RV FEATURE
Road trains . They ’ re absolutely huge . Metal beasts that travel our highways , delivering goods around the country and vital to the functioning of our economy . If you ’ ve ever approached one , or been overtaken by one , perhaps on an outback highway somewhere , you ’ ll know how unnerving they can be .
Measuring up to 53.5m in length , or about 10 car lengths , these diesel-fired hulks dwarf even the largest and most impressive caravan and tow vehicle combination . However , there may be times when you feel the need to overtake a road train .
This can certainly be achieved , but there are a number of factors for the caravanner to consider first .
OVERTAKING ROAD TRAINS
Overtaking a road train on a highway can take between 60 and 90 seconds . That might not seem like a long time . But here ’ s a test . Set an alarm for , say , 75 seconds . Now , close your eyes and picture being at the helm of your tow vehicle and caravan combination , alongside one of those roaring behemoths , until the alarm goes off .
If you didn ’ t feel a sense of unease , then you have nerves of steel . But for we mere mortals , overtaking a road train is – and should be – intimidating . Further , it ’ s bound to be a little nervewracking for the truck driver , too .
So first things first . Ask yourself , do you really need to overtake ? If the answer is ‘ yes ’, then be patient and pick the best , safest time to do so . Check that there is no oncoming traffic and that when you pull out , you will have clear visibility of the road ahead . This will require you to position your vehicle in such a way as to not only see any oncoming traffic but so that that the driver of the road train can see you too .
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