1. Introduction Edition 1, November 2016
8/27/2019
Tow a Trailer
Introduction
Edition 1, November 2016
PPT_COMMUNITY_SAFETY_BUSHFIRE_DRAFT_JULY2011

2. This program focuses on safe towing of trailers
This program aims to provide you with the knowledge and practical skills to safely connect, tow and manoeuvre different types of CFA trailers. This includes reversing trailers into a restricted area.

3. Program outline – 4 hours
Session 1 – Drive and Manoeuvre Trailers (knowledge 1 hr 10 minutes)
Session 2 – Practical ( 1hr 40 minutes)
Session 3 – Assessment (1 hr 10 minutes)

4. How you will be assessed
Oral questions
Complete a safety check
Connect and disconnect a trailer
Drive and manoeuvre different types of trailers – box and covered

5. Session 1: Drive and Manoeuvre Trailers Edition 1, November 2016
8/27/2019
Tow a Trailer
Session 1: Drive and Manoeuvre Trailers
Edition 1, November 2016
PPT_COMMUNITY_SAFETY_BUSHFIRE_DRAFT_JULY2011

6. This session will cover the following topics
CFA trailers
Preparing to drive trailers
Connecting and disconnecting trailers to vehicles
Driving and manoeuvring trailers

7. Do you have towing experience?

8. Towing a trailer is very different from driving
It requires additional skills and extra safety precautions need to be taken.
Drivers must follow CFA policies and procedures and abide by all legal requirements for towing trailers.
Please note that CFA Trailers including, breathing apparatus and chainsaw trailers should only be towed by endorsed or approved drivers.

9. Why undertake trailer training?
Every year a number of incidents or near misses occur which involve towing and reversing CFA trailers.
Some result in minor damage whilst others have been more serious, including a rollover and a collision into another vehicle.
Question: What do you think are the major causes of trailer incidents? (5 mins)

10. Causes of trailer incidents may include the following
Lack of training and/or inexperience;
trailer not correctly coupled;
incorrect loading;
load not secured correctly;
overweight trailer;
inappropriate speed for road/weather conditions;
oversteering by driver;
trailer brake not used correctly;
not using a guide or spotter;
lack of communication with guide and/or guide using incorrect signals; and
reversing in restricted or dark environment.

11. Most brigades and CFA district offices maintain a range of trailers
These may be for use in support of operational response or functional tasks.
Towed vehicles may include:
caravans;
large covered trailers; and
plant or equipment mounted on a towing frame.

12. Most small trailers are up to 750 kg in total weight
These trailers may include:
quick fill trailers;
pump trailers;
hose trailers; and
communications repeater trailers.

13. Large trailers may weigh in excess of 2000 kg
Caravans may weigh > 3000 kg.
Large trailers may require specialist towing equipment mounted on vehicles with adequate towing capacity.
These may include:
display caravans
breathing apparatus (BA) trailers
chainsaw trailers
DMO trailers.

14. Legal requirements, CFA policies and procedures
Why do we need to follow these?
To ensure the safety of members and others.
To prevent damage to vehicles, trailers and equipment.
CFA procedures and guidelines apply to all members driving with trailers. These include:
CFA Standing Order 12 – Driving CFA and brigade owned vehicles.
CFA SOP – Driving of CFA vehicles.
CFA Procedure – BS08 Management – Transport Vehicle.

15. Legislative requirements exist
To ensure your own safety and other road users, you must abide by the laws governing the towing of trailers.
Discuss what legislative requirements apply when towing trailers. (5 mins)

16. Legislative requirements include the following
The vehicle and trailer must be registered, and be in a safe roadworthy condition;
All trailers must be fitted with a rear number plate;
towbars and couplings must not obscure the towing vehicle’s number plate or rear lights when the trailer is not connected;
towing more than one trailer is prohibited;
people are not permitted to ride in trailers or caravans; and
the speed limits and road laws must be observed.

17. Safety measures must be considered
Discuss what safety measures must be taken into consideration. (5 mins)

18. Safety considerations include the following
Wear appropriate clothing, footwear and PPE;
follow OH&S and manual handling procedures;
complete a visual inspection of both the vehicle and trailer prior to driving;
ask for assistance if required;
plan adequate rest stops and shorter travelling days as towing is more stressful and tiring than normal driving;
always drive according to the road and weather conditions; and
no CFA vehicle shall travel under Code 1 response while towing a trailer.

19. The first step to safe towing is to ensure the vehicle, trailer and load are suited
A safety check must be completed prior to towing a trailer. Legislation requires that vehicles, towbars and trailers have a placard advising of approved ratings in relation to weights.

20. Maximum trailer weights are indicated
Vehicle manufactures indicate the maximum weight of trailers appropriate for the vehicle and these limits must not be exceeded.
The maximum weight of a trailer is specified as either its:
Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM); or
Gross Trailer Mass (GTM).

21. Vehicle towing capacity is determined by the vehicle manufacturer
It is based on:
design of the vehicle;
the vehicle's rear axle load;
capacity of its tyres; and
effect the laden trailer will have on the vehicle's attitude, stability, durability and overall safety. 
Details of vehicle towing capacity can be found:
in the vehicle handbook;
vehicle placard decal; and/or
on the towbar and trailer.

22. Manufacturer specification terms
The maximum towing weight specified by the vehicle manufacturer equates to the trailer’s aggregate trailer mass (ATM.) ATM is the combined weight of the trailer and its full load when it is not coupled to a tow vehicle. Some vehicle manufacturers use different terminology. Drivers need to check the vehicle operating manual for correct vehicle towing specifications.

23. Trailer tow ball load must be considered
This is the weight the fully laden trailer imposes downwards on the tow bar.
The maximum tow ball down load is specified by the towbar manufacturer.
A trailer tow ball scale can be used to determine the weight of the trailer.
Trailer tow ball scales

24. Payload is the trailer’s carry capacity
the difference between its Tare Weight (un-laden weight) and its ATM; and
important for all trailers irrespective of size.  
Modifications and additions to the trailer impact on the carrying capacity and may result in an overloaded trailer, or the ability to legally carry the load. 

25. All new towbars must have a plate attached
A towbar plate lists the:
maximum towing weight
maximum ball load
vehicle make and model the bar was designed for.
The vehicle’s specifications state the maximum the vehicle can legally tow, even if the towbar is rated for a higher load.  
Question: If any towbar specs are lower than those given for the vehicle, which ones apply – the towbar or the vehicle specs?

26. How does towing a trailer impact on driving a vehicle?

27. You need to know how to connect a trailer to a vehicle
To ensure safety for members and prevent damage to vehicles and equipment, it is critical that a trailer is correctly connected. Before towing – conduct a visual inspection of both the vehicle and trailer.

28. Safety chains are used to prevent the drawbar from touching the ground
must be strong and short enough to hold the trailer and prevent the drawbar from touching the ground should the coupling fail or accidently disconnect from the ball; and
must be mounted adjacent to the tow coupling and arranged to maintain the direction of the towed vehicle.
The length of the safety chain should be slack enough to permit tight turns.

29. Safety chains are compulsory in all States and Territories of Australia
Trailers:
less than 2,500 kgs ATM must have at least one safety chain of at least 9.5 mm; and
over 2,500 kgs and up to 3,500 kgs must have two safety chains.
Safety chains must be secured to tow bars by shackles.

30. It is essential trailers are correctly loaded and the load is secured
When loading a trailer:
secure vehicle to prevent unintended movement during loading of the trailer;
do not increase the length or width of the vehicle beyond its normal structural length or width without appropriate visual markers and support;
carefully position the load to achieve balance and correct height; and
remember all materials loaded onto the vehicle must be secured to prevent movement.

31. Trailer overhang refers to the length of a trailer that extends beyond the wheel base
If the centre:
line of the wheel is in the middle of the load carrying area, the distance from the centre line to the rear load carrying line must not be greater than the distance between the centre line and the front load carrying line; or
of the wheel line was offset to the rear of the trailer, then an equivalent distance could be overhang to equal the front load carrying line distance.
PPT_DRIVE_AND_MANOEUVRE_TRAILERS_V1.0_APRIL 2016

32. Travelling with a loaded trailer takes practice
A vehicle towing a trailer is a least 3 metres longer than the towing vehicle. A caravan can be in excess of 10 metres longer. The added weight also affects the performance of the vehicle and driving requirements.

33. How does towing affect a vehicle?
Towing may affect a vehicle by:
decreasing acceleration and braking performance;
reducing vehicle control and manoeuvrability; and
increasing fuel consumption.
These effects become more pronounced on the vehicle as the trailer size and mass of load increase.
By understanding the limitation of your vehicle and trailer, you can prevent crashes and both structural and mechanical damage to your vehicle.

34. Where possible ascertain where the trailer will be situated at the destination
Where will the trailer be situated? Does it need to be parked in a shed, driveway, staging or training area?
Discuss: Types of trailers and siting considerations (3 minutes)
PPT_DRIVE_AND_MANOEUVRE_TRAILERS_V1.0_APRIL 2016

35. Considerations for situating a trailer include the following
Trailer is on level ground. Trailer doesn’t prevent access to other personnel or vehicles. The sides can be lifted without obstruction. Trailer can be loaded or unloaded safely.
PPT_DRIVE_AND_MANOEUVRE_TRAILERS_V1.0_APRIL 2016

36. The skill of reversing a trailer is relatively simple, especially with a little practice
Remember to:
use a guide/spotter when reversing;
always take your time; and
check surroundings, small progression, stop, look, correct.

37. Trailer incident scenario one
Bill was towing trailer pump and said that every time he had to slow down for the traffic lights or brake heavily the trailer coupling would bang into the back bumper of the car.
What do you think may have caused the situation?
What steps could have been taken to prevent this incident occurring?
(3 mins)
List 3 possible reasons that may have caused the situation?
Tow ball not the correct size for coupling
Load in trailer may have moved
Bolt loose on trailer coupling
List 3 steps that could have been taken to prevent this incident occurring?
Check the correct size tow ball is used for coupling
Check and secure load
Check trailer connections
PPT_DRIVE_AND_MANOEUVRE_TRAILERS_V1.0_APRIL 2016

38. Trailer incident scenario two
Ben was asked to tow a communications repeater trailer to a staging area. Ben had never towed a trailer before, but was pretty confident he could manage as he was an experienced driver.
10 minutes after leaving the station Ben misjudged a corner he was turning into and the trailer clipped the curb. He then overcorrected and the trailer hit a car parked on the side of the road.
What do you think may have caused the situation?
What steps could have been taken to prevent this incident occurring?
(3 mins)
List 3 possible reasons that may have caused the situation?
No training or experience
Failed to check mirrors when turning
When turning took the corner too sharp
List 3 steps that could have been taken to prevent this incident occurring?
Complete training course
Check mirrors before turning
Take the corner wider to avoid cut in (cutting in) the corner
PPT_DRIVE_AND_MANOEUVRE_TRAILERS_V1.0_APRIL 2016

39. Trailer incident scenario three
Betty was asked to tow the community education trailer to a local park for an upcoming community event.
Upon arrival Betty reversed the trailer into a vacant area, unhitched the trailer and went to advise someone that she had arrived.
Shortly afterwards, the trailer rolled down an embankment and lurched into a ditch.
What do you think may have caused the situation?
What steps could have been taken to prevent this incident occurring?
(3 mins)
List 3 possible reasons that may have caused the situation?
Parked in unsuitable area
Not parked on level ground with hand brake
Trailer not stabilised and no blocks used before uncoupling
List 3 steps that could have been taken to prevent this incident occurring?
Parked in suitable area
Park on level ground with hand brake
Stabilise the trailer and use blocks before uncoupling the trailer
PPT_DRIVE_AND_MANOEUVRE_TRAILERS_V1.0_APRIL 2016

40. In summary, we have discussed driver requirements and safe manoeuvring
SOs, SOPs, policies and procedures, and legislation must be followed. Safety checks must be completed prior to towing a trailer. Driving with a trailer takes practice. Towing a trailer influences how a vehicle behaves and responds.

41. Sessions 2 and 3: Practical and Assessment Edition 1, November 2016
Tow a Trailer
Sessions 2 and 3: Practical and Assessment
Edition 1, November 2016

42. These sessions focus on practice and assessment
During these sessions, you will:
complete a safety inspection using a checklist;
connect and disconnect a trailer;
drive two different types of trailers (one covered and one box); and
reverse a box and a covered trailer into a restricted area.
Time allocated: 1 hour 40 mins per session
PPT_DRIVE_AND_MANOEUVRE_TRAILERS_V1.0_APRIL 2016

43. In summary, this program has focused on the following
Driving and manoeuvring trailers. Completing safety inspections. Connecting and disconnecting trailers safely. Driving different types of trailers. (one covered and one box). Reversing trailers into restricted areas.