TOWING SPEEDS.
Even some Govt and industry sites still get it wrong.

A full explanation every caravanner needs to read.

See 'FREE' give away offer at the end.

At several Caravan Expos we have recently exhibited at, we have found that this would be one of the least known or confusing road rules in caravanning, even to NSW caravanners........

PLEASE READ THIS ARTICLE BEFORE COMMENTING AND GIVING FALSE OR MISLEADING INFORMATION.

FIRSTLY, the Australian Design Rules (ADR) is the Australian Federal Governments rules on motor vehicle and trailer design. They have been adopted, in most part, by all Australian states and for the basis of state and federal legislation. All vehicles on Australian roads must comply with the state enforced versions of the ADR.

The ADR defines the following: -

GVM - "GROSS VEHICLE MASS (GVM) - the maximum laden mass of a motor vehicle as specified by the ‘Manufacturer’."

GCM - "GROSS COMBINATION MASS - value specified for the vehicle by the ‘Manufacturer’ as being the maximum of the sum of the ‘Gross Vehicle Mass’ of the drawing vehicle plus the sum of the ‘Axle Loads’ of any vehicle capable of being drawn as a trailer."

NOTE: - The GVM and GCM are specified by the manufacture and usually noted on the vehicle compliance plate or noted in the Vehicle Owner's Manual 'by the manufacturer'. They are often referred to as 'The Plated Weights' as they were originally on the vehicle compliance plate and identify the maximum weight ratings of the vehicle.

Despite what many say, GVM and GCM ARE 'NOT' THE ACTUAL WEIGHTS OF THE VEHICLE OR TRAILER AS LOADED ON A TRIP.

People may load their vehicle and / or trailer lightly or heavily, which may change the actual weight of the vehicle or combination. It DOES NOT change the maximum GVM or GCM as specified by the manufacturer.

This has caused confusion on many web sites & social media pages regarding the towing speeds in NSW where people comment without researching the facts.

There are also many web sites that still have incorrect information on them that people still mistakenly copy and paste as fact. Many are just wrong or incomplete.

Get your information from the Government web sites. The NSW Govt did originally have incorrect information on it; however, I was successful in having it corrected in 2022. Many web sites have NOT updated their information to the correct legislation.

IN NSW THE LEGISLATION WITH REGARD TO TOWING SPEEDS IS VERY SPECIFIC.

Road Rules 2014 - NSW Legislation Part 3 Rule 21

“Road Rules 2014

21 Speed limit where a speed limit sign applies

(1) The speed limit applying to a driver for a length of road to which a speed limit sign applies is the number of kilometres per hour indicated by the number on the sign.

Note. Length of road is defined in the Dictionary.

(2) However, if the number on the speed limit sign is over 100 and the driver is driving a vehicle with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes or a vehicle and trailer combination with a GCM over 4.5 tonnes, the speed limit applying to the driver for the length of road is 100 kilometres per hour.”

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NOTE; - The legislation refers to GVM and GCM not actual weight at the time. Please read again the above definitions of GVM and GCM.

SUMMARY

A vehicle with a plated GVM above 4,500 kgs is limited to 100 km/h or the posted speed limit whichever is the lesser in NSW.

A vehicle with a plated GCM above 4,500 kgs WHEN TOWING is limited to 100 km/h or the posted speed limit whichever is the lesser in NSW.

Example: - My Ford Ranger with a 6,000 GCM can travel at 110 km/h when not towing, however: - is limited to 100 km/h whether it is towing a small box trailer or a fully loaded caravan. that is classed as 'In Combination. The actual weigh of the trailer is irrelevant.

I ask that you please share this information as far and wide as you can. there is too much confusion, untruths and stupidity out there with so many not understanding this law. Some social media admins may not help promote accurate road safety information.

More factual information is available in our book
SAFE CARAVAN TOWING - THE MANUAL available from the Truck Friendly web site.
https://www.truckfriendly.com.au/safe-caravan-towing-the-manual/

WE CURRENTLY HAVE A FREE ENGRAVED PEN AND KEYRING / TORCH SET GIVEAWAY ON PRINTED COPIES OF OUR BOOK SOLD BEFORE CHRISTMAS.

Limited to first 100 sales.

Stay safe.
Cheers

Ken Wilson
Truck Friendly caravan road safety program
[email protected]
0429944663

29/10/2026

- CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY - LIMITED STOCK. -
'FREE' GIVEAWAY WITH EVERY PRINTED COPY OF 'SAFE CARAVAN TOWING - THE MANUAL' PURCHASED FOR CHRISTMAS.

Purchase a PRINTED copy of SAFE CARAVAN TOWING - THE MANUAL from the Truck Friendly web site before Christmas and we will give a FREE - ENGRAVED PEN AND KEYRING WITH TORCH with the first 100 books sold from NOW till 30th Dec '26.

If we run out of the 100 gift box sets, prior we will include one of our popular engraved green pens up to 30th Dec '26. You will always get a free gift during our Christmas giveaway period with each printed copy.

SAFE CARAVAN TOWING - THE MANUAL is the perfect gift for the caravanners in your family or friendly circles. The gift of safety for those you care about.

TV's, WHAT'S UP DOWN UNDER described it as 'THE NEW TOWING BIBLE' in their Nov. 2024 E-magazine review.

This popular comprehensive (approx.) 200-page manual helps explain all aspects of towing a caravan or horse float in Australia, from picking the best towing vehicle and matching it with a suitable caravan.

With over 4 pages of contents the manual includes information not always known to most caravanners, how to set up a safe towing rig, the use or misuse, of after-market accessories, legal compliance, interacting with heavy vehicles, Ken's tips and includes QR codes that link to videos that also help further understanding of the subject discussed.

Extremely popular, with many saying it should be given to all who buy a caravan.

Get your copy at

https://www.truckfriendly.com.au/safe-caravan-towing-the-manual/

Note, that the gift set is not available with the digital copy version.

BE QUICK - LIMITED STOCK OF GIFT SETS AVAILABLE.

Be ready for Christmas holidays.

Stay Safe
Cheers

Ken Wilson
Truck Friendly caravan road safety program
[email protected]
0429944663

28/10/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CMTbnoqbU/

The business behind thousands of Aussie caravans still has orders to fill.