Guide to Component Type Approvals
What is a CTA? Understanding and complying with road vehicle standards is important for your safety and the safety of all Australians.
Stephen Wotherspoon Jun 8, 2026 0
TECHNICAL HUB
News & Articles about Trailers, Campers & Caravans
If you are towing a boat trailer, caravan, camper trailer, box trailer or heavy vehicle trailer you can find articles here that will help you install, operate and maintain the quality trailer and caravan parts that Couplemate manufactures. Got more questions? Give our expert team a call on 07 3348 3822.
Caravan & Camper Upgrade Tips
Caravan Axle Upgrades start with the Wheel Offset. When upgrading your current caravan wheels, first measure your wheel offset. Place the wheel on the ground, face down and put a straight edge across the tyre. In the case below, the wheel offset is 8 inches (200mm)....
Understanding Galvanised Steel Strength
Boat owners and fishing enthusiasts love galvanised trailer gear—for good reason. Compared to bare or black steel, hot dip galvanised steel is known to take longer to rust in highly corrosive environments (like saltwater). However, some Australians are concerned that...
Caravanning in 2026: Our Biggest Tips for First-Time Australian Caravanners
So you've bought a caravan... Or you're thinking of buying one. In today's world, it's easy to turn to social media for advice. Some advice can be helpful, and some can be incorrect, outdated, and dangerous. On top of this, no matter how long someone's been...
All Truckers Need to Know This Safety Term: What “D-Value” Actually Means
Whether you're towing a caravan, trailer, or camper, knowing your vehicle's weight limits is key to towing safely, legally, and with confidence. One weight you must know is your D-value. Here is a simple guide to what the D-value is and how to ensure you are not...
FAQ: Busting Electric Caravan Brake Myths
Electric caravan brakes are a commonly-used brake setup. So below, I will bust some common electric caravan brake myths. Because even auto electricians get it wrong sometimes. This article is part of the Couplemate™ Frequently Asked Questions Technical Hub unit....
Voltage Loss: Is your braking setup less efficient than it could be?
A customer turned up today and asked for a large, extinct Dexter Oval Magnet because he believes it works better than the smaller brake magnets that are plentiful everywhere. Penny, our social media guru, served the customer who showed him a magnet from our website....
How to Easily Install Weld Rings in 2026
How Do You Install Weld Rings on an Axle? This is a critical step. Weld rings that are mounted incorrectly will result in consistent braking issues. Refer the job to a qualified boilermaker if required.
Technical Guide to Convert Electric Drum Brakes
This is a general guide for converting an existing, unbraked axle into an electrically braked axle with hub drums. Installation procedures contained herein are to be completed by a suitably qualified person/s. Caravan and trailer braking requirements are covered in...
Top Towing Problems: Broken Couplings & Jack Knife Trailers
Broken ring couplings and pintle hooks are often the result of a trailer jack knife incident. Jackknifing often occurs while reversing and causes severe damage to your trailer drawbar, its coupling, and your tow vehicle. This article is part of the Couplemate™ Towing...