HOW FAST SHOULD I TRAVEL ?
Heading along the Western Freeway towards the Great Ocean Road , I travelled at least 10km / h under the speed limit . Actually , it ’ s possible that it was more like 20km / h . This is not necessarily the best advice . Travelling inordinately slowly creates problems of its own , that ’ s true . But nor should caravanners – especially new ones who are coming to grips with towing – feel pressured to travel beyond their rig ’ s ability .
Having said that , the caravanner has a responsibility to ensure their rig is safe and suitable for all traffic conditions . Every van / vehicle combo has a ‘ sweet spot ’, in my opinion .
You ’ ll also need to accept that your tow vehicle simply will not accelerate as quickly when hitched to a van . Even the twin-turbo V8 Land Cruiser 200 will take a moment or two longer to get going . That ’ s something the following motorists should expect and factor in to their own driving calculations .
DEALING WITH SWAY
Many caravans come from the factory with an inbuilt sway control device , and I think they are fantastic pieces of equipment . If yours does not have sway control , consider having it retrofitted .
In any event , caravanners have been dealing with sway since caravans were invented . It can happen for a variety of reasons . The important thing is to know how to handle it .
The ‘ myth ’ that you should speed up has some foundation in fact . The idea is to ‘ stretch ’ the caravan / vehicle combination , thereby eliminating the sway . The reality is that few vehicles are capable of providing this kind of on-demand power and torque .
I still believe the best advice is to apply the override function of the brake controller without braking the vehicle itself . This will independently apply the van ’ s brakes . I believe that applying the override function should become as natural to you as flicking on your indicators .
24 \