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Caravanning Checklist

Get your van road-ready before you tow

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Documents & Admin

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Tow Vehicle Check

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Hitch & Connection

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Caravan Interior

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Water & Gas

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Power & Electrical

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Caravan Exterior

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Safety & Emergency

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Navigation & Electronics

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Towing a caravan adds a whole layer of preparation on top of a regular road trip. Getting your van road-ready isn't just about comfort — it's about safety. An unsecured awning, an empty gas bottle, or a dodgy electrical connection can turn a dream trip into a nightmare. Work through this checklist methodically and you'll tow with confidence every time you head out.

Documents & Admin

Caravanning paperwork goes beyond a standard road trip. You'll need registration for both the vehicle and the van, plus insurance that specifically covers caravan towing and contents. Check that your roadside assistance covers towing — many basic memberships don't. If you're running gas appliances, keep your gas compliance certificate current.

Tow Vehicle Check

Your tow vehicle works harder when pulling a van. Check oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid before every trip. Tyre pressures should be set to the loaded towing specification, not the standard cold pressure. Make sure your towing mirrors give you clear visibility past the caravan on both sides.

Hitch & Connection

The hitch is the most critical safety point of your setup. Coupling must be locked with the safety clip in place, chains crossed underneath, and the breakaway cable attached. Test every light — indicators, brakes, running lights — before you move. Check your electric brake controller by pressing the manual override. A few minutes here prevents serious problems on the road.

Caravan Interior

Everything inside the van needs to be secured for travel. Latch all cupboards, stow loose items, and make sure the fridge is locked into position and running on 12V. Close all blinds and hatches. Test your smoke alarm and CO detector — they're not just for show, especially when running gas appliances in enclosed spaces.

Water & Gas

Fill your fresh water tank and empty the grey water before leaving. Check the water pump runs and the hot water system fires up. Gas bottles should be full but with taps turned off during travel. If you're heading to remote areas, carry extra water in jerry cans — you can never have too much water in the Australian outback.

Power & Electrical

Pack your 240V extension lead and check your solar panels are clean and unobstructed. Confirm your house battery is holding charge and the inverter is working if you have one. Being power-independent means more freedom to stay in unpowered sites and free camps.

Caravan Exterior

Walk around the van before you move. Awning rolled in tight and secured? Step retracted? Aerial lowered? External taps off? Number plate visible? Check caravan tyre pressures against the sidewall specification and make sure your wheel bearings have been greased within the recommended interval. A stone guard saves your van's front from gravel roads.

Safety & Emergency

Carry a fire extinguisher that's in date and a fire blanket near the stove. Levelling ramps and wheel chocks are essential — you'll use them at almost every site. A basic tool kit, tyre repair kit, and torch round out the safety essentials. If your van has a spare, check it's inflated.

Navigation & Electronics

Offline maps are essential — WikiCamps and CamperMate are popular with caravanners for finding sites and dump points. A UHF radio is worth having, especially on single-lane highways and when overtaking road trains. Channel 40 is standard for highway use.