Before you leave: the pre-tow checklist
- Hitch locked: the ball should be fully seated in the coupling and the locking lever secured.
- Safety chains crossed: cross the chains under the drawbar in an X pattern so they form a cradle if the trailer uncouples.
- Lights connected and working: test brake lights, indicators, and reverse lights before leaving.
- Tyre pressure: check both trailer tyres and your vehicle's tyres. Ask the trailer's owner for the right pressures, and check your owner's manual for your vehicle.
- Load secured: use ratchet straps or rope. Nothing should be loose or able to shift while moving.
- Tow ball download: heavier items should be positioned over the axle or slightly forward. Too much weight at the rear causes sway.
Speed limits when towing
Towing speed rules differ by state. Some states set a lower limit for a light vehicle towing a trailer, and in others you follow the posted limit and drive to conditions when loaded. Check with the road authority in the state you're driving in, such as VicRoads, Transport for NSW or Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads.
Heavier combinations can have their own speed rules, and the trailer's weight can change what applies. Again, check the rules in the state you're driving in.
Load distribution
Load distribution does a lot for trailer stability. Your vehicle's owner's manual and the trailer's compliance plate are the places to find the figures that apply to you:
- Put more of the load in the front half of the trailer, over and slightly forward of the axle
- Keep heavy items low and centred
- There are limits on tow ball download. Check the owner's manual and the compliance plate
- Never load the trailer heavier at the rear. This is the primary cause of trailer sway
Dealing with trailer sway
Trailer sway (fishtailing) is alarming but manageable if you react correctly:
- Do not brake suddenly. This can make sway worse
- Hold the steering wheel firmly and steer straight
- Gently accelerate briefly to pull the trailer back inline, then gradually ease off
- Slow down gradually to below the speed where sway began
Modern vehicles with stability control (ESP) will often intervene automatically. If sway keeps recurring, the load is not distributed correctly. Stop and redistribute.
Reversing with a trailer
Reversing takes practice. The key principle: to steer the trailer left, turn your steering wheel to the right (and vice versa). Go slowly. Use your mirrors. If you get confused, pull forward and try again. Never reverse blind.
Australian towing laws summary
- There are rules about what you can tow on your licence, and they relate to the vehicle you drive
- There are rules about trailer brakes and brake controllers, and what applies depends on the trailer's weight
- Safety chains, trailer lights, number plates and registration are all covered by rules
- Some states set a lower speed limit for vehicles towing a trailer
- The details differ between states, so check with your state road authority before you tow