Before you hit the road with your new van, there’s something more important than stocking the fridge or mapping out the Big Lap - safety and compliance.
Australia has strict caravan towing laws for good reason. From legal weight limits to roadworthiness, being across your responsibilities means less stress and a safer trip for you and everyone else on the road.
Here’s what to know before you tow.
1. Know Your Legal Towing Limits
Your car has a maximum braked towing capacity, and exceeding it isn’t just risky, it’s illegal. This number tells you the heaviest caravan your vehicle can safely tow (with brakes).
You’ll find this info in your car’s manual or on the compliance plate, and it’s crucial when choosing a van. Our Kokoda models come in different weights, so we can match you to one that’s compatible.
Pro tip: It’s not just the van weight you need to consider- it’s the loaded weight (also known as ATM). That includes everything you pack: food, water, gear, even your clothes.
2. Don’t Skip the Paperwork
All caravans in Australia must be:
- Registered
- Roadworthy
- And display a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
At Kokoda, every van leaves the factory fully compliant with Australian Design Rules (ADR), so you can register it without hassle in any state.
3. Do Regular Safety Checks
Before every trip, get into the habit of a quick walk-around:
- Tyres inflated and in good condition?
- Lights and indicators working?
- Brakes responsive?
- Safety chains secure?
- Weight evenly distributed and within your towing limit?
Kokoda vans are built for reliability, but a quick once-over before you hit the road is your best insurance policy.
4. Stay Informed - It’s Your Responsibility
Towing laws and safety requirements can vary by state. For example:
- NSW and VIC have specific rules around electric brake controllers
- QLD requires safety chains to be rated correctly
- WA enforces rules on caravan sway control
Make sure you’re familiar with the regulations in the states you’re travelling through.
Built Right. Compliant Always.
Every Kokoda caravan is designed to meet and exceed Australian standards - because safety shouldn’t be an optional extra.
We’ll help you choose the right van for your tow vehicle, and make sure you’ve got the confidence and compliance to get out there, wherever “there” is.
Got questions? Our team is always here to help. Start with the basics, and build from there kokodacaravans.com.au