A list of Towing Vehicle Modifications.

Other Towing Vehicle Modifications

This is the fifth page of 23 with related information about making the most of your caravan holiday. At the bottom of this page I have links to the other pages and I suggest you check these out as well.

Brakes

If you caravan is fitted with electric brakes, you will need to have a brake controller fitted to the towing vehicle. This enables the driver to increase or decrease the caravan’s braking efficiently from the driver seat. Most controllers are fitted with a tell-tale light that helpfully indicates the level of braking selected.

Cooling System

With the extra weight, towing vehicles are regularly made to work harder, especially if you are in hilly country and have to drive up and down hills. All systems should be checked regularly and maintained in excellent condition, particularly radiators and cooling systems. Owners of automatic towing vehicles often choose to have transmission coolers fitted. Most are fitted as original equipment, but some after-market models are also available.

Suspension

Again, with the extra weight of a caravan, rear suspension is often adversely affected by towing. The rig can be levelled using weight distribution bars. In some vehicles, particularly four-wheel drives, up-rated rear springs can be fitted, or air bags can be placed inside the spring to provide a range of adjustments.

Mirrors

Most caravans are wider than the towing vehicle, which means that extension mirrors should be regarded as standard safety equipment. Most caravan accessory shops have a wide range of mirrors. Many do not require professional fitting with many just clipping to the existing rear-view mirror. Contact Us here if you want me to e-mail the full information about your caravan holiday and Towing Vehicle Modifications.

Other related subjects include:

• 1 Planning Your Caravan Holiday (where to start)
• 2 Choosing a Caravan (choosing the right unit, types of units)
• 3 Buying a Caravan Campervan or Motorhome
• 4 Towing Vehicle (size and towing capacity, off-road vehicles, transmission, tools and spares, towing equipment and modifications, towing equipment, towing limits, weight distribution)
• 6 Caravan Layout and Fixtures (beds, showers, toilets)
• 7 Understanding your Caravan (servicing, power supply, refrigeration, gas supply, lifestyle extras, blocks and chocks)
• 8 Planning Your Trip (when to travel, weather, school and public holidays, local events, finding your way, GPS, maps and guides, visitor information centres, permits, Aboriginal land, National Parks, private land)
• 9 Insurance and Roadside Assistance (how much is peace of mind worth?)
• 10 Money Matters (budgets, banking and bills, credit and EFTPOS, cash)
• 11 Communications (e-mail, post, phones, CB radio)
• 12 What to Pack (food, cooking equipment, clothing)
• 13 Pack Useful Items (non-essential, but must have’s)
• 14 Caravan Health and Safety (first-aid kit)
• 15 Safe Towing (regulations, towing skills)
• 16 Travel Times and Fuel (how long do you want to drive in a day?)
• 17 Safe Driving and Road Rules (road rules, concentration, fatigue)
• 18 Daily Checks and Chores (checklist, tyre pressure)
• 19 Choosing a Caravan Park (choosing a caravan park, bush camping)
• 20 Arrive at Campsite (checklist)
• 21 Camping Etiquette (checklist, living closely with others)
• 22 Avoid Danger (personal safety, dangerous creatures)
• 23 Survival in the Bush (checklist, how to survive)

Hopefully, after digesting all this information you will have a fantastic caravan holiday. (With many more extended trips in the future). If you find it all too hard have a look at where Our Tours go and you may wish to consider one of these.