An unprecedented caravanning boom across Australia has sparked a road safety warning as thousands of grey nomads and travellers head north for the winter.
The Caravan Industry Association of Australia has issued a road safety message given the spike in caravan sales fuelled by the pandemic and a resurgence in regionally based tourism.
Research shows there are more than 750,000 registered recreational vehicles across Australia and 65 per cent of caravanners and campers were intending to head north this season.
For Tasmanian couple, Reijo and Gina Kivi, it will be their first trip in the caravan to Darwin.
The couple conceded they were on a "steep learning curve" pulling a caravan such a long way.
Passing through regional South Australia this week, the couple were heading to Adelaide and then the Top End.
"We are escaping the cold for four months – it is the longest trip we have ever done," Ms Kivi said.
Mr Kivi said there was a huge number of caravans on the highways.
"They are everywhere. People can't go overseas, so they are heading up north," he said.
Mr Kivi said he was concerned about road trains during the trip.
"I don't do more than 90kph with this [caravan]," he said.
"If people see a gap, they get into it and we have to brake – that's the only thing that scares us."
Trucks and caravans share road
Caravan Industry Association spokesman Keelan Howard said the number of caravanners was at an "all time high".
He said many travellers were towing newly purchased campers and caravans, or driving new motorhomes.
"The trend is going upwards. COVID has really amplified it as people now look to our glorious country," Mr Howard said.
But he warned safety must be paramount and urged people to ensure they had the driving skills needed before hitting the road.
These skills included towing, hitching up the caravan, and reversing.
"In most areas, there are local driving schools that provide the skills and we encourage people to take a course," Mr Howard said.
'No planning' a concern
Unfortunately, he said research indicated some people planned to hit the road without significant research or planning.
He said it was important travellers had a compliant vehicle, planned their stops, booked accommodation, and demonstrated patience on the road.
Mr Howard said they also should consider the fact they would share the road with the logistics and haulage sector.
"We did some research and we came up with a few things that will help this.
"Most caravan and campers have a UHF — turn that on and display your number, Channel 40, on the top right hand of your van."
Mr Howard said this would allow communication with a truck driver.
"That means that if a truck or if you wish to communicate, you can just pick up and let each other know that one wishes to pass or overtake the other," he said.
Mr Howard said it was best to maintain speed and hold position on the road.
The caravan industry initiative coincides with National Road Safety Week.
