Towing Mirrors: Staying Safe and Towing Legally While Caravanning Australia
Whether you’re hitting the open road for a weekend getaway or embarking on the trip of a lifetime across Australia, one question you must ask before towing your caravan is: Do I need towing mirrors?
According to Dave from Adelaide RV – and more importantly, South Australian law – the answer is very often yes. Using towing mirrors isn’t just about ticking a legal box; it’s a matter of safety, visibility, and peace of mind while caravanning Australia.
Let’s unpack why these little pieces of gear are such a big deal.
🚨 Towing Legally in South Australia
In South Australia, towing mirrors are legally required when towing a caravan or trailer that is wider than your towing vehicle. The law is clear: if your standard side mirrors don’t give you a clear view of the full width of the caravan and the lanes beside it, you must use extended towing mirrors.
This requirement isn’t just there for show. It’s about ensuring you can see the road properly – behind and beside your van – to avoid hazards and make safe decisions.
Key legal points:
Field of vision: Mirrors must provide a clear, unobstructed view along the entire length of your caravan and into adjacent traffic lanes.
ADR compliance: Any towing mirrors used must comply with Australian Design Rule (ADR) 14/02, which covers rear vision mirrors.
Fines: Failing to use towing mirrors when required can cost you nearly $400—double the price of a decent mirror setup.
As Dave puts it – “A set of mirrors might cost you $200. The fine for not having them is nearly $400. I’d rather invest the $200.”
👀 Visibility: Why Towing Mirrors Matter
When towing, your regular vehicle mirrors are usually not enough. Most caravans are wider than the tow vehicle, creating blind spots that standard mirrors just can’t cover. If you can’t see down the sides of your van and into the adjacent lanes, it’s not just frustrating – it’s dangerous.
Dave walks us through a simple test – “Sit in the driver’s seat and adjust your mirrors. Can you see the full length of your caravan and the lanes next to it? If not, you need towing mirrors.”
He recommends the Milenco mirrors, which are easy to attach and adjust, with numbered screws and plenty of flexibility. These clip-on styles are user-friendly and can be fine-tuned to suit your driving position.
We should also not that it’s worth checking your mirrors every time. Mirrors can get knocked or shifted in the boot or even while they’re on the vehicle.
A quick test you can do: Have someone walk behind your caravan. As they disappear from one mirror, they should already be visible in the other. If not, you’ve got a blind spot – and that’s exactly what you’re trying to avoid.
🛣️ Safety First on the Road
Extended towing mirrors do more than help you tow legally – they help you tow safely.
When you’re overtaking, merging, or navigating narrow roads, proper visibility is crucial. You want to avoid surprises, especially in high-traffic areas or when being overtaken by trucks or motorbikes.
Most of the time you’re in the left-hand lane where the curb is, you want that left mirror to show you both the curb and passing traffic to avoid trees, posts, and signs.
Dave also gives this practical tip – “If a truck sucks your mirror in with the wind, just pop the window down and push it back out. No harm done – good mirrors rarely flick in.”
🔧 Practical Setup Tips from Dave
Adjust before departure: Do your mirror setup at home or in the caravan park before hitting the road. You’ve got time and space to get it right.
Use landmarks or vehicles: Line up other vehicles in both mirrors to make sure you’re seeing the same space from different angles.
Adjust for the passenger side: You can angle your passenger mirror up to see the roof and wheels of your caravan to help with clearance and curb watching.
Remove when not towing: Driving with towing mirrors while not towing is illegal in some states, including South Australia, because it makes your vehicle wider than necessary.
Check folding mechanisms: If your vehicle has auto-folding mirrors, make sure towing mirrors don’t interfere or cause damage.
🚫 The Consequences of Skipping Towing Mirrors
Ignoring towing mirror laws can lead to:
Expensive fines
Increased risk of accidents
Insurance issues in the event of a crash
Endangering other road users, particularly motorcyclists and cyclists who may sit in blind spots
As Dave puts it bluntly – “Yes, you need mirrors. The fine is much more than the cost. Put your mirrors on. Enjoy your weekend away. One less thing to worry about.”
Final Thoughts: Be Safe, Be Seen 👓
Caravanning across Australia is one of the greatest ways to explore the country, but doing it safely and legally is a non-negotiable part of the adventure. Whether you’re heading to the Flinders Ranges or across the Nullarbor, towing mirrors give you the visibility and confidence to drive safely.
Don’t treat towing mirrors as an optional extra – they’re essential gear. When it comes to towing legally, safely, and smartly while caravanning Australia, make mirrors your first line of defence.
