As the holidays draw near, caravan and camping enthusiasts are itching to get on the road and explore various destinations. The secret to a great vacation trip, alone or with the whole family, is thorough pre-holiday caravan planning. An integral part of any good plan lies in its safety measures. This blog will provide a pre-holiday caravan safety checklist that will guarantee a safe trip and great time on the road.

Maintenance safety

Towbar

Before hitting the road, it is essential to confirm all the mechanical parts of the caravan are in good working condition. The first component to check is the towbar. Check for mechanical wear and tear and excessive rust. Furthermore, make sure the towbar is secure with the correct bolts.

Tyres

Ensure the tyres are well inflated and that the bolts have the right torque. Additionally, the tyres should have conspicuous threads for extra grip on slippery roads.

Brakes

Particular emphasis is advisable when it comes to brakes. Properly working brakes are an absolute necessity when driving a caravan as they are more prone to overheating than brakes on a regular saloon car. Ensure the brake links are not burned out and that the caravan comes to a halt when engaging the brakes.

Suspension

The suspension of both the caravan and the car that will be towing the caravan should be of primary importance. To check whether the suspension is correct, attach your unit to your vehicle and check the level. It should tow in level with the car or with the nose facing slightly up.

Fire safety

It is a legal requirement to have a smoke alarm in the caravan so make sure you comply with the law. Furthermore, having extra precautions such as a fire blanket and a dry fire extinguisher is encouraged. Also, test the equipment regularly.

Before joining a trailer group in a caravan camping site, make sure you are familiar with the fire safety precautions in the camp. These procedures come in handy in case of emergencies.

Practice fire safety activities at all time. For instance, check gas and electronics in the caravan to determine any safety risks. Place the cooking stove away from soft furnishings and always use metallic ashtrays or rather avoid smoking near furniture.

Security

A pleasurable trip includes security measures against malicious attacks. Ensure that the car locks and caravan latches are functional. You may fortify the trailer with additional locks and padding as well. Moreover, update your insurance policy on the caravan or take up an insurance coverage that meets your needs in case of an emergency.

Our last tip for your pre-holiday caravan safety checklist is to have the contact information of a towing company – just in case you find yourself in need of the service when you are on the road.

If in doubt, ask a professional to conduct a thorough pre-holiday safety check of your caravan. Contact Best’s Caravan Repairs and Servicing for more information; we’d love to help you conduct a thorough check of your unit before you travel.