Heading out on a caravan road trip for Easter?
Consult our Ultimate Caravan Guide for the upcoming holiday period
The Easter season is upon us and this time of year is perfect to hit the road in a caravan designed to suit your needs. Whether you’re exploring your own backyard or crossing state lines, Australia is perfect for road trips and the Easter holiday period offers the ideal opportunity to escape on four wheels. Picture campfires, bushwalks and good eats complemented by the cooling Autumn weather, in a portable home designed to keep you safe, equipped and comfortable.
Understanding the ins and outs of caravanning is critical for any new or experienced recreational vehicle (RV) owner looking to venture out onto the open road. Caravans offer unlimited opportunities for adventuring but knowing where you’re going is critical. It sounds simple but planning and preparation is key to getting the most out of the open road experience.
Ensure your caravan is road-ready with these helpful tips.
- Maintain and inspect your caravan
Before setting out on the open road, you need to ensure that your caravan has been maintained. This involves checking both your towing vehicle and caravan comprehensively.
- The engine health, oil levels, brakes, and tyre condition of your car all require checks. However, for your caravan, be sure to thoroughly inspect the bearings, tire pressure (including the backup tire), brakes, and tighten the nuts.
- Any signs of wear and tear, rust or cracks must be fixed prior to setting course, as it is important to your safety and peace of mind as you explore our beautiful country.
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Electrical and plumbing checks
Your caravan is your home on wheels, therefore it’s important to make sure everything is in working order before you begin your trip. So, checking that all in-house functionality is up to scratch will save you any unnecessary headaches down the line.
- All of your car and caravans’ electrical systems must be tested prior to leaving for your trip.
- This includes lights and indicators, power outlets and appliances, as well as solar panels which require cleaning for optimal efficiency.
- If you have not checked your caravan’s battery for some time, be sure to assess it to confirm that it holds a good charge.
- For particularly lengthy getaways, consider keeping a spare battery or solar charging system with you in case of any power issues.
- Plumbing and water systems are pivotal to keeping your journey comfortable, and checking all water lines and connections for any signs of damage is critical.
- Examine your water tanks for potential leaks, clean and remove any contaminants or bugs, and make sure to run the water pump, taps, showers and toilets.
- Packing two drinking-water hoses (with a joiner), adapters for different water tap sizes and enough grey water hose to comply with any park’s regulations will have you prepared for all situations.
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Stock up on safety equipment
Packing safety equipment is as much about accessibility as it is about effectiveness. Storing your safety equipment in reachable locations and familiarising yourself with emergency procedures is essential. The fact is, this equipment is only useful if travellers have the knowledge needed to apply them in a time of need. You may need to consider additional equipment as well with your chosen destination and activities in mind.
Take a look below at some key safety items recommended for caravans:
- A first aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Emergency signalling devices (satellite messenger, air horn etc)
- Jump leads
- Details of nearby hospitals & emergency services
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Check towing and weight distribution
This is a key part of your preparations because getting from point A to point B (and back) with your caravan is impossible without sturdy and well-maintained towing equipment. As mentioned earlier, make sure to inspect your towing vehicle and hitch for compatibility and condition. Balancing the weight between the towing vehicle and the caravan is crucial for safe towing, so be sure to keep heavier items low and centred to ensure that the load is secure and won’t shift during travel.
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Pack smart and organise ahead
Every great road trip starts with a packing list; a comprehensive inventory of essentials that includes cooking supplies, food, recreational gear, and clothing. The key to efficient packing is maximising the storage space and reducing load weight, which can be achieved by using containers and bags to keep items accessible and safe. Plus you will need to make room for spare wheels, essential filters (fuel, oil, and air), basic tools and anything crucial that you may require spares of (e.g. chargers) - you never know when they may come in handy!
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Plan your route and stops
Mapping out your journey in advance allows you to take into consideration road conditions, weather forecasts, and stopping points along the route. For campsite accommodations, be sure to book ahead of time to spare yourself the stress of arriving without a spot to set up shop. Consulting websites and apps is valuable too as they can steer you toward caravan-friendly routes, rest stops and campsites.
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Complete a final pre-trip checklist
You’ve made it! This is the last step you need to complete before hitting the road. Prior to leaving, make sure to:
- Test drive your towing vehicle with your caravan attached to confirm brake quality, steering, and overall handling.
- Ensure that all of your caravan’s windows, hatches, and doors are securely closed and locked, and be sure to recheck your load to determine any needed adjustments.
- Perform your final walk around before stepping behind the wheel and setting off on the road to create amazing memories.
- Most popular locations
Searching up caravan parks near me for the upcoming break? Here’s a quick list of popular caravan parks to check out:
Victoria
- Bright caravan park
- Long Jetty caravan park
- King Valley caravan park
South Australia
- West Beach caravan park
- Hervey Bay caravan park
- Robe caravan park
- Victor Harbour caravan park
New South Wales
- Byron Bay caravan park
- Huskisson caravan park
- Kiama caravan park
- Kingscliff caravan park
- Port Macquarie caravan park
- Snowy River caravan park
- South West Rocks caravan park
- Crescent Head caravan park
Western Australia
- Coral Bay caravan park
- Bathers Paradise caravan park
Queensland
- Cotton Tree caravan park
- Rainbow Beach caravan park
There are many more locations all around Australia with too many to list.
If you don’t already own a caravan, or are looking at upgrading, Pickles Auctions has a great selection of caravans for sale for you to choose from all around Australia. Plan ahead, buy ahead, and safe travels this easter.
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17 Apr