RV FEATURE
capacity , so we ’ ve been able to move some of the van ’ s load into the car . “ We do have a duty of care to other road users and to the person we ’ re speaking to , but police have some discretion . If , for example , the tow vehicle was loaded with a mum , dad and three kids , and there wasn ’ t anything that could be done to make the setup legal again , it would probably not be wise to leave them stranded on the side of a busy road . In that case , we would look at whether the van was overengineered , whether the ATM was set lower than the group axle capacity and suspension rating , for example . “ The police can then direct the caravanner to head to the nearest town or caravan park where they can make the necessary adjustments .” Police also have discretion in terms of whether to issue a fine for an overweight caravan . If , for example , a caravan is over-engineered and the loading infraction is relatively minor , a cooperative attitude will improve the driver ’ s chances of escaping a ticket .
TOW MIRRORS , DRIVER IGNORANCE AND MORE !
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ON FACEBOOK GROUP EVERYTHING CARAVAN AND CAMPING , WE ASKED FOR YOUR EXPERIENCES WHEN FACED WITH A POLICE ROADSIDE INSPECTION :
Ken Triat : “ Pulled over just north of Broadford heading up the Hume . There were two police officers and an RTA officer who operated portable weight scale . All very nice and explained there had been two incidences of overweight van crashes . " We were borderline on portable scales so were escorted to a truck weigh bridge 2km up the road . We were 40 kg overweight and had to drain water tanks to get back to a safe weight to be able to continue . No fines applied .”
James Breeze : “ Despite all the crap , just do the right thing and make sure your rig meets all the safety standards , your life and other road users depend on it .”
Warwick Hardwick : “ We were pulled up on the Nullarbor by police checking vans mainly . Checked licence , physical inspection of van and vehicle and brakeaway system was working properly . Then ‘ have a nice day ’. Met people in Ceduna who were given defect notices to be complied with in a certain time .”
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