Preparing your caravan for your summer roadtrip

With December just around the corner and some schools breaking soon for the Christmas holidays, you might be starting to think about what you need to do to get your van ready for a safe trip to your holiday destination. Planning ahead ensures that you are more prepared for unexpected obstacles that might come your way. Our checklist is the perfect start to get you planning before you hit the road.

1. Jayco Newcastle recommends that you service your van annually or every 10,000km. As you can imagine, everyone is more inclined to want their RV serviced prior to taking a big trip. Jayco Newcastle encourages all our customers to book 3-6 months in advance for an annual service. Hopefully your van has been fully serviced and are ready to hit the road.
2. When was the last time you serviced your car? Your vehicle is the most important thing to get you and your van from A to B. You and your van might not be reaching your destination if your car isn’t roadworthy.
3. Ensure that all the items usually associated with your RV are prepacked so you don’t leave without them ie. Those towels you washed and never put back in. Make a checklist for everything you need inside your van prior to leaving.
4. Give the van a good clean ensuring there are no insect nests inside and the windows are clear of streaks and dirt.
5. Make sure the water tanks are full even if you plan on staying in a caravan park. This way you not only have water if you break down, but you also have water for when you pull over for that important rest break and can have a cup of coffee or fill your drink bottles.
6. Make sure the gas bottles fitted to your RV are full prior to your departure. Last thing you need is to run out of gas halfway through cooking after a long day of travel.
7. Van weight distribution is so important for safe caravanning. Limit the amount of items you allow the kids to pack and go through the cupboards and eliminate those items you don’t use anymore.
8. Where possible have the van prepared with beds made and items securely packed in cupboards. If you are coming in to your destination late at night, that is the last thing you will want to do.
9. Do you have an emergency kit? Fire Extinguisher (is it in date?), fire blankets, extra coolant, first aid kit (snake bandage is recommended), torch & batteries, mosquito repellant and insect spray.
10. Make sure you check your spare tyre for both your vehicle and your van. We tend to check the tyres on the van and vehicle but sometimes forget about the spare. Check the air pressure is at the correct level so you can replace immediately if you get a flat tyre.

Preparing your caravan for your Christmas roadtrip weeks prior will ensure a relaxed start when you finally hit the road.