Caravanning Tips
Consider these tips and make your adventure enjoyable
- Check the weather report for the area where you will be travelling and be prepared.
- Leave your itinerary and mobile phone number with a friend or relative.
- Learn the basics of first aid.
- Ensure your vehicle and towing vehicle are in good mechanical condition.
- Make sure your insurance is current and includes roadside assistance & towing for caravans, motor homes & boats.
- Know the height of your caravan or RV for low bridges, rail crossings etc.
- Fuel is recommended to fill up in the early morning when the ground is cooler, the colder the ground, the denser the fuel and fill up when your tank is half fill as there is less air occupying its empty space.
- Respect the rights of other vehicles on the road including other caravanners. Keep at least 200 metres apart so that faster traffic can pass safely.
- If you have a CB radio, tune to the truckies’ channel and talk to them, and help them to pass. Keep all CB talk to a minimum.
- Both driver and passenger should walk around the van and car to inspect any damage when you stop.
- When on site, caravans are often close together so be respectful as noise, pets, and other disturbances may annoy others.
- Always respect the power and danger of campfires. Keep fires within a contained area with a ring of rocks and an outer ring of gravel or dirt to protect against the fire spreading. Keep children away from the fire. If you dry your used tea bags overnight, they can be used as fire starters later.
- Wear shoes or sandals at all times. There are many things you don’t want to step on or in. Recommend wearing thongs in the shower blocks.
- Use shade or mesh matting for flooring in or around your campsite, annex, caravan etc. The dirt falls through the fabric rather than collects on top.
- During heavy rain or when you leave your Recreational Vehicle unattended you should lower your awning or annex to avoid water ponding on the awning top. Water ponding can cause damage to an awning or annex due to the weight of the water trapped on the roof.
- The vehicle must be level in both directions (length & width) for your RV refrigerator to operate efficiently.
- Paint hammer handle and annex pegs white. They are easier to see in long grass or at night.
- Make sure everyone travelling with you knows how to unclip and operate the fire Extinguisher.
- Keep a bottle of antiseptic with your laundry detergent to clean the inside of the washing machine and tubs before and after use.
- Pack extra tea towels to use between items to prevent rubbing and movement i.e. saucepans.
- Use plastic ice cream containers to pack loose items in. Containers can be used to bathe a wound or use for car sickness.
- One reel of clear poly cotton will mend all coloured clothes.
- A large bucket with a secure lid can become a simple washing machine whilst on the road. The natural action of the van whilst being towed creates an agitating motion.
- When leaving any camp site, check after moving that nothing has been left behind.
- Keep in mind the weight of you van and aim to limit shopping such as souvenirs to a minimum.
- When travelling in hot weather, prepare lunch at breakfast time, then you need only open the fridge once in the heat of the day.
- A 35mm film container is just the right size for $1, 20 and 10 cent coins. Keep these in the car for parking meters and laundromats.
- Be sure you fit rear vision mirrors which allow you to see down the side of your van.
- Your first aid kit should be well stocked for all seasons. In some areas it is a long distance between chemist shops.
- Do not mark your toilet bag etc. with your home address. Instead put your name, car and van registration.
- It is great for your hair to shampoo in the water from a running stream. Please take the water in a dish and throw all soapy water on the land. Fish, platypus and all their friends will thank you.
- If a gas bottle catches fire, do not try to extinguish. Hose the bottle to keep it cool until it burns itself out.
- Always turn gas off at the bottle before entering a service station.
- When going on a day tour, by boat, rail etc. leave your car locked with your van and usetourist pick up bus or local transport for safety reasons.
- Pack good quality chains and padlocks. Lock all valuables up at night and never temptthieves by leaving valuables in plain sight.
- Keep your car, camper or caravan locked. Keep your keys, wallets and phone with you.
- Keep commonly stolen items locked up at all times. These include alcohol, food, bikes,surfboards, fishing rods, mobile phones, laptops, ipads, handbags, generators, tools,barbeques and gas bottles.
- Mark valuables to make them easily identifiable if they are located once stolen.
- Ensure you pack you van correctly. Pack heavy items at floor level with particular weighty items over the axle. Place light items is elevated cupboards to avoid being top heavy.
- Ensure all items are secured so nothing becomes lose and moves around the van whilst in motion.
Disclaimer
The staff at CCIA &MHIA have used their best endeavours to ensure that all the information provided is correct at the time of release andthat the information has been obtained from reliable sources. We are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or any outcomes as aresult of ause of this information. The information is provided for general guidance on industry issues only and should not be used as asubstitute for legal or other professional advice.
