GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #12 | Page 4

RV MAIL LETTERS FROM THE ROAD CHAIN MAIL Interesting photo on page 19 in your online magazine (GoRV #10) where the safety chains between the caravan and tow vehicle are shown as ‘straight’ connection. A recent test by another magazine (I cannot remember which one) proved something that I was taught years ago; that safety chains should be crossed. With the straight connection, if the hitch/ towball should become uncoupled (for whatever reason) the hitch would drop straight down between the chains and dig into the ground resulting in a major problem. With the chains crossed, the hitch would drop down onto the chains and prevent it contacting the ground. Ian Crombie Via email G’day Ian, you’re quite right: the safety chains should be crossed. As for that photo… well, I agree they should be crossed there, too. By the way, the magazine that proved the crossed-chains theory was this one. Check out issue #3 to revisit the experiment. – Ed 4 gorv.com.au A LOAD OF BULL All I can say is what a load of bull in relation to the report that A Current Affair aired. I agree entirely with GoRV (GoRV #11) that we need to stand up for ourselves to counter such negativity. The year before last we covered in excess of 28,000km around this wonderful land and saw very little evidence of the carnage as presented by A Current Affair. The past year saw another 12,000km notched up travelling to and from FNQ. This year will probably see another trip up through the centre of the country. The use of the UHF (CB) radio to communicate with fellow travellers, especially truckies, has made for relatively stress- free travel and road use for us and those we share the highways with. We have always ensured that our van is correctly loaded to ensure the right balance is achieved and that the tow vehicle is more than up to the job. Do we need a special test for drivers towing? After listening to some of those interviewed it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to at least impart some of the basic fundamentals that apply to caravan and camper trailer towing, possibly even before purchasing a van or camper trailer. It's a pity I haven't kept all of my dash cam footage as I'm sure I would have had enough to produce at least two episodes of "Worlds Worst Drivers" or some such, like featuring both car and heavy vehicle antics that we have witnessed on our travels. Keep up the good work. Mike Rhodes Via email If you have an opinion or thought about the RV lifestyle, or about this digital magazine, we’d like to hear it! Email your feedback to [email protected]