Should caravan owners undergo compulsory towing education?

[Lance]

This topic has been discussed on most RV forums at some stage and thoughts vary considerably amongst those towing vans.
What are your thoughts ?
I realise there may not be many van towers here, but I think we all have thoughts on this topic.

Let's not get involved with 'Nanny State' discussions, I think the topic deserves a bit more thought than that.
What do others think on the topic ?

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-09/s ... on/9031486

[Riverlander]

If the tuition/course is anything like my forklift cert. I had to get it will be totally useless. 12 hrs with 11hrs theory and 1 hr with one forklift between 12 people. We all passed of course or they didn't get paid including the lady that could not work out the rear wheel steering.
Having said that, I do think that someone that has not had any experience with towing or driving a large vehicle perhaps should have some tuition before they set off around Aust. Also they should have some education on loading a van.
Cheers John

[Barboots]

I'm perhaps not quite as old as the predominant caravanner crew, however grew up in a practical environment where towing trailers was routine. I consider myself reasonably well versed with towing skills, but am open-minded enough to know there's always something to learn. I observe many situations where either the driver of a tow vehicle is either unsatisfactorily skilled, or unaware of the dangers of their actions... be it purposeful or inadvertent. Loading and weight distribution seems to be old chestnuts...

I'd accept having to complete an endorsement to my driver's licence. I'd hope to learn at least one thing which would justify the time and expense. What I would begrudge, however, is participating in some money grabbing scheme where private "Registered Training Organisations" get to shortcut the training requirements... effectively rubber-stamping a "competency" in exchange for money. Unfortunately, this is probably how it would be implemented.

Cheers, Steve

[Vik351]

Yep, as Steve says...

""I'd accept having to complete an endorsement to my driver's licence. I'd hope to learn at least one thing which would justify the time and expense. What I would begrudge, however, is participating in some money grabbing scheme where private "Registered Training Organisations" get to shortcut the training requirements... effectively rubber-stamping a "competency" in exchange for money. Unfortunately, this is probably how it would be implemented.

Cheers, Steve""

Me thinks thats what would happen...

But a proper course would be beneficial I would think...

vik...

[BernieQ2]

NO .
Bernie .

[BruceS]

NO.
BruceS ......

[Lance]

Any particular reasons for the 'No' chaps ?
Just curious, no explanation necessary if you prefer it that way.

[GoinBush]

You’re a good writer Barboots.

[BernieQ2]

Can't answer because of the NO nanny state rule.
Bernie

[Lance]

Can't answer because of the NO nanny state rule.
Bernie

Fair enough, but it wasn't really a 'rule'