Travelling on sand can be a challenge, especially if you don’t know what to look out for. Travelling on sand is not as easy as it may appear. The weight of your vehicle, the type of surface you’re driving on and even the weather conditions can all affect how well your caravan or camper trailer performs.
Here are some tips from Tow Bars Dandenong experts to help you make the most of your trip.
Be alert for soft sand.
Driving on sand is not advised, except in the case of hard or compacted sand. Many Tow Bars Dandenong have been designed to handle sand, but they're only safe if you are driving at a low speed and using a caravan or camper trailer with maximum 20mm ground clearance. If you are driving on soft sand or any other area where traction may be compromised, it's recommended to invest in a 4WD instead.
If you insist on driving through soft soil or mud, make sure your tow bar is strong enough to support the weight of your vehicle and that all fittings are secure and properly tightened.
Check tyre pressures frequently.
Check tyre pressures frequently. Tyre pressures should be checked every time you fill up your tank, or at least once a week, depending on how much driving is done. Under-inflated tyres wear out faster, are more likely to puncture and reduce fuel efficiency.
There are many types of tow bar available for different types of caravans or camper trailers. The two most common types are:
- Drawbar towing – this type of tow bar connects the vehicle’s rear bumper or drawbar hitch directly to the caravan or camper trailer’s mounting points at its front axle. A chain may be needed if the drawbar height is too high for safe clearance at certain speeds during long distance driving;
- Fifth wheeling – this type of tow bar attaches behind your vehicle’s rear axle and has a kingpin that slides into place under the caravan or camper trailer’s chassis frame when in use (refer to diagram). Fifth wheels are usually positioned further back than drawbars so they don't obstruct braking lights on larger vehicles like trucks.
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Don’t rush to save fuel by driving slowly; it can be more dangerous.
It might be tempting to save on fuel by driving slowly, but this can actually increase the risk of a breakdown. The slower you go, the more likely you are to get stuck in sand or mud.
Slower speeds also mean less comfort and less space for braking and maneuvering than travelling at 60km/h or more.
A low speed means that it's possible to drive further without refuelling—but even better: stopping regularly provides an opportunity to check your vehicle’s health and make sure everything is working correctly from suspension seals through tyres, brakes and bearings up to electrical systems like lights and fridge coolers.
Drive straight through water crossings, don’t brake.
Your caravan or camper trailer is not designed to drive in mud. This is because a caravan’s tyres are wider and don’t have any sidewalls. They can sink into the mud and become stuck, which can then cause damage to the wheel rims, brakes, and other parts of your vehicle.
Towing your caravan or camper trailer on sand can be difficult due to its weight and low traction on soft surfaces like sand or dirt roads. The braking system of your car will not be used very much when driving off-road so it may need some time before they get used properly again after being parked for a while (ie after getting home). Consult Tow Bars Dandenong for more details.
Conclusion
With a little care and some preparation, you can avoid getting stuck in sand. It’s important to know your vehicle’s capabilities before heading off into the wilderness and to be aware of the terrain around you.Â
If you doubt whether it will be safe to drive through water, contact local authorities before attempting any crossings.