Towing a caravan or trailer opens up a world of travel and adventure—but before you hit the road, it’s essential to learn how to tow safely and understand the legal requirements, especially in Queensland.
Start with the Basics
If you’re new to towing, the first step is to familiarise yourself with your vehicle and trailer or caravan. Not all vehicles are designed to tow large loads, so check your owner’s manual for your car’s towing capacity. This includes both the maximum towing weight (braked and unbraked) and the tow ball weight, which is the downward force on the tow ball.
It’s also smart to take a towing course. These courses teach you how to reverse, manoeuvre, and handle different driving conditions like steep hills or windy roads. In Queensland, there are various providers offering beginner to advanced towing training, including practical hands-on experience.
Understanding Weights: The Legal Side
Queensland laws around towing weights are strict for good reason—they’re all about safety. Here are the key terms you need to understand:
- ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass): The total weight of the trailer when it’s loaded, including water, gas bottles, luggage, and anything else.
- GTM (Gross Trailer Mass): The weight carried by the trailer’s axle(s) when connected to a towing vehicle.
- GCM (Gross Combination Mass): The total weight of the tow vehicle and the trailer when fully loaded.
- Tare Mass: The weight of the caravan or trailer when empty.
- Tow ball Mass (TBM): The weight applied to the tow ball by the trailer—generally 8–15% of the ATM.
You must ensure your tow vehicle is rated to tow the loaded trailer legally. Exceeding your vehicle’s limits can result in hefty fines, insurance issues, and dangerous situations on the road.
Licensing and Rules in Queensland
In Queensland, if you have a standard C-class driver licence, you’re allowed to tow trailers and caravans, as long as they fall within the legal weight limits for your vehicle. If you’re towing larger or heavier loads (like heavy machinery or commercial trailers), you may need a Light Rigid (LR) or Medium Rigid (MR) licence instead.
There are also safety requirements that must be met:
- Safety chains must be used and correctly rated.
- Braking systems are required for trailers over 750kg ATM.
- Towing mirrors are necessary if your caravan or trailer blocks your view of the road behind you.
- Your load must be secure and evenly distributed.
Practice Makes Perfect
Find an empty carpark or quiet road to practice reversing and turning. Reversing with a trailer is one of the trickiest parts of towing, but with patience and repetition, you’ll get the hang of it. Use a spotter if possible, and don’t rush.
Final Thoughts
Towing in Queensland is very doable with the right preparation. Learn the legal requirements, ensure your setup is roadworthy, and take a course if you’re unsure. Safe towing starts with knowledge—and a bit of practice goes a long way to building your confidence on the road.
