Stay Safe With This Caravan Safety Checklist

Caravan Safety

Precautions to Take When Camping In Australia

Australia is known for its amazing caravan camping locations and community. Its quaint beaches, amazing hiking trails, and scenic outback attracts many locals and visitors year round. Caravan camping can be an excellent time for family and friends. As with any fun outdoor activity, safety should come first when RV camping in Australia.

There are several safety precautions that campers should follow before heading out. There are also safety checklists that should be adhered to, and regular practices that will secure your safety while camping. Ensure that your caravan hot water heater has been maintained regularly and fulfills all safety criteria.

Be sure to check all vehicles, including your car and your caravan, RV, or motorhome, to ensure that they are safe and ready for the trip.

Spending some extra time to review a checklist and check your caravan will ultimately save you time and money. You will be safe from preventable danger and you will be secure that your car and caravan are running properly.

This article offers some tips on caravan dangers and a checklist for you to consider when you are heading out for your caravan camping adventure.

Caravan Dangers

Be aware of caravan dangers that could become an issue. Gas heating systems, cooking stations, pipes, and water vessels can all be potentially dangerous when using your caravan.

The State of Queensland’s Fire and Emergency Services Department suggests campers to use the following checklist when they are heading out to camp in Australia.

Here are a few tips that will help you avoid unfortunate accidents during your camping trip:

  • Be sure to place your gas cylinders in a safe place outside of your caravan once stationed. Some motorhomes are equipped with a specially- designed box that holds gass cylinders, but in the event your camper does not, you’ll need to designate the proper spot to store your gas cylinders.
  • You may want to invest in a gas bottle holder to ensure your gas cylinder is held in place at all times.
  • Switch all gas cylinders to off when the caravan is in tow or when the campervan engine is on.
  • Always practice gas safety while you are traveling. Be sure to turn off your gas when you are not using it in your motorhome.
  • Check all of your pipes, fittings, and gas cylinders regularly.
  • Especially when you are driving on the country or rugged roads and landscapes.
  • Keep your water heater turned off. When it is on, be sure that the water tank is completely filled with water.
  • Be sure to check all of the electrical outlets on your 5th wheeler. Keep an eye out for frayed or loose cords.
  • Check all cords leading to the main electricity unit in your caravan.
  • Be sure to replace the battery in your smoke alarm yearly
  • Make sure all fire safety appliances in your RV is working properly.

Caravan Safety Checklist

A caravan safety checklist is a major key to a safe and successful caravan trip. You will need to double check your list before you leave home, and periodically throughout your camping trip. Referring to this checklist will ensure the safety of you, your family, and all other travelers and campers.

Checklist for Inside Your Caravan:

Be sure to check this before leaving home, especially when traveling by your caravan connected to your car.

  • Is the refrigerator and all appliance doors locked?
  • Are all cabinets and cupboards securely closed?
  • Are all items in the caravan secured? No loose items should have space to move about
  • Have you folded and stored all caravan folding tables?
  • Are all caravan interior tables and loose furniture properly stored?
  • All windows and latches should be checked, closed, and secured.
  • Check your fire extinguisher. Be sure your fire extinguisher is not expired. Check the pressure gauge is within the green zone and that there are no dents or rust
  • Check your tyres and your wheels, be sure all of the wheel nuts are properly secured without any rusting.
  • Double check your brakes. Be sure they are working in an optimal form. Also, check the handbrake.

Checklist For Connecting Your Caravan to Your Car

  • Triple check that the caravan is correctly connected to the vehicle
  • Observe all safety chains and wires. Ensure that they are properly installed and in optimal condition. Look out for rusting on chains or frayed wires.
  • Be sure to connect the chains in a criss-cross pattern using a minimum of two chains for connection. Be sure chains are properly connected to the towbar.

Checklist for Electrical Plugs and Gas Units

  • Make sure your electrical supply is working properly
  • Be sure the main electrical plug that connects the caravan to the tow vehicle is properly connected.
  • Check all brake lights, tail lights, signal indicators, and high beam lights or electrical units are properly working before moving the vehicle.
  • Prior to moving the vehicle, ensure that the gas is turned off in the caravan
  • Lock all doors of the caravan to avoid any accidents with doors flying open
  • Remove the jockey wheel before moving your vehicle
  • Double check that all leveling jacks have been properly wound up to the correct setting.
  • Raise the steps of the caravan
  • Check your gas bottle – Be sure the full gas supply is turned off and securely closed
  • Check all of the lights, both inside, and outside the caravan and the tow vehicle
  • If you have a toilet in your caravan, make sure it is working properly and connected to the proper water supply.

Checklist for Your Car or Tow Vehicle

  • Your car should be fully inspected with the proper inspection stickers and registration.
  • Check your car mirrors, they should be clear to see through and clean with optimal functionality. Take into consideration that you are driving with the caravan unit attached to your vehicle.
  • Check your fan belt. It should be in top condition.
  • Do a quick oil and fluid check on your vehicle. You will need a full oil valve for your journey. Be sure to have a backup engine and transmission oil in case of an emergency.
  • Check your coolant and all fluids in the car. Be sure to have backup coolant in case of an emergency.
  • Make sure your tyres pressure is correct. Make sure your tyres are in top form and always be sure to travel with a spare tyre in case of emergencies.
  • Make a list of any tool you may need for your journey. Always travel with your toolkit. You’ll need items necessary in case of a flat tyre as well as jacks and cables in case of other emergencies
  • Never begin your journey without a full tank of petrol. If needed, travel with a backup, sealed, container of petrol.

Once you have taken precautions and you are ready to get going, you should release the caravan handbrake. Before takeoff, walk around and check everything on the list one last time. Be sure that everything is in place before you take off for your exciting journey. Avoid any unfortunate accidents or annoying mishaps by referring to this list of caravan safety tips. Need more travel inspiration? See our post on 11 Secret Caravan Camping Spots in Australia. Browse BCA Australia‘s range of caravan folding tables, hot water heaters and gas bottle holders and purchase all you’ll need for your next road trip. Happy camping!

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