The August Bank Holiday is generally one of the busiest weekends for caravan owners. If you’re planning to be on the road during the holiday, therefore, careful preparation is likely to be more important than ever.
To help you prepare your caravan for a bank holiday trip, here are some of the questions to ask yourself by way of a practical checklist.
What should I check before towing a caravan?
There are some checks that are worth making second nature so that they’re carried out before every journey. These include a thorough visual inspection of:
- the towing hitch;
- jockey wheel;
- any stabiliser wheel – where fitted;
- electrical connections; and
- brake lights and indicators.
These are all such critical, potentially life-saving checks, you will probably want to carry them out everytime before taking to the road.
How do I know if my caravan is overloaded?
It’s doubly important to make sure your caravan is not overloaded. It’s vital for the safety of you and all other road users. And an overloaded caravan will leave you on the wrong side of the law. So, make sure you understand and check your rig for the following:
- MTPLM (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass) – this is the absolute heaviest your caravan is legally allowed to weigh when fully packed and includes the empty weight of the caravan, gas bottles, water, baggage and accessories;
- an even weight distribution – with the maximum load as far as possible over the caravan’s axle;
- avoid overloading the lockers – especially the overhead lockers which could disturb the caravan’s centre of gravity; and
- understand the manufacturer’s declared towing limits.
Inspect your tyres
The tyres form the only contact with the road of your caravan and everything within it, so make sure to check:
- tyre pressures;
- tread depth;
- cracking, splitting, and ageing; and
- the condition of the spare wheel.
Remember that your caravan tyres may need replacing because of their age and not just through visible wear. Our blog: How old are your tyres? covers this in a bit more depth.
Don’t forget the breakaway cable and mirrors
The breakaway cable is a vital safety device that applies the caravan’s brakes if it becomes detached from the towing vehicle. Before setting off, check that it is correctly attached to the towbar, the spring clip is securely closed, and the cable is not twisted or wrapped around any part of the towbar.
You are legally required to have a clear view of the road behind you when at the wheel of your car. Your caravan is likely to be wider than your car, so specially extended towing mirrors may be needed to maintain that good rear visibility.
Check your documents and insurance
Important documents to keep with you include (but are not limited to):
- caravan insurance documents for the caravan and towing vehicle – complete with your understanding of the terms, conditions, and exclusions of those insurance policies;
- driving licence;
- breakdown details and agreement;
- campsite booking confirmation; and
- emergency contact details.
Planning to tow your caravan abroad? Before you travel, check whether you need any additional documentation for the countries you’ll be visiting. Depending on your destination, you may need extra documents for your towing vehicle, caravan, insurance, or your own travel arrangements. As entry requirements can change, it’s worth checking the latest official guidance before setting off.
What emergency equipment should I carry when towing a caravan?
Whenever you take to the road – especially when towing a caravan – it is as well to be prepared for any eventuality. Your go-to emergency kit may include the following items:
- first aid kit;
- warning triangle – in some European countries, it will be essential;
- high-visibility vest;
- torch;
- basic tools;
- wheel brace;
- spare fuses;
- phone charger; and
- bottled water.
Make sure to check what on-board emergency kits you may need if you are travelling abroad. Don’t just consider your destination, but any countries you are driving through too.
Before you leave: What should be included in a caravan travel checklist?
To sum up, then, the following checks and items are likely to appear on your caravan travel checklist:
- is the tow hitch secure;
- is the breakaway cable properly attached;
- are the lights working;
- have you checked the tyres;
- is the caravan correctly loaded;
- are the appropriate wing mirrors fitted;
- have you packed the insurance documents; and
- do you have an emergency kit on board.
Safe travelling!
Carrying out these simple checks before any outing with your caravan may help you avoid roadside emergencies and make your journey safer and more enjoyable.
Before setting off this August Bank Holiday, you might want to review your caravan insurance to ensure it remains up to date and suitable for your needs, while bearing in mind that the detailed cover, terms, conditions, and exclusions may vary from one insurer to another.