Pre Trip Inspection

✅ Caravan & Car Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist

Travel Safer, Smoother, and With Confidence

Before you hit the road on your next adventure, taking 10–15 minutes to walk around your caravan and vehicle for a thorough pre-trip inspection can make all the difference. It’s the best way to catch small issues before they become big problems — and ensure your gear, wheels, and caravan are road-ready.

Here’s your essential pre-departure checklist for both car and caravan.

🔩 1. Wheel Nuts & Tyre Pressures

• ✅ Check and torque all wheel nuts on your car and caravan

• ✅ Use a torque wrench to manufacturer-specified settings (commonly 120–150Nm)

• ✅ Check tyre pressures (cold) for both vehicle and caravan, including the spare tyres

• 🟢 Car tyres: Often 36–42 PSI

• 🟢 Caravan tyres: May range 45–65 PSI depending on load and type

🔧 2. Visual Check – Nuts, Bolts & Components

• ✅ Walk around both car and caravan (don’t forget including underneath such as Suspension Components, Water Tanks & Stabiliser Legs).

• 🔍 Look for any loose, missing or rusted bolts, brackets, or fasteners

• ✅ Check stone guards, jerry can holders, toolboxes, gas bottle clamps, and spare wheel mounts

🎯 Tip: Use a spanner or socket to physically check anything under vibration stress

🔗 3. Hitching & Jockey Wheel

• ✅ Ensure hitch is securely locked in place and safety pin is inserted

• ✅ Safety chains are crossed and attached properly

• ✅ Breakaway switch is connected (if fitted)

• ✅ Jockey wheel is fully retracted or removed and stowed securely

• ✅ Ensure handbrake is off

📦 4. Secure All Luggage & Loose Items

• ✅ Ensure all drawers, cupboards, fridge doors, and storage areas are latched shut

• ✅ Loose items inside the van or ute tray should be tied down or stored

• ✅ Nothing should be able to shift while driving — especially heavy or sharp objects

🟡 Reminder: Sudden stops can turn loose gear into dangerous projectiles.

🚪 5. Doors, Windows & Roof Hatches

• ✅ Check that all caravan doors, windows, and roof hatches are closed and locked

• ✅ Make sure the main entry door is locked from the outside – it can blow open while driving if not secured

• ✅ Check that awning latches are locked and arms tied down

• ✅ Ensure pop-top latches or clamping handles are secured (if fitted)

🧱 6. Stabiliser Legs & Steps

• ✅ All corner stabiliser legs must be raised and secured

• ✅ Lock them in place with pins or handles

• ✅ Fold and latch the caravan step or remove portable steps

• ✅ Make sure they won’t drop during travel

🟢 Tip: Do a final 360° walkaround right before departure

🚗 7. Final Checks – Vehicle & Electronics

• ✅ Brake controller is active and tested

• ✅ Anderson plug / trailer plug connected and lights tested (brake, indicators, running lights)

• ✅ Mirrors adjusted for towing

• ✅ Number plate visible, trailer plug wiring not dragging

🛡️ Make Pre-Trip Checks a Habit

Doing a pre-trip inspection every time you travel ensures:

• ✔️ Safety for you and your family

• ✔️ Protection of your gear and investment

• ✔️ Compliance with road laws and towing safety

• ✔️ Peace of mind so you can relax and enjoy the journey

🎯 Print this list or save it to your phone as a last-minute reminder before departure.