Your caravan is your home away from home.  That is to say that things wont go perfectly - and these tips might help to make your life on the road easier.

Extended travelling (caravanning) usually means extended preventative maintenance before you leave, thus ensuring a trouble-free journey.  Many of these tasks are merely check points and can be done by you, but if in doubt your local caravan service man should become involved.

Check - repair - replace - relax

...sums up the situation that awaits the thinking traveller.

• Check tyres on car and caravan by looking for uneven wear pattern or flat spots.  Check for normal wear.

• Brakes, seals and total braking ability.  Don't forget spares.

• Check and adjust if needed - springs, shackles, and U bolts.

• 12 volt wiring - inspect loom or cable condition, also plug and socket.

• 240 volt power cables - inspect for damage to plugs and cable.

• Gas bottles - Are they still within the expiry date stamped on bottle?

• If you get a puncture on your van, can you jack it up sufficient to change a wheel?  Does the spare fit?  Where is the wheel brace?

• Is your tow vehicle up to the task of a long haul?  Hills often mean over heating, particularly in hot weather.  Check radiators and transmission and engine oil coolers.

• Look underneath at your water tank/s, connections and mountings.

• Check insect screens for holes or damage.

• Of course you have a smoke alarm, but does it need new batteries?
  

Buy and store in the van:

• A full set of wheel bearings and seals and wheel bearing grease.

• Spare 12 volt light globes (a copy of the van wiring diagram is handy to have).

• Spare 240 volt globe.

• 100 ft/31m, 3 core extension lead (15 amp) - 20m for local conditions.

• Ant repellent.

• Mosquito repellent.

• A sheet of "contact" - self adhesive sheet, the size of the biggest window.

• Fire blanket & fire extinguisher (fully charged) - stored close to the door.

• Chemicals for chemical toilet.

• Break down triangles. (2)

• Personal items: whistle, torch, spare caravan key, umbrella, mobile phone charger, note book: to record last minute "things to be done".

Check also..

• Caravan and tow vehicle insurance cover until you return?

• Caravan tow vehicle registration - cover until you return?

• Drivers' licence(s) - current for the duration of your trip?

• House and contents insurance - be aware of the sixty day absentee clause - cover for peace of mind whilst away.

• Leave contact details with either family, neighbour, friend or police.

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