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Stay Safe and Stay Alive: Essential RV and Caravan Driving and Towing Tips for a Hazard-Free Summer on New Zealand Roads

Understanding New Zealand’s Road Rules for RV Owners

New Zealand’s road laws are specifically designed to keep all road users safe, but RV owners—especially those towing caravans or trailers—need to be familiar with certain rules and regulations:

Towing Limits and License Requirements: In New Zealand, a standard Class 1 driver’s licence allows individuals a caravan weighing up to 4500kg and a combined weight between the towing vehicle caravan of up to 6000kg. Exceeding this will require a Class 2 licence or higher. Check the weight of your RV and the load you intend to tow and verify that you have the correct licence for your vehicle combination.

Speed Limits: New Zealand has a standard speed limit of 100 km/h on open roads and 50 km/h in urban areas. However, when towing a caravan this is 90km/h and it’s often sensible to reduce speed further to accommodate the extra length and weight, especially under windy conditions or when navigating steep terrain.

Weight Distribution and Axle Limits: Overloading or unevenly distributing weight in your RV or caravan can significantly affect handling, braking, and stability. New Zealand law enforces weight distribution and axle load limits to ensure safety. Drivers should be aware that improper weight distribution can result in poor vehicle handling, increasing the risk of swaying or losing control.

Mirrors: You must be able to see behind the towed trailer or vehicle. If you can't see behind with your rear-view mirrors, you may need to fit a special mirror.

Towing and Driving Safety Considerations

Driving and towing an RV requires extra care compared to handling a regular vehicle, and understanding how to manage weight distribution is critical for safe travel.

Braking and Stopping Distance: Larger and heavier vehicles like RVs require longer stopping distances. Ensure that your RV’s braking system is in optimal condition, and if towing a caravan, check that it has its own brakes. New Zealand law mandates that caravans over 2000kg (laden weight) must be fitted with a braking system, which is essential for maintaining control, especially in emergency braking situations.

Tyres: The tyres play a crucial role in ensuring safe travel. Check that your motorhome or caravan is fitted with tyres suitable for the load you are carrying, and always maintain proper tyre pressure. Incorrect tyre pressure, whether over-inflated or under-inflated, can lead to tyre blowouts, reduced grip, and compromised vehicle stability.

Weight Distribution: Correctly distributing the weight in your caravan and on the tow ball is one of the most important safety considerations when towing. Poor weight distribution can lead to dangerous swaying or fishtailing, which can be especially hazardous on highways and in strong winds.

• Tow Ball Down Weight: One of the key aspects of safe towing is ensuring that the down weight on the tow ball is within the manufacturer’s recommended range. In New Zealand, the ideal tow ball down weight is typically between 7% and 10% of the total weight of the trailer or caravan. Too little or too much down weight can cause instability. Too much weight can overload the rear axle of your towing vehicle, affecting handling, while too little can result in the trailer swaying or fishtailing.

• Using a Tow Ball Down Weight Gauge: To get the right balance, a tow ball down weight gauge can be a useful tool. This simple device helps you accurately measure the down force on the tow ball, ensuring that your towing setup is within safe limits. By regularly checking your load distribution, you can prevent potential issues with handling and stability.

Suspension and Anti-Sway Bars: A well-maintained suspension system is essential for a stable and smooth towing experience. Upgrading your RV with a quality suspension system or adding anti-sway bars can significantly improve handling and prevent excessive sway. These features are particularly useful when towing larger loads or driving in windy conditions.

Rearview Cameras and Towing Mirrors Visibility: is a key concern when towing a caravan or trailer. In New Zealand, towing mirrors are a legal requirement if the width of the load exceeds that of the towing vehicle, or if the load obstructs your ability to see the road behind you. You should use extended mirrors or towing mirrors that are adjustable, allowing you to maintain good visibility when driving.

• Towing Mirrors: These mirrors are designed to give you a clear view of the road behind your RV and trailer, helping you safely navigate traffic and avoid accidents. New Zealand regulations specifically state that if your load extends beyond the width of your vehicle, you must use appropriate towing mirrors to comply with the law.

• Rearview Cameras: A rearview camera or towing camera system can provide added visibility when towing. This technology helps drivers see the trailer and surrounding environment when reversing or changing lanes, making it safer and easier to manoeuvre large vehicles.

Wind and Weather Conditions: New Zealand’s weather can change quickly, and high winds can affect the handling of your RV. It’s important to adjust your driving speed and be especially cautious on bridges, exposed roads, and mountainous regions where wind can be more dangerous. Reducing speed, maintaining a steady hand on the wheel, and avoiding sudden manoeuvres are critical in windy conditions.

Fire and First Aid: It’s essential to keep a fire extinguisher and first aid kit in your RV at all times. Fire extinguishers are critical in the event of a cooking or electrical fire, while a first aid kit is necessary for handling injuries on the road or at a campsite. 

- Suzanne Keesing - RV & Marine Specialist.