How To Drive Safely in Wet Weather

As the saying goes, when it rains it pours. And when you’re towing a caravan, that’s when it’s time to stay extra sharp behind the wheel. 

Wet roads can turn even the smoothest drive into a bit of an obstacle course, but with the right game plan, you can breeze through it safely. 

So, let’s talk about what you need to keep in mind when driving in wet weather with your caravan—how to maintain traction, stop smoothly, stay visible and tackle those caravan-specific challenges. 

And we’re bringing in tips from the Wheatland Wanderers, Wonderland’s seasoned travellers, to help you stay safe and ready for adventure!

Start with a quick weather check

First things first, before you even leave the driveway, check the weather conditions. Your phone is your best friend here. A quick scroll through your weather app or road alerts can give you a solid heads-up on what’s coming, so there are no nasty surprises waiting down the highway.

When driving in wet weather through regional areas, conditions can change fast, so keeping an eye on your surroundings during your trip is key. 

Our friends, the Wheatland Wanderers, are pros at planning ahead. They always check the forecast and road conditions before heading out. As they put it, ‘In the outback, roads can become impassable after just a bit of rain, and it’s not worth risking your caravan.’

Slow down and give yourself some breathing room

When the road’s wet from heavy rainfall, your tyres lose their stickiness. Think of it like trying to sprint on a soapy floor. A slower speed gives you more time to react to obstacles or sudden changes in the road.

The Wheatland Wanderers swear by the 4-5 second rule when towing their Wonderland. Giving yourself 4 – 5 seconds’ worth of space behind the car in front means you’ve got time to react and stop safely, which is super important when you’re hauling a heavy van and those stopping distances can stretch out.

Take it easy on the brakes and corners

In the rain, sudden stops or sharp turns can send you into a spin—literally! Hydroplaning happens when your tyres lose grip because of water pooling under them, and trust us, it’s not the kind of adventure you want.

The Wheatland Wanderers know this all too well. ‘We rely on the truck’s exhaust brake to slow us down smoothly,’ they share. This little trick works wonders, especially on downhill stretches, easing the load on both the truck and caravan’s brakes. 

They also tweak the brake controller on the caravan, ensuring both brakes work in harmony. This extra step helps them stay in control, even when the roads are slick, and it’s a great way to avoid trouble when driving in wet weather.

Light up the road to make sure you’re seen

Wet roads make it tricky to see, but there’s an easy fix: flip on your headlights, even if the sun’s still out. It’s a simple yet effective way to make sure other drivers can see you clearly on the road. 

Don’t forget to check all your lights before you go as well—especially the caravan ones. It’s a small thing that can make a big difference in the wet.

Here’s a handy tip: ‘We treat our mirrors and windscreen with anti-fog spray. It keeps the fog away and helps us see clearly, even when it’s rainy and humid!’

Watch out for puddles and flooded roads

Sure, those road-side puddles always look mighty tempting, especially after a long, dusty drive, but driving through them isn’t worth the risk. Just 60 cm of moving water can sweep away a fully loaded 4WD towing a caravan! 

Even shallow puddles can hide all sorts of nasty surprises like potholes or logs. If you’re not sure it’s safe, it probably isn’t. Find another route. Your adventure’s not going anywhere, but your rig might if you take the risk.

Go easy on the pedals

When it’s wet out, smooth moves are the name of the game. Slam the accelerator or stomp the brakes, and you’re basically inviting your tyres to lose grip. 

Instead, ease into everything. This means gradual acceleration, gentle braking, and no sudden surprises. The smoother your inputs, the more control you’ll have.

To keep things steady on the road, our trusty travel buddies the Wheatland Wanderers suggest shifting into lower gears on downhill runs. It takes the pressure off your brakes and helps you stay in control. 

They also make sure their caravan’s brake controller is properly adjusted, so the van and tow vehicle slow down together. No jolts, no jerks, and definitely no jack-knifing!

Give your tyres proper attention

Rainy roads? Slippery tracks? It all starts with the rubber. The Wheatland Wanderers advice is to: ‘check your tyres before every trip’. That means pressure, condition, and yep—tread depth. Low tread = low grip, and that’s not something you want when you’re towing a big van through wet country roads.

That’s why they’re big fans of, and recommend, all-terrain tyres. They offer better traction and more control—a perfect match for those slippery, unpredictable roads.

And when they’re gearing up for off-road or wet conditions, they tweak the tyre pressure for even better grip. A quick check could save you a whole lot of drama.

Pull over if conditions get dangerous

When the weather turns wild, sometimes the smartest move is to pull over and give it a minute. If the rain’s coming down too hard or the roads are too slippery, find a safe spot to stop and wait it out. A visible area, away from water channels, is your best bet.

A little nugget of wisdom: ‘Letting someone know where you are and why you’re taking a break can be a lifesaver if things take a turn for the worse.’

Tackle the road with confidence, no matter the weather!

When it comes to tackling the wet stuff, a well-equipped caravan is your ultimate companion. Wonderland RV can help you build the perfect ride, with custom features designed for safety, comfort and control in any conditions.

So, if you’re ready to take on the elements and get your caravan adventure-ready, head on over to our custom options and let us help you hit the road with total peace of mind.

No weather’s too wild for your next journey—let’s get you started!