Caravan Courtesy

Remember that trucks are working while you are most likely on holidays so be very aware of how to share the road.  When you see a truck approaching from behind DO NOT slow down as the truck may have already planned how to get around you.  When the truck is beside you, if safe then you can slow down to give them plenty of space to overtake.  When safely passed, give them a quick flash of the headlights to signal that it is safe for them to pull back in.
  
Did you know that you don’t have to stick to the speed limit – by this we mean that if the limit is 100 kph, you don’t have to travel at that speed, just travel to the conditions and at the speed you feel comfortable with.  We travel around 93 – 95 kph on the open highway if the conditions are good.  This allows others to overtake if they wish.  Sometimes we travel at 80 kph if the road is narrow or wet. A slower speed will also improve your fuel consumption.

Always travel in the left lane unless you are overtaking. If it is a single lane road then be mindful of traffic building behind you and pull over if safe to do so to let them past.  It is not always possible for the vehicles behind you to see around the caravan.  Also make sure you have fitted good towing mirrors so that you can see what is going on behind you. We use Clearview Towing Mirrors, which we have found far superior to many others on the market.

When changing lanes or pulling over remember to give ample notice with your indicators so that other road uses know what you are doing.  Also when an overtaking lane runs out give yourself plenty of space to get back to the single lane and indicate well in advance. Road courtesy and a bit of patience may save your life.  It can also prevent road rage, so it’s better a wave of thanks than a shaken fist.

If your rig is over 7.5 meters in length then you must display a “Do Not Overtake Turning Vehicle” sign.  This also allows your rig to legally turn from the second or even third lane as needed to make it safe for all concerned. If following a truck or long vehicle, stay back a bit and don’t move into their “blind”spot. Remember, if you can’t see the driver in their mirror, then they can’t see you.

If travelling at night, dip your lights before a crest or curve if there is oncoming traffic.  Don’t blind first, then dip.  A trucks mirrors are much larger and have no anti glare position so dip early when behind trucks and when overtaking and don’t return to high beam until past their mirrors.
If you have to pass a truck or vehicle towing a caravan, stay back a bit so that you can see the road ahead, be sure you can see enough road ahead to pass safely, pass quickly and sensibly, don’t pull back in until you can see at least both headlights in your rear view mirror.  Maintain your speed – don’t pass then slow down. Was it really necessary?

Stay back from large vehicles nearing roundabouts. They often need all the roadway.  The large vehicle isn’t racing you, it’s just trying to fit into a position to negotiate the roundabout and keep traffic flowing.
Don’t forget your wave of respect when passing other caravanners.  It will be appreciated.

Let's Ask Some Questions

Pam & Alan have now been travelling Australia for almost 2 years in their home/office 21’Caravan and Ford Ranger.  We ask them some questions –
 

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CAMP CHAIRS

We hit the road nearly two years ago now, with our two existing camp chairs, both Spinnifex non padded high backed adjustable chairs.  Fine for occasional camping and sitting around the camp fire with your feet up on a milk crate, but after two years of use, working full time on the road we were developing “numb bum” syndrome.

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Living full-time on the road in our 21ft caravan we value our eco-friendly DreamPot.  It’s easy to use, efficient and always delivers a hot meal after a long day on the road.

DreamPot is thermal cooking, a portable, easy-to-use, cooking appliance which uses only a fraction of the power or heating source to achieve magnificent meals anywhere or anytime. DreamPot is an Australian family operated company which has made meals for travelers much better since 1964. 

Here is one of our favorite recipes 

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Until one day ....

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Carrying bikes on your Caravan, Camper or RV

It is great to have your bikes with you when travelling on the big trip or even a short break.  It’s a healthier way to get around and explore the area or visit the shops instead of always taking the vehicle for short trips.  

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Check your Anode Annually

If your storage hot water systems runs on electricity, gas or solar, it will contain a sacrificial anode. This is a highly reactive metal component which protects the system from corrosion. Most hot water heaters use them to protect the tank and other components which spend most of their time immersed in water. 

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Living on the road with no fixed address

A Residential Address is required for Medicare, Vic Roads, Electoral Commission, Australian Tax Office and Insurance Policies require a Situation of Risk address.  In these cases we have used a relative’s address, our Accountants office address and our Insurance Brokers office address if the computer generated ‘field” will not accept Australia Wide.  

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