There is nothing better than pointing your rig towards the open road and heading off for a long caravan holiday. A bit of planning at home can make the difference between a relaxed adventure and a stressful trip full of avoidable problems. Many travellers chat with the best caravan dealers before a big journey to make sure their van, tow vehicle and setup are right for the distance and the conditions.
In this guide, we will walk through the simple checks and habits that help you travel safely, stay comfortable and arrive at every stop feeling calm rather than worn out.
Give Your Caravan and Tow Vehicle a Full Safety Check
Start with the basics. Check the tyres on both your tow vehicle and caravan. Look at the tread depth, age and any cracks in the rubber. Make sure the pressures match the manufacturer’s guidelines and retighten the wheel nuts before you leave. If you are planning gravel or corrugated roads, it is worth having a mechanic look over the suspension as well.
Next, test your brakes and electrics. Make sure the electric brake controller works properly, the handbrake holds firm, and every light on the caravan responds when you use the indicators or brakes. A quick look at your battery condition and 12-volt accessories can help you spot issues early.
Finally, walk around the van, check the gas bottles, regulators, and hoses for leaks, fill your water tanks, and look for obvious leaks. Inspect the body, windows, seals, roof vents and awning so there are no surprises in the first heavy rain.
Sort Your Paperwork, Weights and Legal Requirements
Before you put the key in the ignition, make sure the boring but important admin is sorted. Check that registration and insurance are current for both the tow vehicle and caravan, and that your policy covers the kind of travel you are planning.
Have a simple handle on weights. Know your tow vehicle rating, caravan ATM, GVM and combined GCM. You do not need to be an engineer; you just need to be sure you are not overloading your setup. It is also smart to refresh yourself on towing rules, speed limits and any licence requirements in the states you will pass through.
Pack Smart and Stay Within Your Weight Limits
When it comes to packing, safety comes first. Start with a basic toolkit, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, jack, wheel chocks, and a few handy spares such as fuses, hose fittings, and light bulbs. These items take up little room but can save a whole day on the side of the road.
Then think about your everyday living gear. Clothes, bedding, kitchen items, food and outdoor chairs all add up in weight. Store heavy items low and close to the axle so the caravan stays stable and less prone to sway. This matters whether you tow a large van or one of the small camping trailers for sale that are popular with couples and solo travellers.
Make Sure Your Comfort and Power Systems Are Ready
A long trip feels very different when your comfort systems are sorted. Check that your fridge runs properly on 240 volts and 12 volts, and if you use gas mode, have it tested and serviced if it has been a while.
Test your batteries, charger, solar panels and any inverter so you know how long you can stay off-grid. Fill and sanitise your water tanks, run the pump, and get a rough idea of how many litres you use per day. Small checks like clean bedding, working flyscreens’ and good airflow make it easier to sleep well after long days on the road.
Plan Your Route, Daily Distances and Overnight Stops
Good planning takes a lot of pressure off once you are moving. Map out your main route and be realistic about daily driving distances. Towing takes more concentration and often uses more fuel, so shorter days can be safer and more enjoyable.
Use caravan-friendly navigation tools and always look at current road conditions, especially if you are heading into outback or flood-prone areas. During school holidays and long weekends, book popular parks in advance so you are not searching for a site at sunset. When people compare layouts and tank sizes in the best motorhomes for sale, they often think about how well that setup will handle longer stretches between towns and freedom camping spots. The same thinking helps with caravans and camper trailers.
Do a Final Walk Around and Short Shakedown Drive
On departure day, do one last slow walk around the rig. Close roof hatches and windows, secure cupboards, stow the awning, turn off gas if required and lock every door and hatch. Check the coupling is seated and locked, safety chains are attached, and towing mirrors are correctly adjusted.
If you have changed your packing or upgraded gear, a short local test drive can help you listen for rattles, feel how the brakes respond and make small adjustments before you commit to a long highway run.
Conclusion
Preparing your caravan for a long trip is easy with a few quick checks for safety, weights, packing, comfort systems, and your route. A bit of time at home can save big problems on the road, so you can relax and enjoy the trip.
Ready for your next road trip? Start your caravan prep checklist today, review your setup, and if you need help, visit your local RV showroom or chat with an experienced salesperson about the right caravan, camper, or motorhome for your travel style.
