Spring Driving Tips for Caravan Travellers

Read the day: weather, wind and road surface

Spring is reactive driving season. Check the forecast each morning and watch local radar before pulling out. Gusty crosswinds can unsettle a van, especially on exposed bridges and ridgelines. Reduce speed early, keep inputs smooth, and avoid sudden lane changes. On wet roads, extend following distance and plan gentle, progressive braking.

Gravel or graded surfaces are common on backroads. Slow down before transitions, keep the rig settled, and avoid over-correcting if you feel a light sway. If crosswinds build, dropping 10–15 km/h can transform stability and reduce fatigue.

Wildlife and spring traffic patterns

Dawn and dusk are peak wildlife hours. In bush corridors, use high beams when safe, scan the verge and ease back a touch. If an animal strays onto the road, brake in a straight line—do not swerve in a tow rig. In coastal areas, expect weekend surges; inland, mid-week traffic can be light but farm machinery appears without warning. Patience pays.

Plan your breaks around fatigue, not petrol stations. Two-hour driving blocks work well; swap drivers if possible and build “stretch stops” into your route. Long daylight can trick you into pushing on—arrive with daylight to spare and you’ll park better and sleep easier.

Towing tune-up you can feel on the wheel

Start with towball mass and weight distribution. A van that’s too light on the ball can sway; too heavy can overload the rear axle of the tow vehicle. Follow your manufacturer guidance and use a known-flat surface to measure. Weight distribution hitches (if used) should return front-axle weight toward unhitched values.

Mirrors matter. Fit towing mirrors and adjust them to see down the van’s sides with minimal blind spots. Set the brake controller on a quiet street: at 30–40 km/h, a moderate brake should feel even and confident. If it jerks or feels weak, adjust in small steps until it’s smooth.

Quick towing pointers

• Keep heavy items low and near the axle line
• Secure loose gear to prevent shifting under brakes
• Practise slow-speed reversing in a quiet car park
• Use your mirrors and small steering inputs; pause, straighten, try again

Wind, trucks and overtakes

Passing road trains or being passed can create a “bow wave” effect. Hold your line, keep steering inputs tiny, and avoid accelerating hard during the pass. If your rig starts to feel light, gently reduce speed. On single-lane highways, plan overtakes with extra margin—your rig needs more time to clear. On hills, tuck in and be patient; spring touring is not a race.

Use engine braking on long descents. Select a lower gear early to avoid hot brakes and keep your speed in a comfortable band. If you smell brake fade, pull over and let things cool.

Route planning, fuel and contingencies

Build a route with realistic legs and a few “nice if we stop” options. In regional areas, some servos keep shorter hours; top up earlier than you think. Download offline maps for dead zones and keep a paper map in the glove box for context.

Good comms help. A UHF radio can be handy for road conditions and courtesy calls (“overtaking, when safe”). Carry a basic roadside kit: reflective triangle, compressor, tyre plug kit, spare fuses and a torch. Know how to deploy them safely off the carriageway.

In summary;

Spring rewards measured driving: read the conditions, keep it smooth and arrive with time to spare.