Towing and heavy loads

By the end of this topic you can

• You can say whether your licence allows you to tow.
• You can check a trailer's coupling, safety chains and lights before a trip.
• You can secure a load so nothing falls or overhangs dangerously.
• You can adjust your driving for the extra weight and length.

What you need to know and understand

• NSW: learners must not tow. P1 drivers may tow only light trailers up to 250 kg unladen, with a red P plate on the back of the trailer. P2 drivers follow full licence rules and show a green P plate on the trailer.
• Victoria: learners must not tow, and P1 drivers must not tow a trailer or another vehicle except in limited cases, such as for work, farming use, or with a full licence holder sitting beside them.
• You must not tow more than one trailer at a time, and nobody may ride in a trailer or caravan being towed.
• Never exceed the towing capacity set by the vehicle maker or the tow bar maker, whichever is lower.
• In WA, a trailer up to 2.5 tonnes needs at least one safety chain, and chains must be cross-hitched so the trailer stays attached if the coupling fails.
• In WA, vehicles towing trailers or caravans are limited to 100 km/h.

Pre-trip trailer check

1. Check the coupling is the right size and locked onto the tow ball.
2. Attach the safety chain or chains, crossed under the drawbar.
3. Connect the lights and test the brake lights, indicators and tail lights with a helper.
4. Check trailer tyre pressures and wheel nuts.
5. Load heavy items low and over the axle, then tie everything down and cover loose material.
6. Adjust or fit extended mirrors so you can see clearly behind the trailer.

Driving with a trailer

A trailer adds weight, so you need more distance to stop and more time to speed up. Leave a much bigger gap to the vehicle in front and allow far more room before overtaking.

Trailers cut corners, so swing a little wider on turns and watch the kerb and cyclists on your inside. Reversing a trailer works the opposite way to what you expect: turn the bottom of the steering wheel the way you want the trailer to go, and use small movements.

If the combination is longer than 7.5 metres, NSW rules say you must stay at least 60 metres behind other long vehicles outside built-up areas, unless you are overtaking or on a multi-lane road.

Loads and towing another car

Your load must be secure and must not fall, spill or create a hazard. You are responsible for anything that drops from your vehicle or trailer.

Towing a broken-down car with a rope or chain is different again. In WA, a licensed driver must steer the towed car, the gap must be under 4 metres, and a rope longer than 2 metres needs a flag. Leaving it to a tow truck or roadside service is usually safer.

Common mistakes

• Assuming your P licence lets you tow anything. Check your state's L and P towing rules first.
• Forgetting the P plate on the back of the trailer in NSW. Following drivers cannot see the plate on your car.
• Overloading the back of the trailer. This can make it sway; keep heavy items over the axle.
• Braking late. A trailer adds a lot of stopping distance.
• Leaving safety chains loose or uncrossed. They are your backup if the coupling fails.

Test yourself: Towing and heavy loads

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.