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Live Life on the Road.........

Packing up ready to leave the site

Inside the caravan, make sure that:

  • the gas is turned off, and the bottle secured for travel
  • all items in the cupboards are stowed correctly, and cupboard doors are securely closed & locked
  • the refrigerator door is locked and no loose items are left in it
  • the fridge is switch to 12 volt if applicable (Do not travel using gas)
  • the bench tops are cleared of all items not attached
  • the stove lid is secured
  • the windows and hatches are securely closed
  • the front stone shield is closed & secure
  • other items which may need to be considered such as solar panels, aerials set-up outside the van, need to be stowed inside etc
  • any extra items should be stowed securely and correctly taking into account weight issues, eg heavy items are stored low and over the wheels.
  • there are no loose items in, or attached to the caravan which will move in transit.
  • any roll-up awnings are fully rolled up, and travel catches are secured.
  • your entry door is open when you lower (or raise) your pop top roof.
  • the steps are raised and secured.

Before towing make sure that:

  • the power is disconnected from the site.
  • the 12 volt lights are all turned off.
  • the door is locked & the safety catch is on.
  • the jockey wheel is removed & stowed.
  • the levelling jacks are fully wound up.
  • the tyre pressure is checked, & OK on the van & the towing vehicle
  • the wing mirrors are still in the right position for optimum vision and are clean.
  • the vision from all vehicle windows should be clear & clean if possible.

Getting ready to tow:

  • Ensure the caravan is correctly coupled to the tow vehicle. Then, check your safety chain/s. Two chains are normally fitted. Crisscross the chains and use 'D' shackles to connect them to the secure points on the towbar.
  • Ensure that the electrical plug between the caravan and tow vehicle is connected. Then, check the brake lights, tail lights, turn indicators, clearance lights and electric brakes (if fitted) to make sure they are all working. (have spare globes in case they needed)
  • Release the caravan handbrake
  • Finally, walk around the caravan for one last safety check before driving off. It can be very expensive as well as embarrassing to drive off with a lead or something still attached to the site.

Hints
After travelling 15 minutes or so, pull over where safe and check to see if everything is still in a secure position

You should slide the manual override button on your brake controller a few times, when you start travelling. This will dislodge dirt and surface rust on brake drums so that your brakes do not grab on application.

When towing your tow, your vehicle may require more pressure in the rear tyres, check your vehicle owner's manual for directions.

If you happen to encounter corrugated roads, consider letting some air out from the tyres on your caravan or camper trailer approximately 10 psi. This is one way to help ease the shock on your caravan by letting the tyre absorb the rough road conditions. Return the air in your tyres to normal pressure as soon as possible. (have your own compressor to do this)

Dropping tyre pressures too much can cause damage to your tyres, so care should be taken to ensure tyre pressures are not low on bitumen, rocky, or sharp stony roads.

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