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The checks and habits I use on every tow, from weights and tyre pressures to handling trucks and crosswinds.
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Blog · 2 November 2026 · by Grant
I've towed caravans for 15 years, from short hops across Brisbane to long runs up and down the east coast. These are the habits that keep every tow safe and boring, which is exactly how a tow should be.
1. Know your weights before you hitch up
Check the caravan's ATM (the most it can weigh, fully loaded) and your car's towing capacity, tow ball limit and GCM (the combined weight of car and van). Don't guess. A trip over a weighbridge costs little and tells you exactly where you stand.
2. Get the tow ball weight right
As a rough guide, the tow ball should carry around 10% of the caravan's loaded weight. Too little and the van can start to sway. Too much and you overload the back of the car and lighten the steering.
3. Load heavy items low and over the axles
Water, gas, tools and tins go low and near the axles, not in the front boot or back bumper. Secure everything inside so nothing shifts when you brake.
4. Check tyre pressures on the car and the van
Set pressures cold, before you leave, using the placards for towing. Look for cracks and uneven wear, and don't forget the spare. Old caravan tyres can look fine and still fail.
5. Test the brakes and lights every time
Before you pull out, check the indicators, brake lights and tail lights on the van, and make sure the electric brakes are working and the controller is set for the van's weight.
6. Cross the safety chains and use rated shackles
Chains should be crossed under the drawbar, with enough slack to turn but not so much they drag. Use rated shackles, and connect the breakaway cable if your van has one.
7. Use proper towing mirrors
If you can't see clearly down both sides of the van, you need extension mirrors. Being able to see what's beside and behind you makes lane changes and merges far safer.
8. Leave a bigger gap and brake early
A loaded caravan adds a lot of weight to stop. Double your following distance, ease off early for corners and hills, and use a lower gear on long descents to save your brakes.
9. Stay calm with trucks and crosswinds
When a truck passes or a gust hits, keep a steady grip, ease off the accelerator and let the combination settle. Don't brake hard or swerve. If the van starts to sway, gently apply the van's brakes using the controller.
10. Take regular breaks
Towing is more tiring than normal driving. Stop every couple of hours, walk around the van, check the hitch, chains and tyres, and feel the wheel hubs for any that are running hot.
Rather someone else did the towing?
If you'd rather not tow it yourself, I can. I tow caravans door to door across South East Queensland and interstate, insured for up to $250,000, with photo updates along the way. Pop your trip into the quote form for a fixed price.
These tips are general advice from my own experience. Always check your vehicle's and caravan's manufacturer specifications and the towing rules in your state.
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What customers say
25 Google reviews
Superb 5 Star Service from Grant!!!! Don't look elsewhere - Grant is the only choice for caravan transport.
Grant provided us with a seamless, worry-free way to transport our brand new van from Sydney to Brisbane. Grant jumped in to save the day, after our other transport option fell through.
Grant was professional, easy to deal with, provided incredibly detailed photos before transport, checked our van over before taking delivery from the dealer - and generally went above and beyond to get our van to Brisbane on time and in perfect condition.
We can highly recommend Grant and will definitely be using him again the future when the need arises.
Grant was so easy to deal with, fast response, turned up on time and was super helpful & friendly. Our van was delivered with peace of mind, safely to its destination. He kept me updated and sent me pics to confirm all delivered. Highly recommend and would use again.
Grant has been professional, punctual, collaborative and transparent with myself and my partner throughout the process. Very responsive with his messages and extremely patient with myself as a first time caravan owner.
Thank you Grant for Towing our caravan all the way from the Gold Coast (windy Mt Tambourine Roads!!) All the way to Kholo in one piece. He was kind enough to offer us advise on what to look out for too.
If you look at my profile, I rarely give reviews. Grant's service has been so exceptional that this is the least I can do to show our gratitude 🙏
Book him, you won't regret it
Grant towed our caravan from Brisbane to the Atherton tablelands. I highly recommend grant, he is professional and lets you know where he is each day. The van arrived safely and I could not be happier. Please consider this business. Great work grant.
Grant saved the day when our Landcruiser broke down and couldn’t tow the caravan to our annual holiday caravan park. Within a couple of hours he was here, helped with some hitching issues and had the van up at the camp spot by lunch - absolute lifesaver, couldn’t recommend him highly enough.
Cannot recommend Grant enough! He did a great job relocating our newly purchased Leader Gold from Brisbane to Port Stephens. Delivered in perfect condition and on time and at a great price.
Grant was very accommodating for our towing needs, including doing a second job for us on a Sunday at short notice due to an urgent situation. He & his lovely wife went above & beyond to help us out. Highly recommended.
My promise to you
No surprises. No runarounds.
Unfortunately, some operators quote low, then change the price, miss the pickup date or pass your van on to someone else. Here's what you get with me instead.
Some operators:
The price goes up after you've booked
The price I quote is the price you pay
No extra fees added on the day, and no "something's come up" phone calls.
Some operators:
Pickup dates that come and go
Your pickup date and time are locked in
I don't push your job back to wait for other loads. If I say Tuesday at 8, I'm there Tuesday at 8.
Some operators:
Your van handed to another company
I tow every job myself
No subcontractors, no strangers. The person you book with is the person who turns up.
Some operators:
Silence once your van's on the road
You always know where your van is
Photos at pick-up and drop-off, updates along the way, and you can call or text me any time.
Some operators:
Left on your own if something goes wrong
I stay with your van and sort it
If anything comes up on the road, I stay with your caravan and organise what's needed.
Why choose me
Relax. Your van is in good hands.
I'm Grant. 15 years towing and two laps of Australia in our own van, so I know what yours means to you. You'll always know where it is, who's driving it and when it'll arrive.
You always know who has your van
The person you talk to is the person who tows it. No subcontractors, no strangers.
Plan your day with confidence
Your pick-up time is locked in, and I never delay your job to fit in other loads.
Covered if the unexpected happens
Insured to $250,000 the whole trip, and if anything comes up on the road I stay with your van and sort it.
Join 500+ happy owners
A 5-star Google rating from people who were exactly where you are now.
Advice from someone who's been there
Two laps of Australia in our own van means you get tips on what to watch for, not just a tow.
Never left wondering
Live GPS location, photo updates and a real person to call or text, 365 days a year.
Why a LandCruiser, not a truck
Your van stays on its own wheels. And costs less to move.
I tow with my Toyota LandCruiser 200, not a tilt-tray truck. Here's what that means for you.
A lower price for you
A LandCruiser uses far less diesel than a truck, so your quote is lower. You're not paying to run a heavy tilt-tray truck up the highway.
No tilt tray, no underbody damage
Your van stays on its own wheels the whole way. There's no dragging it up a steep tray where it can scrape and damage suspension, plumbing, water tanks or the A-frame.
Right where you want it
Up the driveway, into the shed or under the carport. Low branches, house eaves and tight gates aren't a problem.
Into the tight spots
Narrow streets, backyards and squeezy caravan park sites that a truck can't get into, or can't get out of.
Towed the way it was built to be
Your van is designed to be towed on its own hitch and wheels, not carried. That's exactly how it travels with me.
Ready for the road
I carry spares and tools on every job, including hitches, wheel nuts and an air compressor, so small hiccups don't become delays.
What I do
Whatever's got you stuck, sorted.
You get a fixed price before you book, so you know exactly what you'll pay.
Get your new van home
Bought from a dealer, private seller or auction? Skip the stress of towing it yourself. It turns up at your door.
Moving or selling? One less job on your list
Your van gets to the buyer, your new home or your holiday spot while you focus on everything else.
Get it serviced without losing a day
It goes to the repairer and comes home when it's ready, while you get on with your week.
Start your holiday at the other end
Fly in and your van is already waiting for you at the other end. No long drive first.
Tow car broken down? Get your trip back on track
Your van still gets to the park or wherever it needs to be, so your holiday goes ahead.
FAQ
Common questions
How do you charge?
You get a fixed price before you book, so you know exactly what you'll pay. It's based on the distance and your van, with no surprises on the day.
Will you be the one towing my van?
Yes, always. I do every job myself in my own Toyota LandCruiser 200 series. No trucks and no subcontractors.
Are you insured?
Yes. Every caravan I tow is insured for up to $250,000 while it is in my care.
Can you tow on short notice?
Often, yes. Send through the form with your date in the notes and I will let you know straight away if I can fit you in.
My caravan isn't registered. Can you still tow it?
Not registered is fine. I move unregistered caravans all the time and sort the permit to cover it. The van does need to be safe to tow, and I always do my own checks before I hit the road.
Will I get updates during the trip?
Yes. I send photos and videos at pick-up and drop-off, plus updates along the way.