Before you leave: the pre-tow checklist
- Hitch locked — the ball must be fully seated in the coupling and the locking lever secured.
- Safety chains crossed — cross the chains under the drawbar in an X pattern so they form a cradle if the trailer uncouples.
- Lights connected and working — test brake lights, indicators, and reverse lights before leaving.
- Tyre pressure — check both trailer tyres and your vehicle's tyres. Correct pressures are critical for stability.
- Load secured — use ratchet straps or rope. Nothing should be loose or able to shift while moving.
- Tow ball download — heavier items should be positioned over the axle or slightly forward. Too much weight at the rear causes sway.
Speed limits when towing
In Australia, when towing a trailer your maximum speed is generally 100 km/h, regardless of the posted speed limit — unless a lower speed limit applies. On some roads (e.g., many rural highways posted at 110 km/h), the towing limit remains 100 km/h.
In some states, if the trailer's ATM exceeds a certain threshold, lower limits may apply. Check the rules in the state you're driving in.
Load distribution
Correct load distribution is the most important factor in trailer stability:
- Aim for 60% of the load weight in the front half of the trailer (over and slightly forward of the axle)
- Keep heavy items low and centred
- Tow ball download should be 8–12% of total loaded trailer weight
- Never load the trailer heavier at the rear — this is the primary cause of trailer sway
Dealing with trailer sway
Trailer sway (fishtailing) is alarming but manageable if you react correctly:
- Do not brake suddenly — this can make sway worse
- Hold the steering wheel firmly and steer straight
- Gently accelerate briefly to pull the trailer back inline, then gradually ease off
- Slow down gradually to below the speed where sway began
Modern vehicles with stability control (ESP) will often intervene automatically. If sway keeps recurring, the load is not distributed correctly — stop and redistribute.
Reversing with a trailer
Reversing takes practice. The key principle: to steer the trailer left, turn your steering wheel to the right (and vice versa). Go slowly. Use your mirrors. If you get confused, pull forward and try again — never reverse blind.
Australian towing laws summary
- Standard car licence covers towing most trailers (up to 9 tonnes GTM)
- Trailers over 750kg GTM must have brakes
- Trailers over 2,000kg GTM require a brake controller in the towing vehicle
- Safety chains are mandatory
- All trailer lights must function
- Speed limit when towing is 100 km/h maximum in all states