WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG?
OVERLOADING
Caravans are growing larger as manufacturers continue to add modern features and functionality. This has equated to increased weight, to the point where it’s common for tare alone to exceed tow vehicle weight and for vans (once fully loaded) to push or surpass ATM limits.
Owners can use weighbridges and tally up the weight of their individual items, but the inconvenience of this clearly puts many off. In a police blitz in Gippsland a few years ago, police report only two van owners of the 71 they pulled over knew their overall combination weight. More than 50 per cent were overloaded.
Excess weight places stress on both vehicle and caravan components, including suspension and the chassis, which are not necessarily rated to handle it. Furthermore, heavy weight on the tow ball can cause the vehicle’s rear end to sag while lifting its front axle, compromising steering control, handling and braking. If the van is especially heavy behind its axle, it may even reduce rear-wheel contact.
Addressing the issue of overloading begins with the original van purchase. If possible, look at vans first, determine the weight of the one you’ll purchase, and use this to inform your choice of vehicle so you don’t end up trying to pull a
