Influx of new caravanners prompts Easter safety warning
RACQ spokesperson Lucinda Ross said the take up of RACQ Ultimate RV Roadside Assistance policies increased by almost 70 percent in 2020, and the trend looked likely to continue this year with international border closures meaning more Australians were holidaying at home.
“Queensland is a great State, so it’s no wonder we’ve seen more people buying caravans keen to hit the road and explore it,” Ms Ross said.
“Unfortunately though, many are setting off not properly prepared and as a result we’re seeing them breaking down in harsh conditions, sometimes hundreds of kilometres from home.
“Towing a trailer or caravan isn’t as simple as hitching it to the car and heading off.
“A caravan makes your vehicle heavier, wider, longer and taller, as well as much harder to stop, so towing one needs to be taken seriously or you risk putting yourself and other road users in danger.”
Ms Ross said there were several checks caravanners should do before they hit the road.
“First of all, it’s crucial your vehicle is appropriate for the size and weight of the caravan you’re towing,” she said.
“Make sure you distribute the weight of the van’s contents properly. A weight distribution hitch can assist, but isn’t a fix for a poorly distributed load.
“Make sure you’re servicing your caravan every 12 months or 10,000km, check the tyres are in good condition, at the correct pressure and free from damage and deterioration and that the brakes are correctly adjusted and working. And don’t forget to service the vehicle you’re towing with before setting off.
“Enrolling in a towing education course is also a great way for first timers to learn about common towing issues and build confidence and experience on the road.”
Ms Ross said if travellers did break down, they could call Roadside Assistance on 13 11 11.
Related topics
-
The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
Insurance products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQ). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a purchase decision on this product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.
Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.
Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.
RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.