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Hey Reader

So, you’ve got yourself a caravan or about to take ownership of your new pride and joy, but here’s the big question… Can your car actually tow it safely?🤔

It’s one of the most common mistakes new caravanners make, and, well, you don’t want to find out the hard way! It could either be costly if you're fined, or very dangerous (or both!)

Here are a few basic tips to help keep you and your van safe:

1. Know Your Limits!

Before you hitch up and hit the road, make sure you check:

✅Towing Capacity – Every car has a maximum towing limit (you’ll find it in your manual or compliance plate).
✅ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) – The max weight your caravan can be when fully loaded.
✅GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) – The max weight your car can be, including passengers and gear.
✅GCM (Gross Combined Mass) – The total max weight your car + caravan can legally be together.

If you're not sure what all this means, keep a look out for the next email - we'll go through in a bit more detail.

Why This Matters

🚨 Exceeding these limits isn’t just illegal—it’s dangerous! Overloading your setup can cause:

• Poor braking performance (hello, longer stopping distances 😬).
• Increased fuel consumption (say goodbye to your wallet 💸).
• Caravan sway, which can be terrifying at high speeds.

2. Loading Like a Pro

Providing you have your weight below the max allowed in all the above categories, weight distribution is key to a safe and smooth tow.

Here’s how to do it right:
✔️ Keep heavy items low and centered in your van.
✔️ Avoid placing too much weight at the back (this can cause fishtailing).
✔️ Consider keeping your weight well below the max allowed.

3. Final Checks Before You Tow

✅ Hitch is securely locked in place.
✅ Safety chains and electrics are connected - with correct D shackles
✅ Caravan brakes are working.
✅ Tyre pressure is correct (for both car and caravan!).

🔧Pro Tip: If you’re unsure, head to a public weighbridge before your trip. Or, have a chat with a local sand and fodder shop- you may be able to weight your setup there.

Got any towing questions? Feel free to reply to this email.

As the weather cools, the Margaret River region is calling! Here are some awesome tours - both with and without wine that will cater to all adventure needs!

​10 EPIC Tours You Can’t Miss: Margaret River Wine Tasting 2025​

Our Community Finds: ​ If you would like to be featured in our community, please reply to this email with your image and a few words, we'd love to hear about your adventures.

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Have a wonderful week, safe travels and remember

to say yes to adventure!
​

Margie and Tim :)

Feel free to forward this email to your mates, we want to share the caravanning adventure spirit!

P.S. Before you go, tick off your adventure prep with these handy tools:

✔️ Our secret to finding the most awesome adventures using viator.com​
✔️ Find the best deals on stays with www.tripadvisor.com​
✔️ Locate super cool campsites with Camps Australia Wide​

Looking for gifts for adventurers?

✔️ Check out our Etsy store Gifts for Adventurers for all those hard-to-buy people!

✔️Grab yourself the budget planner specially designed for planning your big (or small) laps!

Just a heads up—some of the links are affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through them, we’ll earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a win-win that helps keep our adventures, blog, and newsletter free for everyone. Thanks so much for your support—it means the world to us!