Introduction
Planning a long weekend getaway in your caravan? Whether you’re heading to the mountains, the beach, or a scenic bush escape, a thorough pre-trip checklist ensures a smooth and safe journey. Forgetting even a small detail can disrupt your entire trip. From mechanical checks to packing the essentials, a good checklist is your best travel companion.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through a comprehensive caravan pre-trip checklist—designed to give you peace of mind before you hit the road. Bookmark this guide and use it every time you plan your next RV adventure.
✅ Why a Pre-Trip Caravan Checklist Is Crucial
Before diving into the checklist, let’s understand why this matters:
- Avoid on-road breakdowns
- Ensure safety for you and your family
- Maximise comfort and enjoyment
- Protect your investment (caravan and gear)
- Avoid fines and penalties from non-compliance
A few simple checks can save you hours of stress and hundreds of dollars in repair or towing costs.
🧰 1. Mechanical and Towing Checks
Before you even load the van, start with these safety-critical inspections:
✅ Tyres
- Check tread depth and ensure it meets legal requirements.
- Look for cracks, bulges, or signs of dry rot.
- Inflate tyres to manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
- Don’t forget the spare tyre—check its condition too!
✅ Bearings & Brakes
- Inspect wheel bearings for wear or noise.
- Test electric or hydraulic brake systems.
- Ensure your breakaway cable is connected and working.
✅ Lights & Indicators
- Test tail lights, brake lights, turn indicators and reverse lights.
- Carry spare bulbs and fuses just in case.
✅ Towing Connection
💧 2. Water System Check
Whether you’re heading off-grid or to a powered site, water access is key to comfort.
✅ Tanks
- Fill fresh water tanks completely.
- Empty grey and black water tanks before travel.
- Check for leaks or cracks.
✅ Pumps & Plumbing
- Run the 12V water pump to ensure pressure is good.
- Check taps, shower, and toilet for proper flow and drainage.
✅ Filters & Hoses
- Pack clean drinking water hoses (blue for drinking, grey for waste).
- Bring a hose filter to avoid clogging appliances with debris or hard water.
⚡ 3. Electrical & Battery Checks
A dead battery or malfunctioning appliance can ruin your trip. Here’s how to avoid it.
✅ Battery
- Charge the caravan house battery fully.
- Use a multimeter to check voltage (should be 12.6V+ when fully charged).
- Inspect terminals for corrosion or loose connections.
✅ Solar & Inverters
- Clean solar panels and confirm they’re working.
- Check the solar regulator and battery monitor.
✅ 240V Connection
- Test all appliances using 240V shore power.
- Pack an extension lead and safety RCD (Residual Current Device).
🛏️ 4. Interior Comfort & Essentials
Now it’s time to focus on what makes your caravan a home away from home.
✅ Kitchen
- Stock up the pantry and fridge.
- Pack utensils, cooking oil, tea, coffee, salt, pepper, etc.
- Make sure your fridge is pre-cooled (takes 8+ hours for absorption types).
✅ Sleeping Gear
- Bedsheets, doonas, pillows, extra blankets
- Consider a fan or portable heater depending on weather
✅ Cleaning Supplies
- Broom, mop, disinfectant, wipes
- Garbage bags, toilet paper, biodegradable detergents
🔥 5. Gas & Hot Water System
Proper handling of LPG and hot water systems is essential for safety and comfort.
✅ LPG Bottles
- Check for full gas bottles and close valves before travel.
- Inspect hoses for cracks or leaks.
- Keep a spare bottle if possible.
✅ Hot Water System
- Only use one heating source at a time—either 240V or gas.
- Refer to your HWS manual or read the system label for correct usage.
- Do a test run of the hot water before leaving.
🧭 6. Navigation & Safety Gear
Being prepared for all scenarios is part of responsible travel.
✅ Safety Equipment
- First aid kit (fully stocked)
- Fire extinguisher (check expiry)
- Smoke and CO detectors (test battery)
- Torch and headlamps
✅ Navigation & Planning
- Physical maps or offline GPS app
- Itinerary printed or saved on phone
- Emergency contacts, roadside assist number
📦 7. Exterior & Storage
Properly packed and secured storage ensures fuel efficiency and driving safety.
✅ Awning
- Test the awning mechanism before leaving.
- Check for tears or signs of mildew.
✅ Windows & Vents
- Ensure all windows, hatches and vents are shut and latched before towing.
- Close skylights and check for cracked seals.
✅ Storage Lockers
- Lock external compartments securely.
- Don’t overload the front boot or rear bumpers.
📋 8. Final Pre-Departure Walkaround
Before you roll out, walk around the entire van and check:
✅ All doors and hatches closed and locked
✅ Steps retracted
✅ Antennas down
✅ Stabiliser legs up
✅ Safety chains and plug connected
✅ Tyre chocks removed
✅ Nothing left behind at your parking spot
🧳 Bonus: Packing List for a Long Weekend
Here’s a quick checklist of essentials:
✔️ Must-Have Items
- Licence and rego papers
- Caravan manual
- Gas lighter
- Power board & USB chargers
- Camp chairs & table
- Toiletries & towels
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Insect repellent & sunscreen
- Entertainment (books, cards, tablet)
🏁 Final Thoughts
With this complete pre-trip caravan checklist, you’re not just preparing for a journey—you’re setting the stage for a safe, fun, and unforgettable long weekend. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time caravan owner, ticking off each of these checks will help you enjoy the road ahead without stress.
📣 Need Help or a Professional Check-Up?
Visit us at Hike RV Caravans – Campbellfield, Victoria, for a pre-trip inspection, accessory upgrades, or caravan servicing. Our expert team is always ready to help you get road-ready!
🔧 Explore our range of family caravans, off-road upgrades, and touring accessories at
👉 www.hikerv.com.au
