Free safe towing workshops and caravan weighing days in Broken Hill
Caravan owners in Broken Hill will be offered free road safety and caravanning advice over three consecutive days in May.
Transport for NSW is hosting two interactive workshops on safe towing practices on Friday 16 May ahead of two caravan weighing days on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the free workshops and weighing days are the ideal way for caravan enthusiasts to know they’re hitting the road as safely as they can.
"The purpose of these events is to address caravan safety, particularly as we see the popularity of caravanning increase across our road network,” the spokesperson said.
“Owners of registered caravans are encouraged to come along to learn more about their caravan and more about safe towing and driving practices."
The free weighing days on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May are being held at the Broken Hill City Council car park on Beryl Street between 8.30am and 4pm each day. Participants must book their session ahead of time by visiting www.trybooking.com/CZPCU.
The one-hour sessions include an informal educational brief before each loaded vehicle and caravan is placed on portable scales to confirm their weight. A detailed report is then provided to participants at the end of their session.
“Simple things like adding a toolbox to the back of the van, popping a kayak on the roof or travelling with full water tanks can cause the caravan, tow vehicle or combination to become overweight or non-compliant and may increase the risk of a crash,” the spokesperson said.
“An incorrectly loaded caravan can lead to snaking, swaying or loss of control of your caravan and vehicle.
“As part of our free weighing days, owners can learn the actual aggregate trailer mass (ATM) of their caravan, actual gross trailer mass (GTM), actual gross vehicle mass (GVM), actual ball weight and actual gross combination mass (GCM) of their caravan and vehicle.”
The two-hour safe towing workshops on Friday 16 May are free to attend and will provide information and demonstrations on safe loading and towing of trailers and caravans. People can attend either the 2pm or 6pm session at Sulphide Street Railway and Historical Museum at 230 Blende Street and are required to pre-register at www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1382124.
“The interactive workshops will also be the opportunity to have your questions answered by our team of experts on everything from safe driving practices to loading caravans correctly,” the spokesperson said.
Find more information on safe caravanning on Transport’s Caravans page at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/road-users/drivers/caravans.