Thanks for the tips. Keeping space for stopping is also an when it comes to caravans as I find that drivers don’t understand that it also takes a longer distance to stop when towing a caravan or heavy trailer.
One of my pet gripes with other vanners is that when they travel in convoy they travel too close to each other. I’m beginning to believe that people should sit a written test before they can tow a caravan.
Again thanks for the videos and might I suggest that it would be a good idea to get them on Van Park websites such as Big4, Discovery Parks, et cetera.
Mick
I agree that all vaners should have to do a written test and a driving test before they are allowed on the road.
And when travelling in a group spread out leave enough room to let a B Double to over take and get back into his right lane.
Hi all, thanks for the messages highlighting the issue with the last question. This has now been rectified and the correct answer is there. Apologies for the inconvenience and safe driving.
There are different rules for truck drivers in different states. WA has longer working hours. Also, although the maximum speed may be 100 for trucks in Vic, many of them are travelling at 105 and at times 110 on the Western Highway. They “monster” you if you won’t go over the speed limit of 100 near our town. See it all the time.
Car drivers need to learn not to tailgate caravans. Like trucks, we can’t see you in our mirrors and if we have to brake suddenly you will rear end us.
Truckies also need to slow doen and stop tailgating. Three very dangerous drivers last Tuesday on Bruce Highway. Their actions could have resulted in a multitude of deaths. It is not always other drivers at fault
You said it Bruce Highway. The place of the most impatient truck drivers in Australia. Why? Is it the government’s fault, who knows! The best place is the West Australian West coast highway. They are pure gentlemen compared to the East Coast. Just spent eight months away most of it in Western Australia. Live in Queensland.
Never been a Truckee, hence not savvy with the rest periods. The rest should be common knowledge but, I’ve been caravanning since 1969 and every day I see that there are many that don’t have the knowledge or refuse to do the right thing.
When travelling with a caravan I have always when overtaking or being overtaken by heavy vehicles made contact with the drivers an never had problems as each know what is happening.
If you are travelling with friends in convoy towing vans or behind another vehicle towing a van, keep a good distance back so single vehicles passing do not have to pass more than 1 car and 1 van at a time.
The UHF is essential. Just acknowledging the truck behind you that is catching you, they will soon let you know the best action to take. By knowing the roads they know when to pass and when it is safe for all. Lifting your foot while they are passing gets the job done quicker and safer.
With the question regarding the stopping distance of the truck does it not differ with the size of the truck and the weight of its load, i.e. a empty 10ton tipper will stop quicker than a fully loaded double.
Whilst there will always be the occasional cowboy, all heavy vehicles have speed regulators that restrict the vehicle speed to 100kph. They might over run on downhill sections and there may be some percentage of error. So if you find all heavy vehicles are passing you then there’s a good chance your speedo has an error. This is not unusual as most car manufacturers build in an error in the speedometer.
Please note, trucks are limited to 100km max speed. Most new car speedos are between 4 and 6 klm out.
If your car is showing 100 on the speedo, then i can guarantee you are around 95 actual. My 3 yr old isuzu is exactly 5 klm out at 100 klm.
If this test is for caravanners then the questions on truck driver hours and rest periods is irrelevant. It could include what is a maximum recommended driving stint for car drivers. Also determining maximum recommended towing speeds might enlighten a few tower’s.
Got the 4 that immediately concern me correct. I know truckies need rest, but not sure why I need to know that it’s 7 hours not 8 in a 24 hour period, or how long they can drive before they need a 15 minute break. I trust the truckies to know the laws that apply to them, as I (hopefully) know those that apply to me.
Important part of UHF use is to let tailing traffic know you’re slowing down to let them pass in overtaking lanes. If you merely slow down they also slow down because being unaware of your intentions. Check your mirrors for clear road when overtaking lane finishes.
Those who comment about trucks exceeding 100kph. How do you determine how fast they are going, surely not from your own speedo, which can overread by close to 10%.
A cross check of my vehicle against multiple GPS indicates 115 Kph when the GPS show 110kph
I agree some caravan drivers drive to fast as we personally experience it on our way back to Qld in March this year they were trying to get home before the borders closed but they were still idiots for driving so fast and towing a caravan it was like they had a need for speed or a death wish and I am towing a caravan also and I maintained the correct speed never got over !00klms most of the time I was only towing my 21ft 6inch caravan at 90klms a other or to the condition of the roads i was on sometimes I had to slow right down to 70klms a hour as the roads were woeful any way not all truckies at cowboys most are damm good even though they might not like us caravaners 99% treat us right and we do not park in truck only sites but if I did it would be because I have a problem
with my rig etc
cheers and beers cya you all on the road some where eh
As a truck driver of many years who travels east west from melb to perth and back.
The of hold you speed and position is not actually correct, the best idea is to ease off the throttle as the truck, specially if it’s a b double or larger, starts to over take. Just back off a little to make it easier and quicker, the car and van can be back to there happy travelling speed within a few seconds.
Having a UHF radio should be mandatory when towing a van and your operating channel displayed so people can contact you so many time had drivers oblivious to others on the road
As a truckie and a caravaner I know and understand the frustrations from both sides of the fence. As a caravaner always but always let the truckie decide when he wants to pass. Watch your mirrors if you don’t have uhf and when he/she pulls out to go around then you can slow to make it easy if you can.
Agree with Gavin. Once the truck is in the position of overtaking (i.e. in the other lane) the caravanner should back off to make the maneuver much safer. Also if you have a bank up of vehicles behind you make the effort to get them past you. It does not cost you much time to pull into a truck bay to allow this to happen.
Most trucks do stick to the 100kph limit. If you think they are travelling faster it is probably because you are traveling slower because most modern cars seen to have speedometers that read upto 5kph slower than what you are traveling at
Thank you RACQ for making Caravaners aware of requirements of the heavy vehicle driver. As a class HC am well aware of the requirement for fellow drivers on the road. My wife and I have now done over 40,000 km with a van on the back and are well aware of those drivers who as we say got their licence out of a cornflakes pack. I have my van fitted with a twin camera unit from Safety Dave and recommend them. Might be a bit expensive initially but well worth it as gives you a clear view to the rear better than any mirrors can. It also means you can let that truck know you have seen him and will let him get past first location when it is safe to do so. I also think all drivers thinking of towing a van should do a course to learn how to do things properly ,like reversing with the van , loading and road courtesy
Great Tips I am both a truck driver and caravaner so see so many silly things out on the road and I believe that the answer to all these issues are in education. This is something that there is not enough of. I believe that when a person obtains their license there needs to be more information about sharing the road . And when a person buys a caravan maybe an information pack about sharing the road.
Well 85 yoa 30 years of travelling Aus,still active only ,1 ,for caravans get rear mirrors that give you proper view of the rear traffic from both sides, 2 ,stay apart when in convoy at least 400 metres. 3 ,if your talking to fellow travelers ,stay of ch 40, 4, your speed limit is 100 kph ,wake up. no i am NOT a truckie.
I am an old Coach Driver been retired for the last 12years so I still remember most of the test but on the rest I read the question as maximum not minimum amount of rest. A lot more caravan drivers really need to be educated in the ways of heavy vehicle drivers responsibility’s and safety.
A great set of videos, thanks to Rod and others.
Why dont the caravan manafacturers and sellers give a set of the videos to the customer, especialy if the GOVT make them available free or minimal cost, say $5.
Even the caravan parks could give a copy to their clients if they want one.
Thanks for the tips. Keeping space for stopping is also an when it comes to caravans as I find that drivers don’t understand that it also takes a longer distance to stop when towing a caravan or heavy trailer.
One of my pet gripes with other vanners is that when they travel in convoy they travel too close to each other. I’m beginning to believe that people should sit a written test before they can tow a caravan.
Again thanks for the videos and might I suggest that it would be a good idea to get them on Van Park websites such as Big4, Discovery Parks, et cetera.
Cheers, Mick
Mick
I agree that all vaners should have to do a written test and a driving test before they are allowed on the road.
And when travelling in a group spread out leave enough room to let a B Double to over take and get back into his right lane.
Hi all, thanks for the messages highlighting the issue with the last question. This has now been rectified and the correct answer is there. Apologies for the inconvenience and safe driving.
Good to see this kind of info being made more accessible to everyone. Heavy vehicle rules are a bit of a mystery to most car drivers.
There are different rules for truck drivers in different states. WA has longer working hours. Also, although the maximum speed may be 100 for trucks in Vic, many of them are travelling at 105 and at times 110 on the Western Highway. They “monster” you if you won’t go over the speed limit of 100 near our town. See it all the time.
Car drivers need to learn not to tailgate caravans. Like trucks, we can’t see you in our mirrors and if we have to brake suddenly you will rear end us.
Truckies also need to slow doen and stop tailgating. Three very dangerous drivers last Tuesday on Bruce Highway. Their actions could have resulted in a multitude of deaths. It is not always other drivers at fault
You said it Bruce Highway. The place of the most impatient truck drivers in Australia. Why? Is it the government’s fault, who knows! The best place is the West Australian West coast highway. They are pure gentlemen compared to the East Coast. Just spent eight months away most of it in Western Australia. Live in Queensland.
Never been a Truckee, hence not savvy with the rest periods. The rest should be common knowledge but, I’ve been caravanning since 1969 and every day I see that there are many that don’t have the knowledge or refuse to do the right thing.
When travelling with a caravan I have always when overtaking or being overtaken by heavy vehicles made contact with the drivers an never had problems as each know what is happening.
If you are travelling with friends in convoy towing vans or behind another vehicle towing a van, keep a good distance back so single vehicles passing do not have to pass more than 1 car and 1 van at a time.
I am A ex coach driver & I tow my 27 ft caravan . my wife tow as will . we take turns in towing to give me A break .
The UHF is essential. Just acknowledging the truck behind you that is catching you, they will soon let you know the best action to take. By knowing the roads they know when to pass and when it is safe for all. Lifting your foot while they are passing gets the job done quicker and safer.
Is it ok to use a handheld 2 way radio or is it treated the same as a mobile phone?
a truckies wife should get 6/6 and i did
I think I could come up with more intelligent /relevant questions for car/caravan drivers
if your going to ask a Question like.
What stopping distance is required for a truck travelling at 80 kms per hour?
Please declare in which state ( i.e QLD) you would like the answer for and weather its wet or dry.
Source: https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/road-safety/driving-safely/stopping-distances/graph.
Speed Reaction distance Braking distance Total stopping distance
40km/h 17m 9m 26m
50km/h 21m 14m 35m
60km/h 25m 20m 45m
70km/h 29m 27m 56m
80km/h 33m 36m 69m
90km/h 38m 45m 83m
100km/h 42m 56m 98m
110km/h 46m 67m 113m
With the question regarding the stopping distance of the truck does it not differ with the size of the truck and the weight of its load, i.e. a empty 10ton tipper will stop quicker than a fully loaded double.
I assumed the 100km per hour limit was moved up to 110km per hour as no trucks stay on 100 kph when I’m on the roads
Whilst there will always be the occasional cowboy, all heavy vehicles have speed regulators that restrict the vehicle speed to 100kph. They might over run on downhill sections and there may be some percentage of error. So if you find all heavy vehicles are passing you then there’s a good chance your speedo has an error. This is not unusual as most car manufacturers build in an error in the speedometer.
Please note, trucks are limited to 100km max speed. Most new car speedos are between 4 and 6 klm out.
If your car is showing 100 on the speedo, then i can guarantee you are around 95 actual. My 3 yr old isuzu is exactly 5 klm out at 100 klm.
It’s a bit rough when your travelling at 110 on major road and a road train will try and overtake you, specially late at night
Interesting that car drivers are advise to take rest stops every two hours but trucks can go for over 5..
If this test is for caravanners then the questions on truck driver hours and rest periods is irrelevant. It could include what is a maximum recommended driving stint for car drivers. Also determining maximum recommended towing speeds might enlighten a few tower’s.
Got the 4 that immediately concern me correct. I know truckies need rest, but not sure why I need to know that it’s 7 hours not 8 in a 24 hour period, or how long they can drive before they need a 15 minute break. I trust the truckies to know the laws that apply to them, as I (hopefully) know those that apply to me.
Important part of UHF use is to let tailing traffic know you’re slowing down to let them pass in overtaking lanes. If you merely slow down they also slow down because being unaware of your intentions. Check your mirrors for clear road when overtaking lane finishes.
Those who comment about trucks exceeding 100kph. How do you determine how fast they are going, surely not from your own speedo, which can overread by close to 10%.
A cross check of my vehicle against multiple GPS indicates 115 Kph when the GPS show 110kph
I find a lot of van drivers drive to fast&are not considerate of others. And do not let other vehicles pass at designated areas.
I agree some caravan drivers drive to fast as we personally experience it on our way back to Qld in March this year they were trying to get home before the borders closed but they were still idiots for driving so fast and towing a caravan it was like they had a need for speed or a death wish and I am towing a caravan also and I maintained the correct speed never got over !00klms most of the time I was only towing my 21ft 6inch caravan at 90klms a other or to the condition of the roads i was on sometimes I had to slow right down to 70klms a hour as the roads were woeful any way not all truckies at cowboys most are damm good even though they might not like us caravaners 99% treat us right and we do not park in truck only sites but if I did it would be because I have a problem
with my rig etc
cheers and beers cya you all on the road some where eh
As a truck driver of many years who travels east west from melb to perth and back.
The of hold you speed and position is not actually correct, the best idea is to ease off the throttle as the truck, specially if it’s a b double or larger, starts to over take. Just back off a little to make it easier and quicker, the car and van can be back to there happy travelling speed within a few seconds.
Having a UHF radio should be mandatory when towing a van and your operating channel displayed so people can contact you so many time had drivers oblivious to others on the road
When you have agreed with a truck driver to overtake you do not back of your speed until he is out ready to overtake you
When I was towing a van , I always lifted my foot when a truck was passing , and flashed my lights when he was clear .
As a truckie and a caravaner I know and understand the frustrations from both sides of the fence. As a caravaner always but always let the truckie decide when he wants to pass. Watch your mirrors if you don’t have uhf and when he/she pulls out to go around then you can slow to make it easy if you can.
Agree with Gavin. Once the truck is in the position of overtaking (i.e. in the other lane) the caravanner should back off to make the maneuver much safer. Also if you have a bank up of vehicles behind you make the effort to get them past you. It does not cost you much time to pull into a truck bay to allow this to happen.
Most trucks do stick to the 100kph limit. If you think they are travelling faster it is probably because you are traveling slower because most modern cars seen to have speedometers that read upto 5kph slower than what you are traveling at
6 out of 6 just as well considering I was a compliance officer at a transport company.
most truckies have time slots to meet, if they get stuck behind every caravan that pushes the back each time there stuck. EX Truckie
Thank you RACQ for making Caravaners aware of requirements of the heavy vehicle driver. As a class HC am well aware of the requirement for fellow drivers on the road. My wife and I have now done over 40,000 km with a van on the back and are well aware of those drivers who as we say got their licence out of a cornflakes pack. I have my van fitted with a twin camera unit from Safety Dave and recommend them. Might be a bit expensive initially but well worth it as gives you a clear view to the rear better than any mirrors can. It also means you can let that truck know you have seen him and will let him get past first location when it is safe to do so. I also think all drivers thinking of towing a van should do a course to learn how to do things properly ,like reversing with the van , loading and road courtesy
Great Tips I am both a truck driver and caravaner so see so many silly things out on the road and I believe that the answer to all these issues are in education. This is something that there is not enough of. I believe that when a person obtains their license there needs to be more information about sharing the road . And when a person buys a caravan maybe an information pack about sharing the road.
Well 85 yoa 30 years of travelling Aus,still active only ,1 ,for caravans get rear mirrors that give you proper view of the rear traffic from both sides, 2 ,stay apart when in convoy at least 400 metres. 3 ,if your talking to fellow travelers ,stay of ch 40, 4, your speed limit is 100 kph ,wake up. no i am NOT a truckie.
I am an old Coach Driver been retired for the last 12years so I still remember most of the test but on the rest I read the question as maximum not minimum amount of rest. A lot more caravan drivers really need to be educated in the ways of heavy vehicle drivers responsibility’s and safety.
A great set of videos, thanks to Rod and others.
Why dont the caravan manafacturers and sellers give a set of the videos to the customer, especialy if the GOVT make them available free or minimal cost, say $5.
Even the caravan parks could give a copy to their clients if they want one.