BEFORE TRIP

• Check oil, water, brake fluid, the battery and tyre pressure etc.
• Check to ensure that the trailer brake and light connections are secure and that all lights work.
• Check that the towing lights and number plates of your caravan are visible.
• Ensure that your load is properly secured. Limit the amount of load in the boot of the tow vehicle.
• Ensure that the rear vision mirrors on the tow vehicle are properly adjusted to ensure a clear view of the road to the rear of the vehicle or vehicle combination.
• Ensure that the gas cylinders are properly secured.
• While you are travelling ensure that the gas cylinders are turned off and that the refrigerator door is locked.
• Check that the roll-out awning is stored away and locked in the travel position.
• Remove the jockey wheel from its clamp and store it in the boot of the car or recreational vehicle, or if it is of the swivel mount variety, lock it in the travelling position. 
• Check that the front and rear corner stabilisers are in the up position.
• Ensure that the hand brake of the trailer has been correctly released.
• Check that the roof hatches, windows, doors and stone shields are secure.
• Check that the 240V electrical cord has been disconnected and stored away.
• Check that the TV antenna is in the travel position.

DURING TRIP

• Check that the coupling and chains are still securely fastened.
• Check that the brakes and wheel bearings are not overheating, by comparing to your car brakes.
• Check that THE light connections are still secure and that all lights are working.
• Check that the tyres are still sufficiently inflated.
• Check that the load is still secure.
• Check that the roll-out awning is properly locked in the travel position.

OUTSIDE THE CARAVAN

Move the caravan out of storage and give the outside a good wash/clean. Leave enough room to walk around the vehicle and check for any obvious abnormalities such as damage, rust, mould, dirt build-up or even insects nests. You don’t want a wasp nest or some other nasty to go unnoticed!

Check the working condition of the following:

• Handbrake
•  Safety chains (D shackles)
• Coupling
• Jockey wheel
• Breakaway cables
• Towbar wiring
• All plugs: connections between your van and tow vehicle are clean and connect properly, including any additional safety devices that have been installed such as ESC or electric brake controller.
• Check all other plugs or sockets including power, external TV etc.
• Condition and pressure tyres (including the spare)
• Wheel nuts
• Battery
• Corner stabilisers

Connect to the tow vehicle and check that all your lights are in good working order: indicators, brakes, parking, reverse, sidelights and also number plate.  Take it for a test drive around the block to ensure the brakes are adjusted and working effectively. It’s a good idea to flush out the water tanks and check to see there is no mould growing in there.

INSIDE THE CARAVAN

Give the caravan a good internal clean and spend time ensuring that everything inside the van is in good working order. Ensure that all moving parts are lubricated and operate with ease. Check for any pest infestations and any mould. You don’t want to arrive at your destination only to find that the cooktop or lights are not working.

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.

If tyres are worn to the legal minimum tread depth, they must be replaced regardless of age. Remember to keep a spare that is the same, and gets replaced at the same time as the other tyres.

Tyres must have a sufficient load-rating and speed-rating for towing as specified on the trailer plate, and must have the correct tyre pressure to suit the load being carried. Tyre pressure maintenance is important; as properly inflated tyres will give you the best economy, safety and performance from your towing vehicle and caravan. Under inflated tyres can lead to the tyre walls becoming overheated and blowing out. Over inflation can cause severe vibration and stress to your caravan.

Regular maintenance of your vehicle and trailer is essential for safe towing. Have them checked regularly to ensure they are in a safe and roadworthy condition.

The trailer’s wheel bearings, suspension and brakes must all be in good working order and tyres must be properly inflated. It is a good idea to take some of the mass off your trailer’s springs and tyres if it is going to be stationary for an extended period of time.

Gas cylinders and LPG regulators should also be checked regularly by a qualified person. For example, if left out in the open, your regulator may have been affected by water. If this is the case, it needs to be drained and cleaned thoroughly to prevent corrosion, which will prevent it from working properly.

Check that all hoses and pipes are securely connected and also check the date stamp on your gas cylinders, which must be regularly checked for service life expiry at a certified gas cylinder testing station. It is illegal to fill gas cylinders which are beyond their service life.