Every caravanning adventure, no matter how long or short, begins with preparation. A hurried pack-up can easily result in forgotten safety measures, damaged goods, or even a serious road hazard.
To eliminate the guesswork and ensure you are towing safely every single time, we’ve broken down the ultimate Caravan Pre-Departure Checklist. Use this guide to streamline your pack-up routine!
This crucial first section is all about securing your van to your tow vehicle and ensuring all necessary safety and communication systems are operational.
- Tow Hitch: Must be locked onto the tow ball.
- Safety Chains: Must be attached and crossed over beneath the coupling.
- Electric Brakes: Must be connected and confirmed working.
- Anderson Plug & Camera: Must be connected (for charging and reversing visibility).
- Break Away: Must be attached and its cable secured.
- WDH Set: Weight Distribution Hitch must be set and secured (if using).
- Jockey Wheel: Must be stowed firmly and locked in its mount.
- Wheel Chocks: Must be removed and stowed safely.
Hand Brake: Ensure it is off before engaging the car’s gears.
2. Caravan Internal: Securing Your Home on Wheels
The road is bumpy! This step prevents a messy cleanup, stops breakages, and ensures nothing shifts mid-drive.
Utility & Appliances Off
- Lights Off: All internal lights must be switched off.
- Water Pump Off: Must be switched off at the control panel.
- TV Stowed: Must be secured firmly in its travel bracket.
Security & Stowing
- All Cupboards Locked: Check latches on overhead and under-bench cupboards are locked shut.
- Fridge Door Locked: Secured with the travel latch.
- Shower Door Locked: Secured to prevent movement.
Loose Item Check: All items (kettles, toasters, heavy objects) must be secured or placed in cupboards.
3. Caravan External: Stowing and Switching Off
- Door & Hatches: Main door and all external service hatches must be locked.
- Stabiliser Legs: Must be fully stowed and secured.
- Cabin Step: Must be retracted or folded up and locked.
- Roof Vents: Must be closed and secured.
- TV Antennae: Must be lowered and stowed.
- Power Cable: Must be disconnected and stowed.
- Water & Sullage Hoses: Must be disconnected and stowed securely.
- Gas Bottle: Crucial: Regulator must be turned OFF at the bottle.
4. Pre-Drive Checks: Legal & Safety Essentials
This final section ensures you are legal, visible, and have clear control before leaving the campsite. In addition to these manual checks, your setup must comply with the technical standards outlined in TheNational Recreational Vehicle Towing Guide:
Brake & Tail Lights: Tested to ensure both are working.
Indicator Lights: Tested left and right indicators on the van.
Brake Controller: Tested to confirm function and correct setting. Trailers over 750kg GTM must have brakes, and those over 2,000kg GTM require a compulsory “break-away” system.
Weight Limits: Ensure your loaded trailer does not exceed the Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) or the Gross Combination Mass (GCM) of your vehicle.
Mirror Alignment: Adjust side mirrors and/or towing mirrors for an unobstructed view of the road to the rear.
Walk Around Check: Perform a full perimeter check for tire pressure and clearance. Ensure your safety chains are crisscrossed and securely connected to the main towbar.
Caravan Site Clear: Ensure you haven’t left any pegs, hoses, or rubbish behind.
For more technical details, refer to the National Recreational Vehicle Towing Guide (Edition 10)
Don't Leave Without It!
We all want a smooth and safe journey. By dedicating just five extra minutes to this detailed checklist, you drastically reduce the risk of a travel incident or property damage. Don’t rely on memory—rely on the list!
