We’re always hearing about how to make your camping trip more lavish and comfortable, but sometimes we tend to brush over some of the not-so-glamorous stuff.
Here are some important safety aspects you should keep in mind before you hit the road with your caravan:
First and foremost, it’s essential to ensure your vehicle is capable of towing your caravan/campervan.
There are lots of considerations to take in mind before you head off.
Familiarise yourself with some safe towing practices and laws before your trip.
You can download our free towing guide here.
Make sure that the weight of your caravan is evenly distributed to avoid any unbalanced towing.
It improves your stability, and simply just makes for a better trip.
Always be conscious of the regulations and laws in the state you’re travelling to.
Check out the Tow-Ed caravan weighing service here.
Simple, but totally essential- make sure you’ve checked your tyre pressure and condition before your trip.
It is vital that your tyres are in good condition.
Tyres can deteriorate just as much when a vehicle stands for long periods, as when it is being used. As tyres age, the surface rubber can crack and rubber compounds can deteriorate.
Ensure you’ve got a spare tyre with you in case of any emergencies. You simply never know when you’ll need a spare!
For more information, click here.
Check that your caravan/campervan has working brakes.
All brakes must be operable from the driver’s seat of the tow vehicle except for over-ride brakes.
The minimum braking system required for a trailer or caravan depends on its type and weight, as well as the weight of the tow vehicle.
Check your towing capacity here.
Ensure your brakes are functioning properly or make certain you’ve installed a solid braking system if required.
Make sure your hitch is securely attached to your towing vehicle, and that your locking mechanism is engaged and in working nick.
Always align the vehicle tow ball under the coupling, have some safety chains on hand and have it connected to your electricals.
You can check out our Road Safety Series on how to hitch your vehicle here.
Make sure your electrical systems in both your towing vehicle and caravan/campervan are in working order.
It’s always best to have your car serviced beforehand to ensure all electrical connections are secure.
You need to treat your caravan the same way you would treat your home.
Make sure you have smoke detecters installed and proper fire safety equipment in the van.
Whether it’s an extinguisheer or a fire-blanket, you need something for those unexpected emergencies.
As they always say- you’re better safe than sorry.
Always think ahead and plan for any potential emergencies you might find yourself in, no matter how unlikely and pack a first aid kit!
You never know, it may just save you a whole lot of trouble!
Double-check your insurance isn’t about to expire or will expire during your trip and be ready to renew.
If your van has broken down, you’ve gotten ill or find the van has been broken into- you could find yourself in a very sticky situation without being insured.
You can check out the Let’s Go Caravan Insurance here.
Last, but certainly not least:
Ensure that any gas appliances are in good working order and that they are properly ventilated.
ALWAYS double check any installed gas appliances have been positioned properly and safely.
Make sure all gas appliances have been turned off and stored/restrained appropriately.
We recommend that your caravan is regularly serviced by a professional and that a licensed professional is contracted to handle any gas-related issues, including maintenance, installs, replacements etc.
Recent Post:
Categories:
Tags:
Key Industry Partners
One of the things I find with advice on is hitching up or unhitching. There is never any safety tips for the inexperienced on unhitching, particularly when you back into a tight spot and the tow vehicle is a little jack knifed and instances which are not very level. This concern is mainly for 4 wheeled caravans.
When attaching the weight distribution hitch, always make sure you count of the chain links down to the required link (I always use No.6), and make sure the other links are hanging down and not interfering with the one about to be attached. I always wear a pair of riggers gloves or equivalent when fitting my WDH system. Lastly concentrate when lifting the mechanism up to lock it in place, one slip can cause a nasty injury.