Tips for Safe Caravanning
Caravans Coffs Coast would like to share with you some of the hints
& tips we find so useful with your caravanning lifestyle.
Safety First- Always have a Brake and Bearing service and safety check at least once a year or before any big trip.
Weight Distribution is most important - Safely load your caravan with heavy gear above the axle and 60% of weight distributed in front of the axle A common cause of swaying on a caravan/car combo is normally due to poor weight distribution.
Tow hitch correctly attached, weight distribution hitch setup and attached properly. DO35 hitch - important to fit the dust cap to make sure the hitch is locked on properley.
Safety chains attached and crossed over. Note: use appropriate weight rated D shackles for your safety chains.
Stabilizer legs wound into up position (spray winders with an appropriate lubricant before each trip, shall wind alot easier)
Caravan handbrake off and wheel chocks removed.
Carry out rear light check & Electric brake controller is connected & working properly? Use the overide button on all brake controllers to check brakes are working - do not tow if brakes are not coming on.
All equipment securely stowed inside van and in the boot.
Cupboard doors and drawers closed & latched properly
Rollout Awning correctly rolled up and secured.
Water hose, power lead and sullage hose disconnected & stowed away.
All windows & roof hatches closed and locked. Leave the blinds / flyscreens open to travel, will stay secure and less likely to become loose over time.
Front window stone shield closed and secured.
TV antenna wound down, folded down or removed.
Walk around van and visually check everything one last time. Also check for equipment you may have left behind.
Caravan door locked, access hatches closed properly.
Check tyre pressures on spare as well as tyres on van and wheel nuts.
Make sure all internal 12 Volt lights, water pumps are off while towing
Check gas bottles turned off, never travel with gas on.
Electrical plug connected properly.
Take the van on a short trip prior to taking on a long trip to iron out any problems
Before a long trip have your car and van serviced.
Re direct mail, papers, etc if traveling for long periods
Have a neighbour check on house and surroundings regularly while away
Always test water (ie drink small amount) if water is stale, drain and refill with fresh water
Charge battery and Run Fridge on 240v to get cold for 24hrs before you depart
12v setting on a 3 Way Fridge is only a travel mode to maintain the coldness, Use 240v to get the 3 way fridge cold before you leave on holidays, not with 12v option. note: Whilst free camping with a 3 way fridge, only use on the gas setting. Always drive & tow to the conditions Heading off-road or onto corrugations then reduce speed & deflate tyres to 25psi to suit corrogations, sand and any off road situations.
These tips are handy to refresh your memory once and a while, even if you are a seasoned traveller, enjoy caravanning. Safe Travels Caravanners!
Weight Distribution is most important - Safely load your caravan with heavy gear above the axle and 60% of weight distributed in front of the axle A common cause of swaying on a caravan/car combo is normally due to poor weight distribution.
Tow hitch correctly attached, weight distribution hitch setup and attached properly. DO35 hitch - important to fit the dust cap to make sure the hitch is locked on properley.
Safety chains attached and crossed over. Note: use appropriate weight rated D shackles for your safety chains.
Stabilizer legs wound into up position (spray winders with an appropriate lubricant before each trip, shall wind alot easier)
Caravan handbrake off and wheel chocks removed.
Carry out rear light check & Electric brake controller is connected & working properly? Use the overide button on all brake controllers to check brakes are working - do not tow if brakes are not coming on.
All equipment securely stowed inside van and in the boot.
Cupboard doors and drawers closed & latched properly
Rollout Awning correctly rolled up and secured.
Water hose, power lead and sullage hose disconnected & stowed away.
All windows & roof hatches closed and locked. Leave the blinds / flyscreens open to travel, will stay secure and less likely to become loose over time.
Front window stone shield closed and secured.
TV antenna wound down, folded down or removed.
Walk around van and visually check everything one last time. Also check for equipment you may have left behind.
Caravan door locked, access hatches closed properly.
Check tyre pressures on spare as well as tyres on van and wheel nuts.
Make sure all internal 12 Volt lights, water pumps are off while towing
Check gas bottles turned off, never travel with gas on.
Electrical plug connected properly.
Take the van on a short trip prior to taking on a long trip to iron out any problems
Before a long trip have your car and van serviced.
Re direct mail, papers, etc if traveling for long periods
Have a neighbour check on house and surroundings regularly while away
Always test water (ie drink small amount) if water is stale, drain and refill with fresh water
Charge battery and Run Fridge on 240v to get cold for 24hrs before you depart
12v setting on a 3 Way Fridge is only a travel mode to maintain the coldness, Use 240v to get the 3 way fridge cold before you leave on holidays, not with 12v option. note: Whilst free camping with a 3 way fridge, only use on the gas setting. Always drive & tow to the conditions Heading off-road or onto corrugations then reduce speed & deflate tyres to 25psi to suit corrogations, sand and any off road situations.
These tips are handy to refresh your memory once and a while, even if you are a seasoned traveller, enjoy caravanning. Safe Travels Caravanners!
Cruisemaster Airbag XT & ATX - Setting up your Airbag ride height
Video can’t be displayed
This video is not available.