Top Tips!

Top Safety Tips for Caravanners!

  • When turning a twin axle caravan by hand, raise the jockey wheel as high as you can so the rear of the van is just of the floor. This will raise the front axle putting most of the weight on the rear axle and this will make it easier to turn, just like a single axle caravan
  • One of the most common claims is Jack-knifing, and this is caused when reversing around tight areas, but one which is easily solved. Pull the van slightly forward, and turn the wheel ‘full lock’ – this time, the other way. This will soften the angle of the turn so you can continue following the caravan round the bend.
  • When reversing with your Touring caravan, whichever mirror the caravan becomes more apparent in, steer into this and the caravan will correct by itself.
  • When maneuvering, if you have a 4×4 with a low range, use that for greater handling control and much lower speeds without excessive clutch wear.
  • This may seem simple, but checking that the tyres are inflated to the correct pressure.
  • Check that items in the Caravan are secure and have not become dislodged from previous use.
  • Smoke alarms are often overlooked in Caravans, though a fire in a caravan can be just as costly as in a home as they give early warning to remove everyone safely. Batteries should be checked. Caravans should have fire extinguishers and fore blankets.
  • Don’t overload your caravans’ front locker as this could exceed the caravans’ noseweight. This will make your outfit extremely unstable and could possibly cause a bad accident. Your insurance will also be invalidated if you exceed the noseweight. Check your car and caravan handbooks for noseweights.

Top tips for Loading the Caravan!

  • When loading heavy items place them over the caravans axles. Loading heavy items at the back of the caravan could cause it to start snaking, where the caravan starts to sway from side to side and you won’t be able to control it.
  • Heavy items should also be loaded directly on the floor, not high up in the caravan cupboards.
  • Medium weight items (e.g. water carriers, barbecues) should be placed on the floor, equally distributed between the back and the front for balance.
  • Only light items can be placed in the caravan top cupboards and lockers.
  • Remember, if your caravan has a fixed bed at the back, although it is tempting, don’t fill it with heavy items as this will also cause the caravan to snake.
  • Don’t place all your clothes together in the wardrobe. Try to spread them out around the caravan and then put them in to the wardrobe when you arrive on site.
  • Make sure items are wedged in your caravan so while you are travelling they cannot move around and cause damage. If they move around while you are travelling this could also make your caravan unstable and become dangerous.
  • Don’t leave water in any of the tanks and make sure your toilet flush tank is empty. Leaving water in any of these tanks could also cause the caravan to become less stable.