Steve Robins would just love to go caravanning, but managing a business that helps others with their towing problems, just won't let him get away for that extended period.

For the last 20 years, Steve has been the driving force of a small specialist company in Welshpool, employing some six staff members and servicing a huge moving population with their towing needs.

As WA Agent for Hayman Reece tow bars, weight distribution systems and accessories, Steve has quickly adapted to changes in legislation.

He says that the biggest job is to convince people that they must spend some real money on getting the best equipment to suit their towing needs.

People have a vehicle and caravan perhaps costing over $100,000 and still want to skimp when it comes to the most important item of the towing set-up.

Steve believes that all rigs where a van larger than 16ft is involved the towing vehicle's tow bar must incorporate the square hitch receiver and the appropriate weight distribution system.  Some vehicle manuals will suggest weight distribution gear over 1000 kg.

Tow ball weights are important as it needs a ball weight of 120 kg to make a 550lb bar work; therefore to lighten the ball weight is not a wise move.  This can cause the dreaded caravanners "sway" where the tail starts to swing from side to side - and the cause of most accidents.  The message here is to consider the caravan balance when you contemplate putting additional jerry cans on the back bumper.  Basically vans are designed so that the weight and balance provides the appropriate ball weight for good towing.

Today, insurance companies are taking a keener interest than ever before, in the loading and towing set ups of their policy holders.

How to check your Set-up

• With your vehicle loaded, and passengers aboard, measure the distance from your vehicle's front mudguard (underneath) to the road.

• Hook up the caravan ready for towing and remeasure the mudguard to road again.  If the difference is more than 3 cms you may need to take up your bars a little more if they are adjustable. (another link or two on the chain).

• Recheck and adjust until your tyre - mudguard distance is the same with the van on as it is off.

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Perceptions by Customers

I've been towing for years why do I need weight distribution equipment?
Probably because your old van was smaller and lighter.

Will weight distribution allow me to tow more?
The short answer is no! The vehicle manufacturer's handbook is the arbitrator.

Why should I spend $600 on equipment when $200 will do?
Chances are that equipment to the value of $200 is totally inadequate when heavier equipment is needed to do the job with safety.

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How to Adjust your Electric Brake Controller

Most controllers, and particularly the Hayman Reece solid state model, have two controls.  On the left hand side a slide moves forward and back.  This adjusts the amount of braking aggression exerted. The slide on top sets the amount of pressure on the brakes.

With the aggressive switch off, (usually towards the driver), adjust the top slide switch until the brakes start to bite. If insufficient pressure, increase the aggressive a little. Usually you need to feel the van brakes go on fractionally before the vehicle.