7 essentials when packing up your caravan

Written by 
Bill Tsouvalas
Bill Tsouvalas is the managing director and a key company spokesperson at Savvy. As a personal finance expert, he often shares his insights on a range of topics, being featured on leading news outlets including News Corp publications such as the Daily Telegraph and Herald Sun, Fairfax Media publications such as the Australian Financial Review, the Seven Network and more. Bill has over 15 years of experience working in the finance industry and founded Savvy in 2010 with a vision to provide affordable and accessible finance options to all Australians. He has built Savvy from a small asset finance brokerage into a financial comparison website which now attracts close to 2 million Aussies per year and was included in the BRW’s Fast 100 in 2015 as one of the fastest-growing companies in the country. He’s passionate about helping Australians make financially savvy decisions and reviews content across the brand to ensure its accuracy. You can follow Bill on LinkedIn.
Our authors
, updated on August 23rd, 2023       

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When planning to take a lovely retreat in your caravan there are only three possible things that can make the trip go sour; bad weather, the tin opener you left on top of the table and not having insurance to cover you when things go south in the wild. Here is are seven essential things that you can add to your checklist to ensure that you have a pleasant trip.

Get your caravan first aid kit ready

You might have the stocks ready for your beloved humans and animals, but have you considered your caravan? To prepare your fist aid kit ensure that you have:

  • Milton fluid
  • A reliable torch
  • Spare fuses
  • Adjustable spanner
  • And screwdrivers

For an additional back up get a tow trucks number that will be able to assist you in the area that you are travelling to.

Check your fire extinguishers

Things can get a bit…heated on your trip. You might as well be prepared with fire extinguishers that are up to standard. Most fire extinguishers on caravans are a powder type. Therefore, you will have to give it a proper shake each week before you go away to ensure that that the powder doesn’t become solid. Take up back up fire distinguishers such as a fire blanket. Always check the expiry or refill date on the fire extinguisher so that you don’t end up carrying a dud.

Alarm the thieves

As you have figured by now our checklist is mostly for safety precautions to take. If you want to keep your valuable’s safe as you explore the great outback you will have to gear your caravan with an alarm system. The bonus is that it could also help reduce your insurance premiums. You will have to think like a thief and fit alarms that are not easy to spot. Cover any of the manufacturers identifying labels so thieves won’t see them.

Track your caravan

On that rare occasion where you caravan with all your precious valuables gets jacked, you will be able to track it if you have a tracking device fitted. Not only are they reasonably priced, but they have a recovery record of almost 100%.

Check for silent killers

Before you take off you will have to check if the gas has been turned off. Not only is this a fire hazard, but it is also a silent killer. If not detected it can stop breathing. Never store a cylinder of gas on its side. Make sure that there is a gap between the LPG and the valve to avoid it expanding.

Get a good eye

Getting an extra pair of eyes in the form of reversing cameras which will make it easier for hitching up a caravan. It can also give you a good view on what’s happening behind you on the road. When these are coupled with your towing mirrors, it will make for smooth driving without you having to accidentally revers on something.

Get insurance

The best thing that you can do is getting your caravan insured so you can rest assured on the trip you are about to take.

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