13 Oct
following distance
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Following Distance in Summer Traffic: How Much Gap Do You Really Need When Towing?

Summer roads are busy, hot and unpredictable. Add a caravan, boat or trailer to the back and your stopping distance jumps by a lot. Here’s a simple, no-nonsense guide to picking the right following distance so you stay calm and in control.

The baseline: the 3-second rule (when not towing)

In dry, daylight conditions, leave at least 3 seconds to the vehicle ahead. Pick a fixed point (sign/post), count “one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three.” If you pass the point before you finish counting, you’re too close.

Towing? Make it 4–6 seconds (minimum)

Trailers add weight, length and inertia. For most summer highway driving:

  • Light trailers/box trailers: 4 seconds
  • Boats, campers, small caravans: 5 seconds
  • Large caravans & heavy loads: 6 seconds or more

If traffic is stop-start or speeds are high, add another second. Space is your safety margin (and your sway-recovery buffer).

When to add even more space

Bump your gap by +1–2 seconds if any of these apply:

  • Heat & hills: Brakes get heat-soaked; cooling takes longer.
  • Headwinds or crosswinds: More sway risk.
  • Night or glare: Reduced visibility and slower reaction times.
  • Rain or roadworks: Less grip, sudden stops.
  • Fatigue or full car: Give yourself thinking room.

How to keep your gap (even in holiday traffic)

  • Use cruise wisely: On open highways it helps maintain a steady buffer.
  • Look far ahead: Scan 10–15 seconds up the road to spot brake lights early.
  • Change lanes early: Don’t dive for exits; plan your moves with lots of room.
  • Let tailgaters go: Indicate right briefly to show you’ve seen them, then ease left when safe and let them past.
  • Avoid bunching: If a car cuts in, don’t react with anger—just rebuild your gap.

Braking, gears & sway control

  • Downshift on descents: Use engine braking so your brakes don’t overheat.
  • Trailer brakes: Test your electric brake controller before you roll.
  • Sway events: Ease off the throttle smoothly, don’t slam the brakes. Hold the wheel steady until it settles, then reassess speed and load distribution.

Quick set-up checks before you go

  • Weights right: Stay within GVM, GCM and tow-ball limits.
  • Tyre pressures: Set cold for both car and trailer; re-check at the first stop.
  • Wheel alignment (car) & bearings (trailer): Helps stability and cooling.
  • Lights & safety chains: Confirm connections and function every day.
  • Load balance: Heavy items low and central; avoid tail-heavy packing.

Simple roadside routine (60 seconds at each fuel stop)

  • Walk around: feel hubs (warm is OK, too hot isn’t), check couplings, chains and plugs.
  • Inspect tyres: sidewalls, nails, and a quick pressure/TPMS glance.
  • Rebuild your 4–6+ second gap when you merge back in.

Getting ready to tow a boat, caravan or trailer?

Auto Leaders can help set you up for a safer summer drive:

  • Pre-Trip Vehicle Servicing & Safety Checks – fluids, cooling, battery, brakes
  • Brake Service & Tow-Brake Testing – confident stops with a load
  • Towing Set-Up Advice – weights, hitch checks, and road-trip tips

Book your service online or call us on 1800 888 618