Since sharing The Woman Behind the Wheel, many women have asked for practical tips for women towing caravans. If you feel that spark to take the wheel but want real how-to guidance, this post is for you.
These are the steps that helped me go from early apprehensive feelings to towing with quiet confidence across Queensland roads and beyond. No perfection needed — just small, practical actions and the best women towing caravans tips I’ve learned along the way.
1. Start Small: Build Skills Before Towing a Caravan
You don’t need to hook up the van on day one. Start with the tow vehicle alone.
Drive it more often on everyday trips. This helps you get comfortable with the longer wheelbase and wider turns.
Practise my favourite trick: “Pretend towing.” Sit a little higher in the seat, use your mirrors constantly, take wider lines on corners, and leave extra space for an imaginary van behind you. By the time you hitch up, your brain is already in towing mode.
It’s amazing how much we can learn by observation. When you are a passenger, watch what the driver does, stay curious, and ask questions about how, when, where, and why.
Book a towing lesson or find an empty car park with a trusted friend. Practise basic reversing and positioning with no pressure — just repetition.
Tiny consistent practice beats one big overwhelming session every time. These tips for women towing caravans start right here with gentle preparation.
2. Mastering the Hitch and Mirrors (or Cameras)
Take your time hitching and unhitching. Check and double-check the connection, safety chains, and lights. I still talk myself through it out loud.
Many modern caravans now have a rear camera with the screen on your reversing mirror or dashboard. This is fantastic for seeing directly behind the van. However, ensure you have good side visibility too. Extended towing mirrors (or mirror extensions) are often very helpful for checking blind spots, especially on Queensland highways.
Weight distribution matters. Learn the basics of your vehicle’s towing capacity and how to load the van evenly. A quick check before every trip keeps everything safer and smoother.
3. On the Road: Driving Tips That Make It Easier
Speed: Take care in the wind or when passing trucks. Give yourself extra braking distance.
Always check the road rules for the state or country you are in. Drive to your own comfort level, capabilities, and current road and weather conditions. Remember, slow is a speed.
Additional On-Road Considerations Corners and roundabouts: Take them wider and slower. That pretend-towing practice pays off here.
Hills: Use lower gears when needed and maintain steady speed. Queensland’s coastal and inland roads offer plenty of variety, so stay alert and enjoy the scenery when it’s safe.
Overtaking and merging: Plan ahead. Signal early and only go when you have plenty of room.
Remember to breathe. A few deep belly breaths at traffic lights or before a tricky section helps keep you calm and focused.
4. Reversing and Campsite Setup (The Part Most of Us Feel Hesitant About)
This is where practice really shines.
Use markers or a spotter at first. Many caravan parks have helpful staff or fellow campers who are happy to guide you.
Learn the “follow the hand” method or use a reversing camera if your setup allows.
Start with easy sites and work up to tighter ones. Every awkward reverse is a lesson — and yes, I’ve had a few where I needed three (or more) goes. That’s completely normal.
Pro tip: Walk the site first, visualise your line, and don’t be afraid to pull forward and try again. No one worth worrying about is judging you.
5. Self-Care While Towing: Look After Yourself on the Journey
Towing can be mentally tiring when you’re starting out. Build in gentle resets.
Stop when you feel tired — even if it’s just for a quick stretch and a favourite drink (my YETI mug travels everywhere).
The two-hour rule is a good one to follow. Stop every two hours for a break (or earlier if you need to). Have a stretch and some refreshments. This gives you a chance to regroup and reset.
Some days are great, while others I only manage a short time before needing a break. Just recognise those days, be kind to yourself, and adjust your plans — it’s okay to not drive as far.
Celebrate the small wins. Finished a tricky section? Parked neatly? Acknowledge it. Confidence grows through these moments of self-recognition.
Pack simple pleasures: a good playlist, a journal for quick notes at stops, or a colouring page if you need a right-brain break.
Being kind to yourself isn’t optional — it’s what keeps the joy in the adventure. Additionally, run a quick body check. Notice how tightly you are gripping the wheel or if your shoulders are hunched. These are signs of stress. Take a few deep breaths, relax your grip, and lower your shoulders. Do this as often as you like — it helps keep you relaxed.
Your First Solo (or Mostly Solo) Tow
Aim for a short, low-pressure trip first. A familiar route with a couple of stops can build massive confidence. Before you know it, you’ll be pulling into a servo, glancing in the mirror, and thinking, “I did that. The van is right there behind me and we’re all safe.”
That feeling? It’s addictive in the best way.
You’ve Got This
Towing isn’t about being fearless or having perfect skills from day one. It’s about being willing: willing to feel unsure at first and do it anyway, willing to learn, and willing to keep going after the wobbly bits.
You already run households, plan trips, and handle life’s complexities. Towing is just another capable skill to add to your list. For more inspiration, check out my earlier post The Woman Behind the Wheel.
I’d love to hear how you go. Drop your questions or wins in the comments, or email me at jillie@jilliesblog.com. Which tip are you going to try first?
Disclaimer This post shares my personal experiences and what has worked for me. It is for information only and not professional advice. Always check your vehicle and caravan specifications, follow local regulations (including in Queensland), and consider a towing course if needed. Stay safe out there.
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Keep your children occupied when you are towing. From “The Calm Back Seat Series”
THE BOYS’ BACK-SEAT CAVE: Road-Trip Games, Puzzles & Challenges for Ages 8+Amazon.com.au affiliate link
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