Tips from the road

​​If it feels hard work, something’s off

 

Towing shouldn’t feel like a constant battle with the steering wheel. If your setup feels twitchy, sluggish, or uncomfortable, it’s usually a sign that something isn’t quite right.  often weight, balance, or vehicle suitability. Many towing issues show up in how it  feels long before they become obvious problems.

 

If that sounds familiar, getting clear, real-world weights can quickly confirm whether you’re within safe limits.

 

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Don’t guess your weights

 

One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming they’re under the limit. Caravans leave the factory empty, but real trips involve water, food, clothes, tools, and gear,  all of which add up fast. Accessories like bike racks and solar panels count too, even if they weren’t part of the original spec.

 

If you don’t know your actual loaded weight, you’re guessing. A quick weigh-in before you go can replace guesswork with certainty.

 

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It’s the whole setup that matters

 

Towing safety isn’t just about the caravan. Your tow vehicle, passengers, fuel, and gear all affect how the setup behaves. A vehicle might be rated to tow the weight on paper but still struggle in real conditions, especially on hills, rough roads, or in crosswinds. Knowing how your full combination stacks up can help you decide whether your setup is right for the trip you’re planning.

 

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How you load matters as much as what you load

 

Two caravans with the same weight can tow very differently. That usually comes down to balance. Heavy items should be spread evenly, kept low, and secured properly. Poor weight distribution can lead to swaying, pitching, and constant steering corrections. Seeing individual axle and wheel weights makes it much easier to fine-tune how you load.

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Brakes are about confidence, not just compliance

 

Most modern caravans are braked, but it’s still worth checking,  especially with older vans. Braked caravans are easier to control and stop, particularly as weight increases. In New Zealand, caravans over 2000kg must have brakes, so knowing where you sit isn’t optional. A proper weigh-in can help confirm you’re set up safely and legally.

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Axles change how a caravan handles

 

Single-axle caravans are generally easier to manoeuvre and suit people who move around often or stay in tighter campgrounds. Double-axle caravans tend to be more stable and handle heavier loads better, which can be a big plus on longer trips. Understanding how your caravan behaves, and why,  makes towing far more predictable.

 

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A few extras can make a big difference

 

You don’t need every gadget available, but the right gear can take a lot of stress out of towing. Towing mirrors improve visibility, cameras help with reversing, weight distribution hitches improve stability, and motor movers make parking easier. Knowing your true weights helps you choose the right gear for your setup.

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The bottom line

 

Towing a caravan doesn’t need to be complicated. Pay attention to how it feels, load with balance in mind, and know your real numbers.

 

If you’re unsure where you sit, getting your setup weighed before you head off is an easy way to tow with confidence.

 

Give us a call or flick us an email to find out more. We’ll check availability and help you book a visit that suits.