Towing & Trailer
Embark on your next Australian adventure with confidence, knowing your towing and trailer setup is secure and reliable. At Xtend Outdoors, we understand the importance of quality towing equipment, not just for convenience but for the safety of everyone on the road. Whether you're hauling a caravan to a coastal paradise, a boat trailer to your favourite fishing spot, or a camper trailer deep into the outback, having the right gear is paramount.
From essential towing mirrors and robust weight distribution systems to durable trailer covers and vital spare parts, our curated collection ensures your towing experience is smooth and worry-free. Explore our range to find the perfect towing solutions designed for Australian conditions and built to last.
Essential Towing & Trailer Gear For Your Adventures
Setting up your vehicle and trailer correctly is the first step to a successful trip. Below, you'll find a comprehensive range of towing and trailer accessories, designed to enhance safety, improve stability, and protect your valuable assets.
Choosing the Right Towing Mirrors
When you're towing a caravan or wide trailer, standard vehicle mirrors often don't provide the visibility legally required in many parts of Australia. Extended towing mirrors are crucial for seeing past the width of your trailer, eliminating dangerous blind spots and significantly enhancing road safety for you and other road users. Our selection includes various types, from easy clip-on models for occasional use to more permanent fixtures for regular towing, ensuring you find the perfect match for your vehicle and towing needs. Don't compromise on safety; ensure your view is clear with reliable towing mirrors.
Ensuring Stability: Weight Distribution & Sway Control
A properly balanced trailer is key to safe and comfortable towing. Weight distribution hitches (WDHs) work to evenly distribute the trailer's tongue weight across the tow vehicle's axles and the trailer's axles. This improves steering control, braking, and overall stability, especially with heavier caravans. For an even safer journey, consider a sway controller, which helps to dampen and prevent unwanted trailer sway caused by side winds or passing vehicles. Investing in the right stability system means a smoother ride and greater peace of mind on the open road.
Quick Tip: Always match your weight distribution system to your caravan's Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) and your tow vehicle's maximum towing capacity. Check your manuals or consult an expert if unsure.
Jockey Wheels, Stands & Trailer Jacks
Manoeuvring your trailer when it's unhitched or ensuring it's stable when parked relies heavily on robust jockey wheels, stands, and jacks. A quality jockey wheel makes it easier to position your trailer precisely, while sturdy stands and jacks are essential for safe unhitching and levelling, especially on uneven Aussie terrain. We stock a range of heavy-duty options to suit various trailer sizes and weights, so you can handle your rig with ease and security.
Protecting Your Investment: Trailer & Caravan Covers
Your caravan or trailer is a significant investment, and protecting it from the harsh Australian elements is vital. From scorching sun and UV rays to rain, dust, and bird droppings, a durable cover will help maintain its condition and value. Our range of caravan and camper trailer covers is made from tough, weather-resistant materials designed to offer superior protection whether your rig is stored at home or at a campsite.
Critical Trailer Components & Accessories
Beyond the main gear, it's the smaller components and accessories that keep your trailer running smoothly and legally. This includes everything from reliable couplings and safety chains to essential lights, electrical connectors, and braking system components (if applicable to your product range). Regularly inspecting and maintaining these trailer parts is crucial for safe towing. Browse our selection for quality replacements and upgrades.
Towing Safely in Australia: Key Considerations
Responsible towing is all about understanding your equipment, your vehicle's capabilities, and the rules of the road. Here are a few key points to keep in mind for safe towing across Australia:
Understanding Towing Capacities & Weights
Knowing your weights is non-negotiable for safe and legal towing. Key terms include:
- Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM): The total mass of the trailer when carrying the maximum load recommended by the manufacturer.
- Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM): The maximum a vehicle can weigh when fully loaded, including passengers, fuel, and accessories.
- Gross Combination Mass (GCM): The maximum combined weight of the tow vehicle and the trailer, as specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
- Tow Ball Mass (TBM): The amount of weight the fully loaded trailer puts on the tow ball of the tow vehicle. Generally, this should be around 10% of the ATM.
Pre-Trip Safety Checks
Before you even turn the key, a thorough pre-trip check is essential:
- Tyres: Check pressure on both the tow vehicle and trailer when cold. Look for wear and damage.
- Lights & Indicators: Ensure all lights (brake, tail, indicators) are working correctly on both the vehicle and trailer.
- Brakes: If your trailer has brakes, test their operation (including breakaway systems if fitted).
- Hitch/Coupling: Ensure the trailer is securely hitched, the locking mechanism is engaged, and the tow ball is the correct size and rating.
- Safety Chains: Criss-cross chains under the drawbar and ensure they are securely attached with rated D-shackles.
- Load Distribution: Ensure your load is distributed correctly in the trailer, with heavier items lower and over the axles.
On-Road Towing Tips
- Smooth Inputs: Gentle acceleration, braking, and steering are key.
- Increased Stopping Distances: You'll need significantly more room to stop. Maintain a larger gap to the vehicle in front.
- Wider Turns: Allow extra room when cornering, as your trailer will cut in.
- Anticipate: Look further ahead to anticipate hazards and traffic changes.
- Reversing: Practice makes perfect. If you're new to towing, find a large space to get a feel for how your trailer responds.
- Overtaking: Only overtake when it's safe and legal, allowing much more distance. Be mindful of wind buffeting from large vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the legal requirements for towing mirrors in Australia?
In most Australian states and territories, you are legally required to have an unobstructed view down both sides of your trailer and for at least 20 metres behind it. If your trailer or caravan is wider than your tow vehicle, you'll almost certainly need extended towing mirrors. Always check your specific state or territory's road rules.
How do I know if I need a weight distribution hitch (WDH)?
If your caravan or trailer causes the rear of your tow vehicle to sag significantly, the front to lift (affecting steering and braking), or if you experience instability like swaying, a WDH is highly recommended. They are generally advised for trailers with a significant ball weight, typically over 150-200kg, or when the trailer weight is a substantial proportion of the tow vehicle's weight.
What's the best way to prevent trailer sway?
Proper loading (correct ball weight and even distribution), using a suitable tow vehicle, correct tyre pressures, driving to conditions, and installing a sway control device or a WDH with integrated sway control are all effective measures to prevent and manage trailer sway.
How often should I service my trailer bearings?
Trailer wheel bearings should generally be inspected and repacked with grease at least every 12 months or 10,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. If you frequently tow through water (like boat trailers), more frequent checks are advisable. Worn or failed bearings can cause a wheel to detach, leading to a serious accident.
Can I tow any trailer with my car?
No. Every vehicle has a maximum towing capacity specified by the manufacturer, which includes braked and unbraked limits. You must also consider the towbar's rating and the vehicle's maximum tow ball download. Exceeding these limits is illegal, unsafe, and can damage your vehicle. Always check your vehicle's owner's manual.
Your Adventure Starts with Xtend Outdoors
At Xtend Outdoors, we're passionate about helping you explore the incredible Australian landscape safely and with the right gear. Our extensive range of towing and trailer equipment is selected for its quality, durability, and suitability for Aussie conditions. Whether you're a seasoned tower or just starting out, we're here to help you get hitched and hit the road with confidence. Browse our complete collection of towing and trailer accessories above, or if you have any questions or need expert advice on the best setup for your needs, please don't hesitate to contact us. Let's make your next towing adventure your best one yet.
Xtend Outdoors
Australia's Leading RV Annexes Specialists
Founded in 2004, we are an Australian owned and operated company based on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. As the leading manufacturer of RV Annexes within Australia, we focus on delivering innovative, premium custom-made products at affordable pricing to the Australian market.
