Pre-Trip Caravan Checks and Loading Tips

In this instalment of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia's Total Towing Setups road safety video series, the focus shifts to getting ready five or six weeks before a trip.

Best practice starts with having the car and caravan weighed fully loaded, with passengers, fuel, luggage, accessories and full water tanks all on board, so the reading is accurate. Loading heavy items low and over the axles helps keep the caravan stable, since too much weight at the front increases tow ball weight and too much at the rear can cause dangerous sway.

Checking tyre tread and condition, and booking a full service with an authorised repair agent to check wheel bearings, fastenings, gas and water plumbing, rounds out the pre-trip preparation. On departure morning, a final walk-around covers mirrors, coupling, safety chains, electrical leads, the handbrake, jockey wheel, closed hatches and windows, a secured pop-top if fitted, and anything loaded on the rear, so the trip starts safely and without surprises.