While Rockhampton locals Samuel and Chenaye Wright began their camping adventures in a 2020 camper trailer and 2008 Landcruiser combination with their two Great Danes Eva and George, it now includes their young son William.
After William came along, they decided to attend a safety inspection two years ago in Rockhampton and found some issues with their set up at a compliance program they discovered through Caravanning Queensland’s social media pages.
“Because we travel with our two Great Danes, who weigh a small tonne, we were interested to find out we had a little bit of extra weight we could travel with and still be compliant,” Chenaye said.
“We were preparing for some big trips like the Simpson Desert in June and then a trip from Cairns to Broome.
“Attending the inspection highlighted to us that we couldn’t load everything we wanted to and still be safe.”
Caravanning Queensland in partnership with the Queensland Government’s StreetSmarts program is hosting a local educational caravan safety event on May 14 and 15 for travel enthusiasts wanting to learn more about their safety while on the road with a caravan.
VanSafe Queensland is designed to enhance drivers’ awareness of potential challenges on the roads and equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to improve their road safety.
Established in response to the rapid rise of recreational vehicle ownership over the past few years, the free program is aimed at educating and supporting recreational vehicle owners with the information they need to tow confidently, safely and compliantly.
Open to all owners of caravans, campers and motorhomes, the educational program includes workshops, displays and masterclasses and is a safe zone for all who attend, meaning no fines or breaches will be issued.
Attendees can also get their RV combination inspected and weighed for safety and compliance.
Since attending the educational masterclass by Caravanning Queensland, Chenaye and Samuel have upgraded their tow vehicle to a 2019 Turbo Diesel V8 which they are planning to drive through the Simpson Desert.
After they finish their trip to the Simpson Desert, they will be upgrading to a family caravan as Will is getting older.
“Attending the weigh-in gave us so much knowledge on what we needed to do to continue our lifestyle and remain safe and compliant.
Planning a bigger and longer trip with their two Great Danes and a growing family, Chenaye and Samuel learnt they could upgrade to a larger, double axle caravan with their 2018 V8, meaning they can tow 3.5 tonnes and still be legal and compliant.
“The extra axle gives us two extra tyres and more safety and stability on the road. For us since having our little one join our family, safety is everything.
“Knowing we are safe and legal, takes the pressure off and gives us piece of mind. We can just get out and explore without having to worry.”
Nowhere is the caravanning lifestyle more popular than in Queensland, with the highest number of registered recreational vehicles across the country.
Recent Google search trend data shows a significant spike seen in searches related to caravan safety, weight, towing and payload over the past twelve months in Queensland.
Specific Google search trends in Queensland include a 190 per cent increase in searches around caravan safety, 34 per cent increase in searches around caravan weighting and 60 per cent increase in searches around caravan towing.
Last year, nine out of 10 vehicles towing caravans were found to be exceeding their weight limit, according to Queensland Police.
Caravan Trade and Industries Association of Queensland CEO Jason Plant said the data alone demonstrated the need for and importance of road safety programs of this nature.
VANSafe events
Sunday, 14 May:
Free caravan weigh and inspection – Rockhampton Jockey Club, Callaghan Park
Two hour weight and towing masterclass – Capricorn Yeppoon Holiday Park
Monday, 15 May:
Two hour weight and towing masterclass – Gracemere Caravan Park
Got to caravanqld.com.au to book