Caravan travel tips to keep you & your home-on-wheels safe & secure
Are you a caravan owner looking for hints and tips to ensure the safety of yourself, your family, and your tow rig with essential equipment during long journeys? Are you wondering what steps you can take to ensure that your home away from home remains secure when not in use?
Look no further - our blog post covers 7 top caravan travel tips so that any journey can be smooth sailing. Explore the latest advice related to insurance, travel and camping as well as helpful hints and suggestions on how best to keep the caravan safe before and during your travels, all specifically tailored with caravanners in mind.
- Research the area you will be travelling through for safety and road conditions
- Check your brakes, tyres and tow hitch of the caravan and tow tug before setting off
- Have a set of checklists handy as a reminder before departure
- Have a plan for where you will stay and how long you'll be there for – make sure to book in advance if possible
- Make sure to secure all windows, doors and hatches with good locks when staying in any location overnight
- Don’t forget to bring basic supplies such as water, food and spare parts in case of emergency
- Ensure your caravan is properly insured before starting your trip
Research the area you will be travelling through for safety and road conditions
Before embarking on any caravan travel, it's crucial to research the area you'll be travelling through for safety and road conditions. A bit of preparation can go a long way in ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.
By researching ahead of time, you'll be aware of any potential risks or hazards and can plan accordingly. Traffic and weather patterns, popular routes, and potential rest stops should all be taken into consideration when planning your trip.
Additionally, caravan safety must remain a top priority. This might mean travelling at a slower speed than you might like but it makes the trip much more safe and pleasant for you and your loved ones. It’s sensible to keep in mind that you probably have a couple of tonnes or more following you very closely. This makes the journey as enjoyable as the destination, much like a moving picture show.
With proper planning and preparation, you can set out on your caravan journey with a sense of excitement, expectation, confidence and peace of mind.
Check your brakes, tyres and tow hitch and tow tug before setting off
As the saying goes, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" and this couldn't be more true when it comes to ensuring your caravan is road trip ready. Before setting off on your next adventure, it's essential to check your brakes, tyres, caravan tow hitch, tow tug and other crucial parts of your caravan.
A thorough caravan service in Bundaberg can help you identify any potential issues and ensure everything is in working order. Not only does this give you peace of mind, but it also helps prevent any unexpected breakdowns or mishaps on the road. So, take the time to invest in your safety and the longevity of your caravan by booking a service before hitting the open road. Doing a walk around during stops on your journey is also a good habit to get into.
Have a set of checklists handy as a reminder before departure
Checklists might seem a bit over the top but when you discover in your mirrors that your awning is flapping about unsecured or your step is hanging down still, then the use of the checklists will make a lot of sense.
There are some really comprehensive ones available and getting them laminated allows you to tick off the items with a whiteboard pen and erase them so that you can reuse them next trip. It is worthwhile having one for externals, internals and running gear on the hitch.
Have a plan for where you will stay, how long & make your booking
When travelling by caravan, it’s easy to think there are lots of caravan parks with free spots available. But this can catch you out - especially if you haven’t kept track of school holidays.
So before hitting the road, make sure you have a plan of where you will stay and how long you'll be there. Check the school holidays for that state and others close by. It is highly recommended to book in advance if possible, as caravan parks and campsites can fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Having your accommodation sorted out beforehand will give you peace of mind and allow you to fully enjoy your holiday without the stress of finding a last-minute place to stay. So, whether you're travelling solo, with family or friends, ensure your caravan accommodation is secured ahead of time for a smooth and relaxing trip.
There will be times when you may find that you cannot be at the destination as per your plan. This is when your van's free camping facilities come into their own. Free camping is just an amazing experience in caravan travel and can often end up being a point of connection with fellow travellers. We recommend getting the Free Camping Australia book which aids your choices around where good free camps are along your journey.
Make sure to secure all windows, doors and hatches with good locks
When it comes to caravanning security, making sure you secure all windows, doors and hatches with good locks is an absolute must. Whether you're parked in a secluded spot or staying at a busy campsite, taking care to secure your caravan properly can give you peace of mind and help keep your belongings safe.
Quite often being observant about who’s about and just the general gut feel for the site can be a good indicator as to whether to stay or move on. Some ideas of how to go about making your camp secure are:
- Using wheel clamps and hitch locks on your van
- Cable locks on your solar panels or bicycles and other outside accessories
- Installing a caravan security alarm and caravan tracker linked by an app to your phone
- Motion sensor alarms, cameras or solar security lights on your awning
- Hitch locks and engine immobiliser on your tow vehicle
- Keeping valuables well out of sight
While it may seem like a hassle at first, taking the time to lock up properly each night could save you a huge headache in the long run. Whether you're cooking dinner, playing games or just relaxing inside your caravan, knowing you've taken steps to secure both of your vehicles can help you truly switch off and enjoy your time away. For many of these items, your caravan service Bundaberg can help you sort out the best fit for your rig.
Remember to bring basic supplies in case of emergency
Exploring the great outdoors in Australia can be an unforgettable experience. However, it's always wise to be prepared for any emergency. Don't forget to pack some basic supplies that can sustain you in case things go wrong.
Water and food are crucial so fill up the tanks on your van and keep them topped up during your travels. You may also want to keep some emergency food rations in your rig. Batteries, torches, first aid kits, insect repellant, hats and sunscreen can also come in handy when you need them.
Bringing these supplies will not only give you peace of mind but also ensure that you're ready to tackle any situation that may arise. A number of useful spare parts can save you anguish on the road too, so ask your caravan service Bundaberg team what spares you might be wise to carry.
Ensure your caravan is properly insured before starting your trip
Caravanning is a fun and exciting way to travel and explore new places, but before you hit the road, it's important to ensure that your caravan is properly covered by insurance. This means having a realistic look at its replacement value so that you're not underinsured.
Accidents can happen, even to the most experienced drivers. Without adequate insurance, you could be left with hefty repair bills or even total loss of your beloved caravan. By investing in adequate caravan insurance, you can rest assured that you are protected financially in case of accidents, theft, or damage.
So, before starting your next caravan adventure, make sure your insurance policy is up to date, your premium is paid up and provides the coverage you need. This means having a good read of the conditions prior to paying the annual premium as some insurance companies are notorious for changing the goalposts on a whim.
Summing up your caravan travel tips
In conclusion, caravanning can have a great number of advantages such as driving to your desired destination, having enjoyed the whole journey, plus having the ability to take all the comforts of home with you. But it is important to do plenty of research on the area you will be travelling into and make sure that your vehicle and caravan are well maintained.
Taking some general safety measures such as making sure all windows and doors are securely locked overnight, carrying basic supplies in case of emergency, and having your caravan insured during your journey can help make for a fantastic and memorable trip! So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next caravanning adventure today! If you need any specialized services or maintenance before setting off on the road, look no further than caravan service Bundaberg – they provide reliable assistance and guarantee quality results.
Happy Caravanning!