On the weekend I was driving my Territory with the van when I was stopped for a "routine caravan safety inspection". Routine? I've been towing vans for a comparatively short time, 6 years, but I've never had this before.
Anyway, I'm not one to argue with the police who in general do a good job. My van is regularly serviced and only recently had the bushes and bearings replaced. I operate safely! Nothing to worry about.
So, the inspection starts.....a quick look at the couplings to see that all is in order, no look under the van....a question as to why I don't have the hub covers on.....because I can't tighten the wheel nuts without taking them off....good one Jayco, plus you can't feel if the bearings are getting hot. No check of the breakaway battery, even though I'd lifted the seat to access it for him. So a pretty slack safety inspection........now to the real reason.....I suspect.
He then proceeded to look in every drawer, cupboard, fridge, nook and cranny of the van. I'm a retired army officer and a medically retired airline captain.......I honestly don't look like a crack dealer. When I asked what he was searching for, he became quite arrogant and borderline aggressive stating that it wasn't a search, it was a safety inspection. After about 15 minutes, he gave up and told me that I was towing illegally! Why? Because a Territory can't tow a van this heavy!
My van has a Tare of 1800 kg. I had minimal equipment, about 50 litres of water in tanks and food and clothes for 1 night for my wife, who was driving up to meet me later, and myself. I estimate an all up weight of 1900 kg, 1950 max! ATM is 2280 kg, car is 2300kg, I weigh 1900 kg......all this I point out! Oh no, he thinks that the Terry is 1500 kg. I point out that I have the Hayman Reese kit, produce my manuals etc.....all to no avail. At this point, along comes a police car with another police officer, this one with more rank, who gets involved. I point all this out.......he agrees! Original policeman gets back on his bike and strops off.....leaving me with sensible policeman. I outlined that I felt that I had been searched under the guise of a safety inspection. He said that a single man towing a caravan was suspicious! Why? Anyway......went on my way and enjoyed the weekend.
I really felt this wasn't on. I've been searched by the quarantine officers at the SA border plenty of times, happy to comply, it's for a good reason. Was he just too lazy to get the proper paperwork? Probably. I have zero points on my licence, that's a miracle, and no criminal record. I have telephoned the police station in the area and received an verbal apology from a Superintendent who said he was concerned and shocked at what I relayed to him and he would look into it. He did also say that they did have issues with drug transportation and that criminals were using caravans......he said I had just been unfortunate to have encountered someone who didn't act correctly. He thanked me for my cooperation and patience etc.
Anyway......just something to be aware of.
Anyway, I'm not one to argue with the police who in general do a good job. My van is regularly serviced and only recently had the bushes and bearings replaced. I operate safely! Nothing to worry about.
So, the inspection starts.....a quick look at the couplings to see that all is in order, no look under the van....a question as to why I don't have the hub covers on.....because I can't tighten the wheel nuts without taking them off....good one Jayco, plus you can't feel if the bearings are getting hot. No check of the breakaway battery, even though I'd lifted the seat to access it for him. So a pretty slack safety inspection........now to the real reason.....I suspect.
He then proceeded to look in every drawer, cupboard, fridge, nook and cranny of the van. I'm a retired army officer and a medically retired airline captain.......I honestly don't look like a crack dealer. When I asked what he was searching for, he became quite arrogant and borderline aggressive stating that it wasn't a search, it was a safety inspection. After about 15 minutes, he gave up and told me that I was towing illegally! Why? Because a Territory can't tow a van this heavy!
My van has a Tare of 1800 kg. I had minimal equipment, about 50 litres of water in tanks and food and clothes for 1 night for my wife, who was driving up to meet me later, and myself. I estimate an all up weight of 1900 kg, 1950 max! ATM is 2280 kg, car is 2300kg, I weigh 1900 kg......all this I point out! Oh no, he thinks that the Terry is 1500 kg. I point out that I have the Hayman Reese kit, produce my manuals etc.....all to no avail. At this point, along comes a police car with another police officer, this one with more rank, who gets involved. I point all this out.......he agrees! Original policeman gets back on his bike and strops off.....leaving me with sensible policeman. I outlined that I felt that I had been searched under the guise of a safety inspection. He said that a single man towing a caravan was suspicious! Why? Anyway......went on my way and enjoyed the weekend.
I really felt this wasn't on. I've been searched by the quarantine officers at the SA border plenty of times, happy to comply, it's for a good reason. Was he just too lazy to get the proper paperwork? Probably. I have zero points on my licence, that's a miracle, and no criminal record. I have telephoned the police station in the area and received an verbal apology from a Superintendent who said he was concerned and shocked at what I relayed to him and he would look into it. He did also say that they did have issues with drug transportation and that criminals were using caravans......he said I had just been unfortunate to have encountered someone who didn't act correctly. He thanked me for my cooperation and patience etc.
Anyway......just something to be aware of.
