Towing a trailer on the highway is a bit like handling a long freight train—you’ve got more weight, more length, and a lot less room for mistakes. Whether you’re towing a caravan for a weekend getaway or hauling tools for work, safety should be your top priority.
We’ve helped our fair share of drivers who ran into trouble towing everything from jet skis to horse floats. The good news? Most of those situations could’ve been avoided with a few simple precautions. So here’s our no-fuss, down-to-earth guide to staying safe when towing a trailer on the highway.
1. Get Your Setup Right Before You Hit the Road
It all starts before you even shift into gear. Make sure your trailer is properly attached with a secured hitch, safety chains, and working lights (yes, brake and indicator lights must be connected and visible).
Double-check:
- Tyre pressure on both the trailer and tow vehicle
- Load distribution (keep heavy items low and centred)
- Mirrors—you’ll want extended towing mirrors if your trailer is wider than your car
We had a bloke near Dandenong tow a camper without checking the lights—ended up being rear-ended at dusk because no one could see his brake lights. A quick five-minute check would’ve saved him a massive headache.
2. Drive Slower Than You Normally Would
Towing is not the time for speed. Trailers add weight and reduce braking ability, so it’s safer to take it slow—even if that means sitting in the left lane with a few impatient cars zooming past.
Keep your speed consistent, avoid sudden movements, and brake gently and early. The faster you go, the more dramatic your problems will be if something goes wrong.
As we always say: arrive a little later, not in a tow truck.
3. Give Yourself Room—Lots of It
Leave extra space between you and the car ahead. A good rule of thumb? Double the following distance you’d normally use. That way, if traffic slows down or someone swerves, you’ve got time to react without locking up the brakes.
And remember—your turning radius is wider with a trailer. Swing out slightly before turning so you don’t “cut the corner” and run the trailer into a curb, post, or worse, someone else’s car.
We once assisted a driver in Geelong who clipped a light pole making a turn too sharp with a boat trailer. Luckily, it was just the trailer fender—could’ve been a lot worse.
4. Watch the Weather and Wind
Wind is no joke when you’re towing. A strong crosswind on the highway can push your trailer around like a sailboat. Same goes for rain—wet roads mean longer stopping distances and a higher risk of sway.
If it’s blowing a gale or pouring buckets, consider pulling over and waiting it out. It’s not worth risking a fishtail at 100 km/h.
On a wet and windy afternoon near Ballarat, we helped tow a ute and trailer combo off the median strip after a gust caught the trailer mid-lane change. They were okay, but it shook them up good.
5. Keep an Eye (and Ear) on the Trailer
Check your side mirrors regularly for any sign of swaying, loose cargo, or blown tyres. If your trailer starts swaying, don’t slam the brakes—ease off the accelerator and gently steer straight until it settles.
Listen, too. Unusual rattling, banging, or grinding sounds could be signs of trouble. Trust your gut. If something feels off, pull over and inspect it.
It’s always better to stop and check than to keep going and need a tow 10 km down the road.
Towing a trailer on the highway doesn’t have to be stressful, but it does demand respect. Plan ahead, take it easy, and don’t treat it like just another drive. A few smart habits can keep you, your cargo, and everyone else on the road a whole lot safer.
And if things go sideways despite your best efforts? Don’t stress. Our tow trucks are ready to step in and get you sorted—whether it’s a trailer that’s unhitched or a vehicle that won’t budge.
If you are in Deepdene, and looking for a nearby tow truck service, this is the best way to visit us.
Richmond Tow Trucks
123 Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121
0485 856 565
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