HITCHING UP WITH MAX TAYLOR
THE LAW ONE
RVing. Do it by the book or risk a penalty – police
around Australia are becoming more proactive about
enforcing the rules concerning legal towing.
While police resources are always likely to be
more concentrated in areas of higher risk, such as
drink driving and speeding, it’s becoming clear that
overweight RVs (and towing combinations that are
otherwise unsafe or non-compliant) are on the radar.
As they should be.
Speaking with Sergeant Graeme Shenton of Victoria
Police for an article in this issue, it was fascinating
to learn about the powers police have to enforce the
relevant laws, from compelling vanners to cooperate,
to issuing fines under a structure that is broadly the
same around the country.
But it was particularly interesting to learn that the
onus is always on the driver, regardless of their RVing
experience, to ensure compliance.
Among other things, this means making sure the
loaded weight, as well as the towball weight, of the van
or camper trailer is within the capabilities of the tow
vehicle. It means not exceeding the tow vehicle’s Gross
Combined Mass and Gross Vehicle Mass. It means using
tow mirrors (if required). If it’s a motorhome, it means
making sure it isn’t loaded above its GVM.
To say “it’s my mate’s rig” is no excuse. Safe, legal
RVing has always been important. But I dare say it’s
now more important than ever.
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gorv.com.au
MANAGING EDITOR
Max Taylor
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