CHECK YOUR TOWBALL & WEIGHT!
By: John Westbury - September 2011

Odd as it may seem, there are times when things look and feel right yet they are not! When they are not it's possible this could result in disaster.

I took my caravan down to our local tyre dealer to have the bearings, electric brakes and springs checked prior to going away, which is something I always do prior to a lengthy trip. It's my belief it's better to be sure and safe than not! When I picked up our caravan our friendly Tyrepower dealer was helping me hitch it to the tow bar when he noticed the ball move slightly as the van nudged it and pointed it out to me. I had not noticed this and tried to move the ball with my hand but it didn't move at all, but when we gave it a nudge with the van again it did. The dealer tightened the ball properly, tested again and it was fine. It was only a minor movement and not even noticeable while trying to move it by hand, but it was enough to make it looser while towing and this could have resulted in an accident.

The dealer reccomended that tow balls should be checked thoroughly before towing with an appropriate tool and not by hand, and he is right! So, with that in mind I thank Rob Tuckett of Tuckett's Tyrepower in Hastings for his diligence and expertise. Rob is the friendly chap in the Tyrepower advertisement on television and it's obvious why they chose him. I might add he's a good expert on vans and motor homes, so if you are in the area and need help look him up.

But, here's another warning if you are towing a caravan through New South Wales at present. Police have mounted a large blitz on caravan travelers and are checking many vans to find if they are towing over weight. Several have been caught towing over weight and in one case a traveler was left stranded as he wasn't allowed to tow his van any further and had to hire an appropriate vehicle to get his van home to Victoria. Might I add it's no good phoning for roadside assistance with your nominated provider because they won't cover you, after all if you choose to tow over weight it's your fault!

How can you check if you are over weight? Firstly, consult the dealer who you purchased the van from. They should have given you good towing advice initially. If you want to check the weight of your caravan or motor home there are several licensed weighbridges available in all states. It's wise to have your water tanks full, gas bottles on and as many items you take away with you on when you weigh. You will incur a minor cost for this but it's worth it at the end of the day!

You can also consult the industry experts in towing, Hayman Reese - see their website for more details: www.haymanreese.com.au

By:  John Westbury - September 2011