Towing a camper trailer off-road: weights, setup and driving

To tow a camper trailer off-road safely, stay within every weight limit (towing capacity, the trailer's ATM, tow ball download, your vehicle's GVM and the GCM), use a rated off-road coupling, chains and working brakes, load the trailer correctly, lower tyre pressures on both vehicle and trailer for the surface, and drive slower and more smoothly than you would solo. Some tracks are unsuitable for trailers, so check before you go.

This is general guidance, not legal advice. Check the rules in your state, such as the NSW towing rules, and your vehicle and trailer manufacturers' specifications. This guide is part of our 4WD touring guide.

Understand the weights

These terms appear on compliance plates and in manuals:

Transport for NSW says the loaded trailer must not exceed the towbar and coupling rating, the vehicle's towing capacity, the trailer's ATM, the GCM (where supplied) or the tyres' capacity.

The catch for many tourers: the tow ball download counts towards the vehicle's payload. A loaded dual cab can reach its GVM or GCM well before its advertised towing capacity. Our article on reading a dual cab tow rating explains this in detail. The only way to know is to weigh the vehicle and trailer at a public weighbridge, loaded as you will travel.

Couplings, chains and brakes

• Off-road couplings allow more articulation than a standard tow ball. Make sure the coupling's rating matches the trailer.
• Safety chains must be fitted and correctly attached. NSW requires at least one chain for trailers up to 2500 kg loaded and two above that.
• Brakes: trailers above certain weights must have brakes. Electric brakes need a controller in the vehicle. Check the brakes work before every trip.
• Lights and wiring need to survive dust, water and vibration.

Loading the trailer

• Keep heavy items low and close to the axle.
• Secure everything. Corrugations shake loose anything not tied down.
• Check the tow ball download after loading.
• Avoid carrying full water tanks if you can fill closer to camp, since water is heavy.
• Do not exceed the ATM.

Tyre pressures

Lower pressures on both the vehicle and the trailer for sand and corrugations, and re-inflate for sealed roads. Matching the trailer's tyres to the vehicle's means one spare fits both. See tyre pressures for Australian surfaces.

Driving technique

• Slow down. Braking distances are longer and the combination is less stable.
• Corrugations: reduce speed and pressures to protect the trailer and its suspension.
• Sand: keep momentum, avoid stopping on soft uphill sections and choose stopping places carefully.
• Hills: use low range for steep descents and avoid stopping on steep climbs.
• Water crossings: check depth and exits; trailers can float or let water in.
• Dust: check trailer seals; dust ingress is a common camper problem.
• Turning: allow for the trailer cutting corners and jackknifing on tight tracks.

Our outback driving skills guide covers general techniques.

Reversing

Practise reversing in an empty car park before the trip. Use a spotter with a UHF radio or agreed hand signals, go slowly and make small steering inputs.

When to leave the trailer behind

Some tracks are closed to trailers or too difficult. Many tourers set up a base camp and explore harder tracks without the trailer. Check park rules and track notes before you go.

Pre-departure towing checklist

Where to go next

• Back to the 4WD touring guide
• 4WD camping setups compared
• Camper trailer guide
• 4WD touring FAQ