Popularity of caravan travel in Australia
Did you know that Australians around the country spend almost 55 million hours each year on caravan travel camping trips according to the Caravan Industry Association?
Truth is, it’s no wonder why. Travelling around Australia by caravan is more than just enjoyable: It’s an enriching, adventurous and inspiring way to see our beautiful country. However, doing it smartly and safely is even more important than doing it comfortably. To help you get started we’ve put together the top caravan travel tips you need to know.
Top caravan travel tips
Tip 1: Make a checklist
We know that this isn’t necessarily the most exciting of tips to start off with but it is probably the most important. Putting together a checklist of all the things you need to do, items you need to pack and checks that need completed is the surest way of ensuring nothing is overlooked before you head out on the open road and on to your next adventure.
From checking that the fire alarms in your caravan are working to ensuring your toiletries are packed, there’s a lot that goes into a pre-caravan travel checklist. To get you started, here’s a standard checklist from which you can build out and further customise your own tailored list:
- Check your caravan’s wheels are sufficiently pumped
- Check your spare tyres
- Check the fire alarm battery
- Check the fire extinguisher and/or blanket
- Check your first aid kit isn’t missing anything
- Make sure you have a working torch and spare batteries
- Ensure you have basic tools, such as spark plugs, in case you need them
- Pack tea towels, dishwashing detergents, sponges and plugs
- Pack toiletries including soap, wipes, tissues and toilet paper
- Pack your barbeque accessories and check any gas canisters or fire starting equipment
- Pack your general cleaning and maintenance equipment e.g., vacuum
- Pack your mats, blankets, bed sheets and sleeping bags
- Pack you tables, folding chairs and other furniture
- Check you have enough bin liners, clothes washing items and washing powder
- Pack cards, board games, books, movies or other leisure activities
- Ensure you have your fishing and sporting gear
- Pack sun protection and rain protection gear, and warm clothing in case
- Pack any chargers, electronics, phones and other equipment you need
- Pack any kitchen utensils and equipment, such as toasters and kettles
- Check your extension and power cords are in working order
- Packing clothing including swim gear.
- Pack any food or beverages you want to take
Tip 2: Research your destination
Researching your destination or camping ground can be fun! You can plan out some of your activities, mark intended fishing spots and make a To See List with the family.
But there’s a practical and safety component as well. The more prepared you are for your caravan travel in Australia, the less likely you are to be caught unawares and find yourself in a sticky situation. Know where you’re headed, how to get there, and what you need.
Tip 3: Water and solar
Water tanks are a must! As anyone who has travelled Australia by caravan will tell you, you can never have too much water on board. Access to reliable, fresh water can literally be the difference between life and… Well, you get the idea.
As for solar: solar panels on your caravan or vehicle is a highly effective, economical and sustainable way to make the most of the harsh aussie sun. When you’re on the road, being self-sustaining in your power generation will make the entire caravan trip all the more easy.
Tip 4: Know your accessories
Who knows and loves trailer and caravan accessories more than us here at Trailer Caravan Superstore?
Having the latest and greatest in towing accessories, awning modifications, and camping equipment is all well and good, but you have to know how to use it all and get it set up! Don’t wait until you’re out and about to start mucking around with the user guides. Prepare beforehand, and if you need a hand just give our team a shout.
Tip 5: Pack with care
You’re probably sensing a theme with our list of caravan travel tips: Preparation is key! When you’re packing your caravan, make sure that you organise things well. You’ll be able to find what you need when you need it and ensure that more can be fit into less space.
There’s another very important point to bear in mind. Be mindful of the weight distribution in your caravan. Apart from legal requirements, for your own safety you need to make sure your caravan isn’t packed in a way that’s going to put you and your family in danger (as well as other people on the road). Tip: Keep the load spread as evenly as possible.
Tip 6: Know your set up
Admittedly, this caravan travel tip might be one that you develop over time and after a few times travelling around. Everyone enjoys a different set up and has preferences regarding how they caravan travel and how they like to make camp.
Do what works for you and your family. The more you head out into the bush, the more accustomed you’ll be to what sort of added accessories you need, what else you need to pack, and what else you need to know.
Tip 7: Know the costs
While you may not be travelling around all of Australia, travelling by caravan can still be costly. Mechanic checks and servicing, camping ground hire, petrol and food all adds up. It’s worth sitting down before putting pedal to the metal to ensure you’ve budgeted for all the costs you expect, and an added emergency fund in case something goes wrong.
Tip 8: Safety is #1
Apart from making sure your caravan is safe and secure before you head out onto the road, you should also make sure that you’re ticking all the general safety boxes. From having a first aid kit and knowing how to use it, to ensuring you have emergency contact details on hand and that a trusted family member or friend knows where you’re going and when you’re planning on getting back, there’s never a reason to cut a safety corner.
Your next caravan trip starts here
There you have it: our top caravan travel tips. If you have any more questions feel free to contact us, or if you are just too excited and want to start browsing our caravan accessories, make sure to visit our online store.