Most caravan breakdowns are preventable. A pre-departure check that takes 20 minutes can save you a very long day on the side of the road.
Most caravan breakdowns are preventable. A pre-departure check that takes 20 minutes can save you a very long day on the side of the road — or worse. This checklist covers everything you should verify before leaving the driveway.
If you haven't had the van serviced in the past 12 months or 10,000 km, book it in now, not the day before you leave.
Check both are current for your departure date. Registration can be renewed up to three months early.
Confirm your tow vehicle's towing capacity covers your caravan's ATM when fully loaded and your GCM is within limits.
Check pressures cold before driving. Inspect for cuts, cracks, bulging, or uneven wear.
Check all wheel nuts are present and tight. Verify with a torque wrench and check again after first 100 km.
After 20–30 minutes driving, hold hand near (not on) each hub. Warm is normal; hot is a warning.
Test at low speed on a quiet street. You should feel the caravan braking, not free-wheeling.
If van is over 2,000 kg GTM, check battery is charged and cable is connected to tow vehicle chassis.
Test all exterior lights with a second person: brake lights, indicators, reversing light, clearance lights.
Check fully engaged on towball, safety latch down, chains crossed and attached to anchor points.
At every stop, check your coupling is still secure and the safety chains are intact. Feel each hub for heat. If something sounds, feels, or smells different, pull over when it's safe and have a look.
Not sure when your van was last serviced? A full service before a long trip is the best insurance you can buy.