You’ve become familiar with your Euro Caravan / Camper. You know where everything is, you’ve kept your caravan well maintained, and you’re ready to pack for your on-road adventure. Here is a pre-safety checklist to use as a guide of the key items you need to take care of before hitting the road.
Towing vehicle
- Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy. If you haven’t had your vehicle serviced lately, getting a service done before a big trip is advisable. The last thing you need is to breakdown in outback Australia.
- Check your vehicle is suitable to tow the caravan. Make sure you know your towing limits & check your ball weight with the Proseries Ball Weight Scales.
- Ensure your tyres are inflated to the correct level, including your spare tyre. Check what the recommended tyre pressure is for your vehicle when towing.
Outside the caravan
Check that:
- The coupling is secured to your tow vehicle.
- The safety chains are in good condition and properly secured to both drawbar and tow vehicle.
- Brake Away cables (if fitted) are connected from your van to the designated anchor point on your tow vehicle.
- The handbrake engages and releases cleanly (and remains released before you set off).
- The towbar wiring insulation is in good shape and that the plug and socket are free from dirt before connecting.
- Any additional power supply plugs between the tow vehicle and your van are clean and connected.
- The lights work (brakes, indicators, reverse, parking lights, side lights, and number plate). You’ll need a second person to help with this.
- The tyres on your caravan are in good condition and pumped to correct pressure.
- All wheel nuts present and tightened.
- The battery is in good condition and charging.
- The brakes engage and release (run it around the block before leaving).
- Your jockey wheel is there, either raised and secured or stowed away.
- Your spare tyre is there and pumped up.
- Your caravan’s corner stabilisers work and are fully raised.
- The water tank is full.
- The gas bottles are full, turned off and secured.
- Any other tools, accessories, awnings and aerials are secured.
- The 240V mains is disconnected.
Inside the caravan
Check that:
- Secure everything that can break, cause damage or make a mess.
- The fire extinguisher is present, in good condition and has not expired.
- The fridge door is securely closed.
- Cupboards, drawers and doors are closed and secured.
- The items stored inside your caravan does not exceed the maximum recommended weight.
- Any open windows are closed in case you hit rain or dust.
- Both 240V and 12V electrics work.
- The gas and electrics are turned off.
- Interior lights work.
- You have spare light bulbs and tubes.
- Water pumps and drains are clear and flow freely.
- The toilet operates.
- The toilet cassette is emptied.
- You have toilet chemicals.
- Make sure you pack a toolbox with tools for the car and caravan. Also include:
– Jack
– Wheel brace
– Wheel chocks
– Tyre blocks
– Jack plate
Safety first We know that there’s a lot to think of before hitting the open road, so use our caravan safety checklist to ensure that you and everyone else with you stays safe and happy.