Outback towing safety

But as a general rule of thumb, leave the trailer at home if you plan any serious four-wheel driving.

As our love of luxury grows, gone are the days when camping meant living off the land and enduring some discomfort. Four wheelers are now taking standard 6x4 trailers to places such as the Simpson, in order to carry gear that cannot fit in the vehicle when the back seats are required. In recent years there has been a host of companies manufacturing off road camper trailers, which basically consist of a tent that folds out from the trailer, along with a basic kitchen and extra storage space. Many have excellent off road suspension systems and have been tested in tough off road conditions. They vary in cost and complexity, and fit the needs of many travellers. For those seeking even more comfort, most caravan manufacturers will offer any van design with what they claim is an off road suspension. Great for gravel roads, but definitely do not venture into tough 4x4 conditions.

Four wheel drive clubs offer various types of trips, some of which are suitable for camper trailers, many are not. Some clubs are even running trips specifically for 4x4 caravan owners.

Whatever you are towing, once you hitch up a trailer, camper trailer or compact off road caravan, you are introducing an extra dimension of driver difficulty, and an additional safety risk when driving on dirt roads. Four Wheel Drive Victoria offer a 4x4 course specifically for four wheel drivers who plan to tow a trailer off road. Courses such as this are invaluable, and make drivers fully aware of the potential pitfalls and skills needed to tow a trailer off highway.

There are many pros and cons for hauling a trailer, but you should only consider doing so if your vehicle is properly equipped with a reputable towing hitch and a towbar that will withstand a substantial load and flexing in tough conditions. Don't skimp on a decent trailer braking system, as an unbraked trailer in an emergency stop can easily flip and cause your vehicle to jackknife.

One of the main disadvantages of trailers is that they can dramatically increase fuel consumption and cause problems in their own right -- from losing wheels to breaking axles. You need to employ some specific driving techniques when towing, along with large doses of concentration, observation and common sense. A trailer will affect the dynamics of your 4x4, and from overtaking other vehicles to selecting the right gear, all manoeuvres require additional thought. Manual transmissions were once the norm as tow vehicles, but with more manufacturers offering sequential shift and other safety devices, such as Land Rover's trailer assist, automatics are no longer the problem they were once perceived.

If you are new to four-wheel driving or towing, get some practical advice and if possible attend a 4x4 towing course. There are plenty of organisations and clubs that can assist in providing essential information to have you towing safely.