Caravan and Camping Guide

Caravan Essentials

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR A CAMPING ADVENTURE

We love caravanning! There is nothing like that feeling of pulling out of the driveway on your way to a new adventure. Check out our articles below on the best caravan related products and services to make your next trip away a breeze.
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Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Check Wikicamps for locations and reviews
  • Check with the local council
  • Caravan parks and campgrounds
  • Tourist information centres
  • Service stations, trucks stops and travel centres
  • Public rest areas
  • Dump points
  • National and state parks
  • Marinas and boat ramps
  • Supermarkets and shopping centres
  • Hardware stores
  • Tourist attractions

Always ask or check the water quality before filling up.

  • NO! They are for stabilising only and not engineered for levelling.
  • Use a spirit level.
  • Level sire-to-side by placing the level on the drawbar and placing leveling ramps or blocks under the wheels on the lowest side.
  • Level front to back using the jockey wheel to adjust the height.
  • Stabilise using the stabiliser legs.
  • Wheel clamps
  • Hitch locks
  • Corner steady locks
  • Alarms
  • GPS trackers
  • Security cameras
  • Remove valuables
  • Locks on windows and doors
  • Park in well-lit areas
  • Use a security post or bollard
  • Regularly check and clean the exterior, roof, and underbody for damage and rust. 
  • Ensure tyre pressure is correct, tread depth is legal, and wheel bearings are greased. 
  • Inspect and tighten wheel nuts and test the brakes for responsiveness. 
  • Check all seals and joints for leaks, and service the gas, water, and electrical systems annually. 
  • Clean the interior, and check appliances for proper function. 
  • Regularly inspect the chassis, hitch, and towing equipment, and store the caravan in a dry, covered area when not in use to prevent weather damage.

Your caravan should be professionally serviced annually or every 15,000 – 20,000km (whichever comes first).

The cost of a caravan in Australia varies widely depending on the size, brand, features, and whether it’s new or used. 

Here’s a general price range:

  • Basic Used Caravan: $10,000 – $30,000
  • New Entry-Level Caravan: $30,000 – $50,000
  • Mid-Range New Caravan: $50,000 – $80,000
  • Luxury/New High-End Caravan: $80,000 – $150,000+
  • Custom or Premium Models: $150,000 and above

Prices can fluctuate based on market demand, condition, and additional features like solar panels, off-road capabilities, and luxury fittings.

  1. Comprehensive Caravan Insurance
  • Covers: Damage or loss due to accidents, theft, fire, vandalism, and natural disasters. It also includes third-party liability if your caravan causes damage to someone else’s property.
  1. On-Site Caravan Insurance
  • Covers: Caravans permanently stationed at a location, like a holiday park. It includes protection against events like storms, theft, and fire.
  1. Touring Caravan Insurance
  • Covers: Caravans that are regularly towed to various locations. It covers damage while in transit and while parked at different sites.
  1. Contents Insurance
  • Covers: Personal belongings inside the caravan, such as electronics, appliances, and furniture. Make sure the level of contents insurance is enough to replace everything. Usually the standard coverage is $1,000 which is nowhere near enough!
  1. Annexe Insurance
  • Covers: Damage to any attached structures like annexes or awnings.
  1. Towing Liability Insurance
  • Covers: Liability for damage or injury caused by the caravan while it is being towed.

When selecting insurance, make sure the policy is tailored to how you use your caravan—whether stationary or on the move—and includes adequate coverage for all potential risks.

  • Choose a secure, sheltered location or use a breathable cover. 
  • Clean the exterior, apply protective wax, and inflate the tyres, rotating them periodically. 
  • Clean inside thoroughly, ventilate by leaving cupboards and the fridge slightly ajar, and use moisture absorbers. 
  • Drain all water systems to prevent freezing, and disconnect the battery or use a trickle charger. 
  • Secure all windows, doors, and hatches, and consider additional security like wheel clamps or hitch locks. 
  • Regularly inspect the caravan for moisture, pests, and damage, and ensure the cover remains secure.

A caravan is a fully enclosed, towable vehicle with solid walls (sometimes a pop-up roof or pop-out sides), offering built-in amenities like a kitchen, bathroom, and beds, making it ready to use with no setup required. It’s generally larger and more comfortable, ideal for long-term stays. 

A camper trailer, on the other hand, is a lighter, towable trailer that unfolds or expands with soft walls, offering basic amenities. It requires some setup upon arrival and is more versatile for off-road use. Camper trailers are more compact and easier to store, making them suitable for shorter trips and rugged adventures.

Start by evaluating your current setup and determining your needs. Consult a professional to recommend suitable components, such as heavy-duty shock absorbers, upgraded springs, or independent suspension systems. It is recommended this type of work be carried out by a professional, however if you are handy consider the steps below:

  • Ensure compatibility with your caravan’s weight and usage. 
  • Remove the existing suspension system, following manufacturer guidelines for safety. 
  • Install the new components, ensuring proper alignment and secure fittings. Check and adjust the caravan’s ride height if necessary. 
  • Test the new system with a short drive to ensure stability and comfort.
  • Regularly inspect the upgraded suspension for wear and proper function.

First check your states laws and requirements. Verify that your caravan meets safety standards, including lights, brakes, and registration. Ensure it is fitted with proper towing equipment and that the load is within legal limits. Check that your caravan’s tyres are in good condition and meet legal standards. Keep up with regular maintenance and any necessary modifications. Ensure that your caravan’s weight is properly distributed and that it’s within your vehicle’s towing capacity. Regularly inspect and update registration and insurance as required. Always adhere to specific road rules and regulations for caravans.

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