Caravan and Camping Guide 2021

THINGS TO
DO BEFORE
YOUR TRIP
A trouble-free holiday is a joy – but nothing
will spoil your holiday mood more than a
mechanical mishap that could have been
prevented. Listed below is a basic checklist.
It’s wise to develop your own, which is
specific to your van.
CARAVAN INTERIOR
Check the functionality of all critical
internal features, including fridge, cooktop,
water pump, air conditioner and toilet.
Cupboards and drawers closed and table
secured Refrigerator door locked -
check that containers with liquids are
sealed Hatches and windows closed
No loose items in cupboards or on shelves
Fire extinguisher fitted First aid kit
CARAVAN EXTERIOR
How long since your gas cylinders and
LPG regulators were checked? Ensure your
gas cylinders are completely off and well
secured before driving Is it time to flush
out water tanks and check for mould?
Water tank filled How are your brakes?
Make sure you do a small test drive before
your big trip and leave time for remedial
work if required Wheel bearings adjusted
Wheel nuts tight Check the condition
of your tyres, including spares, and that the
tyre pressure matches your load
If you have changed tyres yourself,
always remember to retighten the nuts
once the van is completely back on the
ground Does your handbrake need
adjustment? What is the status of safety
chains and the jockey wheel?
Note: It is advisable to have the caravan
serviced by a specialist prior to the journey.
BEFORE MOVING OFF
Jockey wheel removed or secured
Check indicators, reversing and brake lights
Gas turned off Tyres inflated
correctly Doors closed and locked
Jacks raised or safety stands removed
Wheel chocks removed Hand brake
released Electrical connection between
car and van secured 240V electrical lead
disconnected Steps raised Towing aid
correctly fitted Safety chains secured
SPARES WHICH MAY
BE USEFUL
Fan belt Radiator hoses Engine oil
Coolant Spare wheel and tyre to suit
caravan Tube to suit car and caravan
tyre Insulating tape Electrical wire
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Assortment of tools to suit sizes on car
and caravan Tyre levers (2) Wheel
brace to suit wheel nuts on car and caravan
Jack to suit car and caravan Tyre
gauge Wheel chocks Blocks for
placing under corner stabilisers when
ground is soft or under a wheel when site
not level Make sure that you have the
necessary tools required to fit the spares
that you may have taken for the trip For
your own sake, and that of your passengers,
it is essential that all gas lines, connections,
appliances and electrical fittings be
checked regularly In addition to regular
checks it is essential that an approved fire
extinguisher is always on board.
GENERAL
If you are heading into the Outback, ensure
someone responsible knows your travel
plans. Ensure you have sufficient supplies,
maps/GPS equipment and communications
that are appropriate to the environment.
NEED HELP?
ADELAIDE TRAILER TRAINING - see below
CARA REST CARAVAN SUPPLIES &
REPAIRS - see page 38
DARIO CARAVANS & REPAIRS - see below
ELECTRIC BUG - see right
GAWLER CARAVAN CENTRE – see page 17
REDARC - see page 18
Dario Caravans and Repairs
The only dealer in SA with two outlets,
North and South:
1 Pinn Street, St Marys Adelaide 5042
833 Main North Road, Pooraka Adelaide 5095
Book in for a service on 08 8277 4388
View new and secondhand caravans and campers.
St Marys location has over 4500 spare parts
available.
www.dariocaravans.com.au | 08 8277 4388
Keeping You in a Straight Line
For all your Towing Training Needs
Contact Anthony
E: enquiries@adelaidetrailertraining.com
M: 0413 778 812
adelaidetrailertraining.com
14 See park index on page 53