Are You rvSafe? Episode 5 Recap – How to Tow Safely on Sand and Dirt

Adjust tyre pressures for different terrains

John highlights the importance of adjusting tyre pressures based on the terrain. Here’s a quick guide:

• Corrugated roads: Drop tyre pressure to about 75% of the recommended pressure. For example, if your tyre runs at 36 PSI, reduce it to 26-28 PSI.
• Sand driving: Lower the tyre pressure to between 12-20 PSI, depending on the softness of the sand. This increases the tyre’s footprint and provides better traction.
• Tools for the job: Use tools like Mean Mother Tyre Deflators to easily manage tyre pressure adjustments.

Off-road towing tips

Driving off-road is one thing, but towing adds another layer of complexity. Here are John’s top tips:

• Lower your speed: Slow down when tackling steep ascents, descents, or rough terrain to maintain control.
• Engage four-wheel drive: Modern vehicles make engaging four-wheel drive easy. Use low-range gears for better control, especially on tough terrain.
• Use an off-road hitch: An off-road hitch provides greater flexibility, crucial when navigating uneven surfaces.

Night driving precautions

Australia’s wildlife is most active at dusk and dawn, making night driving risky.

• Install quality lights: Both Volkswagen Amaroks featured Lightforce LED driving lights for better visibility. These include hybrid driving lights with amber filters for better contrast and Beast LEDs with multiple modes for spot and flood lighting.
• Slow down: Take extra care when driving through heavily forested areas to avoid animals like kangaroos, which account for 84% of roadkill collisions.

Master sand driving

Sand driving requires a different skill set, particularly when towing an RV. Follow these essential tips:

• Lower tyre pressures: Drop pressures to 10-12 PSI for the trailer and 12-14 PSI for the vehicle.
• Use low range: Switch to low-range gears to give your vehicle more torque and control.
• Avoid sharp turns: Keep movements slow and deliberate to avoid digging into the sand.

Don’t miss episode 5!

Whether you’re an off-road enthusiast or just curious about towing on sand, this episode has tips for everyone!

Watch it on Channel 10 this Saturday at 12:30 pm or if you missed this episode of Are You RV Safe?, you can catch up on 10Play.