Caravan, RV’s & Tow Vehicle Checklist

Before you leave home for a great touring holiday, use this checklist as a guide so you have a safe and pleasant journey. Always check your vehicles, caravans or RV's service manual for a more detailed checklist, instructions & tips specific to your vehicle or RV.



Tow Vehicle Checks Before you leave home

Check that all your mirrors are firmly secured and adjusted properly

Check that you have appropriate tension in your fan belt and that it is in good condition

Check you have enough water coolant in the radiator and that you have an adequate amount of brake fluid

Check your oil levels in both the engine and transmission

Ensure you have a full tank of petrol

Check your tyre pressure is right, don't forget to check the spare tyre as well

Test all lights are working, have someone to stand behind vehicle while you press the break etc. and turn on light switches

If your 4WD has air shockers fitted, check that they are inflated

Look at the condition of the various hoses in your engine, do they need replacing

Placed an insect screen in front of the radiator if you require one

Limit the amount of load in the boot or back of tow vehicle.



Caravan or RV checks before you leave home

Check that there is a fire extinguisher fitted

Check oil, water, brake fluid, the battery etc. in RV's with motor

Inspect all tyres carefully for wear and road worthiness

Tyre pressures should be increased to the level recommended in the owner’s handbook or contact your local tyre dealer.

Check that your vehicle and trailer’s wheel nuts have been tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Ensure the coupling socket and ball match in size.

Check that the coupling is correctly and securely fastened.

Check that the safety chains are correctly connected.

Check to ensure that the trailer & RV brake and light connections are secure and that all lights work.

Check that the towing lights, number plates and registration labels of your caravan are clearly visible

Check all number plates are correct and up to date

Disengage any reversing catch fitted to the trailer coupling

Do several test stops to check that the brakes are working properly

You should also have your wheel bearings checked and adjusted

It is recommended to have a caravan specialist check the caravan before your departure



Check these each time you depart from home or camp

Check that all the windows, hatches are closed and stone guard is secure

Ensure that your load is properly secured

Check that the steps of the caravan have been raised

Ensure that the gas cylinders are properly secured and full before leaving and check gas cylinders are turned off while travelling

Make sure that the fridge door is closed and locked, also check that any of the contents are sealed and can't tip over

Ensure that all the cupboards and drawers in the caravan have been closed and any tables and loose items secured firmly

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 RV, if it is a swivel mount variety, lock it in the travelling position

Check that lights are working, both on the vehicle and caravan

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

Ensure that all wheel chocks have been removed

Check that water, sullage and electrical cords has been disconnected and stored away

Check that the TV antenna is in the travel position



Take Suitable Spare Parts

Spare fan belt and radiator hose

At least one Spare wheel, tyre and tube to suit your caravan or RV

Extra electrical wire and insulating tape

Spare coolant, engine oil



Pack Suitable Tools

Basic Tool Kit

Tyre levers, tyre pressure guage & air compressor

A wheel brace that will work on the wheel nuts of both the car and caravan

Blocks to stabilize the corners when the ground is soft or not level



Checks during the trip

Check that the couplings and chains are still securely fastened

Check that the brakes and wheel bearings are not overheating, by comparing to your car brakes

Check that light connections are still secure and that the lights are working

Check that the tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure

Check that the load is still secure.

Check that the roll out awning is still properly locked in the travel position

For more handy tips and hints for safe touring check your Caravans or RV’s Service Manual

Author Tina Dean

Family Friendly Oz Camping Member: Lapsed Membership