Is It Legal to Carry Petrol on the Back of a Caravan?

A month ago CHECK WEIGHT  posted on our Facebook Page a photo of an overloaded caravan with 6 jerry cans on the back – 3 diesel – 3 petrol. Apart from being a bad idea putting that much weight on the back of the caravan – a discussion (maybe argument?) followed about the legalities of putting petrol on the back of a caravan (and / or vehicle.)

I’ve always had the belief that it was illegal.

However, I was challenged by a few people to prove it – so hears the results.   It’s a definite YES  (or maybe NO) !

Let me explain.

Is It Legal to Carry Petrol on the Back of a Caravan?

It’s a common sight around caravan parks and campgrounds across Australia — jerry cans mounted on the rear bumper or spare wheel carrier of a caravan.

But is it legal?

The answer is not always straightforward, and more importantly, there are several safety and weight considerations that caravan owners should understand before carrying fuel on the rear of their van.

 

The Weight Issue Most Travellers Miss

At CHECK WEIGHT, we regularly see caravans that are already operating close to their legal axle and ATM limits before additional accessories are fitted.

When you add petrol to the very rear of a caravan, you’re not simply adding the weight of the fuel.

You’re also creating leverage.

A 20-litre jerry can filled with petrol weighs approximately 15–18kg depending on the container and fuel level. Mounted behind the axle, that weight can have a much greater effect on caravan balance and tow ball weight than many owners realise.

Two jerry cans on the rear of a caravan can reduce tow ball weight significantly, potentially affecting towing stability.

Safety Concerns

Petrol is classified as a flammable liquid and should always be transported in approved fuel containers.

While carrying petrol is generally permitted when done correctly, problems can arise if:

• Containers are not approved for fuel transport.
• Mounting systems are poorly designed.
• Containers are exposed to impact damage.
• Fuel containers leak or become damaged on rough roads.

The rear of a caravan can experience significant vibration and movement, particularly on regional roads and gravel tracks.

What About the Law?

Australian regulations generally allow the transport of small quantities of fuel for personal use when carried in approved containers.

However, state road authorities and vehicle regulations focus heavily on vehicle safety and compliance.

When transporting petrol for personal use, it must be carried in approved containers that comply with the relevant Australian Standards and be securely restrained during transport. The NSW EPA notes that individuals may carry up to 250 litres (not talking caravans here) of dangerous goods for personal use, subject to the applicable requirements.

The Australian Dangerous Goods Code also requires dangerous goods to be transported in suitable packaging designed for the product being carried. Approved fuel containers are required to meet stringent testing requirements for leakage, pressure and impact resistance

So can the police fine me just because I have a jerry can on the back of my caravan?

The answer is:

Maybe not. But they can fine or defect you if the container, mounting system, restraint method, or resulting vehicle weights don’t comply with the law.”

We have not found any specific NSW law that bans carrying petrol on the rear of a caravan.

However, the rear of a caravan is generally regarded as a high-impact area in a rear-end collision.

However, the relevant laws and standards require that:

• Petrol is carried in an approved container.
• The container is properly secured.
• The load does not create a danger to any person or property.  (and that’s the kicker)
• The vehicle remains roadworthy and compliant.

The issue with an “impact zone” is usually one of safety and roadworthiness, rather than a specific dangerous goods offence.

For example, if a jerry can is mounted on the rear bumper or spare wheel carrier of a caravan and a police officer considers that:

• it is inadequately protected,
• likely to rupture in a collision,
• poorly secured, or
• presents an unreasonable risk,

then a defect notice or roadworthiness action may be possible under general vehicle safety provisions.

Then you would have to fight it in court and proving that it was safe, maybe harder than you think.

So, in summary – maybe you can – but probably you shouldn’t!

The other issue is if you were involved in an accident – where someone rear ended you, and the petrol caused a fire – then it would be deemed unsafe and you would be responsible, and possibly lose your insurance. At CHECK WEIGHT we are all about minimising risk – so not putting petrol on the back of your caravan is our recommendation.

The Hidden Problem

Many caravan owners install:

• Bike racks
• Storage boxes
• Jerry can holders
• Spare wheels

all on the rear of the van.

Individually these items may seem insignificant.

Combined, they can add well over 100kg behind the axle group.

This can dramatically alter weight distribution and handling characteristics.

The CHECK WEIGHT Recommendation

Before mounting petrol containers on the rear of your caravan:

• Confirm the mounting system is suitable.
• Use approved fuel containers only.
• Understand how the added weight affects your tow ball mass. (CHECK WEIGHT spends alot of time explaining this during our weigh consultations)
• Have the complete vehicle and caravan combination professionally weighed.

Every kilogram added to a caravan affects the overall weight equation.

The safest approach is to understand exactly where your weights sit before heading off on your next trip.

At CHECK WEIGHT, we’ve seen many combinations that remain under their ATM but exceed axle limits or suffer from low tow ball weight due to accessories mounted on the rear of the caravan.

Knowing your actual weights can make the difference between a safe, compliant setup and one that may be unstable or overweight on the road.

Before loading up for your next adventure, make sure you’re working with facts — not assumptions.

So in summary – we recommend to NOT put petrol on the back of your caravan!