With over 60,000* registered caravans in the state, South Australia Police (SAPOL) is urging caravan holiday makers to be extra vigilant these summer holidays.
Whether you are hitching a caravan to a sedan, SUV, ute or wagon, having the right information about towing loads is essential for a safe holiday journey.
Caravans are a fantastic way to see South Australia, but not managing towing loads correctly can have devastating effects, warns Superintendent Shane Johnson. Information about your vehicles load towing capabilities, specified by the manufacturer, can be found inside vehicle door panels or in your owner's manual.
"When towing a caravan, it's important to understand safe weights and do everything possible to maintain these and stay within the law," Superintendent Johnson said.
"An overly or unevenly packed vehicle and caravan increases the likelihood of a loss of control and rolling, which can have devastating effects.
"Caravan drivers need to responsibly manage their load weight, as the risks are too high to be ignored."
In January 2025, emergency services responded to a fatal crash in the states Far North, where the driver of an SUV towing a caravan lost control and rolled.
"Holidays in caravans are meant to create lifetime memories, not lifetime injuries, or worse."
Police can initiate a roadside stop of a vehicle towing a caravan.
Not adhering to towing laws can also lead to penalties include significant fines, demerit points, and potential legal liabilities, and invalid insurance.
You do not need a special licence for towing a caravan if the combined mass of your car and the loaded caravan is within the limits of a standard car licence. A standard South Australian Class C car licence allows you to drive a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of up to 4.5 tonnes.
Plan for a safe caravan journey, and know before you tow:
- Research your vehicle's towing capacity – don't rely on guesswork and assumptions
- Pack the vehicle and caravan to distribute weight correctly – load heavy items low and close to the axle, and avoid overloading the rear or roof
- Never carry any passengers inside a caravan being towed – it's not safe or worth the risk of injury in an accident
- Inspect the caravan – check that tyres, brakes, lights, and mirrors are all in good working condition
- Drive smoothly – apply accelerator, brakes, and steering gently to avoid sway.
For more information on towing, visit: https://mylicence.sa.gov.au/road-rules/the-drivers-handbook/towing
