Caravan Checklist

Car

Check that all your mirrors are firmly secured and you can see appropriately out of them
Check that you have appropriate tension in your fan belt and that its condition is still good
Check you have enough water/coolant in the engine and that you have an adequate amount of brake fluid
Check your oil levels in both the engine and transmission
Ensure you have a full tank of fuel
Ensure your tyre pressure is good, don’t forget to check the spare tyre as well
Get someone to stand outside while you press the brake pedal and switch on the various lights, ensure that all are working
If your 4WD has airbags fitted, ensure that they are inflated
Look at the condition of the various hoses in your engine, are they still ok?
Make sure you have placed an insect screen in front of the radiator if required

Caravan

Check that all the windows and any hatches are closed
Check that there is a fire extinguisher fitted
Check that your gas bottle is securely fitted and your water tank has been filled recently
Check the wheel nuts of your caravan and the condition of it’s tyres
Ensure that all the cupboards and drawers in the caravan have been closed and any tables secured firmly
Ensure that your brakes have been checked and adjusted if necessary
Make sure that the fridge door is closed and locked, also check that any of the fridge’s contents are sealed
No loose items should be kept on cupboards or shelves within the caravan
You should also have your wheel bearings adjusted
Ensure your Wineguard Antenna is down and SatKing if fitted
Stow away your jockey wheel
Ensure your water pump is turned off
Turn on MaxxFan or CaraFan dust suppression if on dirt roads
Check that your gas appliances have been serviced at least bi-annually

** it is recommended to have a caravan specialist check the caravan before your departure on long trips

BEFORE DEPARTING

Check that all safety chains have been secured
Check that the caravan doors are locked and closed
Check that the steps of the caravan have been raised
Double check that lights are working, both on the vehicle and caravan
Ensure that all tyres have been correctly inflated to the appropriate pressure
Ensure that all wheel chocks have been removed
Ensure that your towing aid has been fitted correctly and safely
Ensure the jockey wheel has been removed or firmly secured
Make sure that all gas has been turned off
Make sure that all jacks have been raised and all safety stands removed
Make sure that the 240V electrical lead has been disconnected

USEFUL SPARES TO HAVE

A spare fan belt
A spare wheel, tyre and tube to suit your caravan
Extra electrical wire
Some extra coolant
Some extra engine oil
Some insulating tape
Spare radiator hoses
Cable ties

GOOD TOOLS TO HAVE

2 x tyre levers
A number of tools that will fit both the vehicle and the caravan
A wheel brace that will work on the wheel nuts of both the car and caravan
Blocks to stabilize the corners when the ground is soft or not level
Caravan levelling wedges
Tyre guage and air compressor for re-inflating after rough terrain
Trail A Mate or suitable jack

GENERAL POINTERS

Ensure that gas lines, appliances, connections and fittings are regularly checked by a professional

Fire extinguishers really are an imperative thing to take on any holiday, always choose one that is big enough to handle a fire, and place it in a location that can be easily accessed especially from the outside.

Please note the above lists are included only as a guide and should not be considered an exhaustive list

Services