Prepping Your Caravan For a Roadtrip

There’s nothing quite like the freedom of hitting the open road with your caravan in tow - ready to take on new destinations or revisit old favourites. But before you set off, it’s essential to make sure both your caravan and tow vehicle are properly prepared. A well-prepped caravan not only makes the journey more enjoyable but also ensures the safety of you, your passengers and others on the road. From checking maximum weights and tyre pressures to packing the right gear and running through a safety checklist, a little preparation goes a long way towards a stress-free adventure.

Understanding Caravan Maximum Weights

One of the most important - and often overlooked - parts of caravan preparation is making sure you stay within the legal and safe weight limits of your setup. Overloading your caravan doesn’t just put extra strain on your vehicle; it also affects stability, braking distance, tyre wear - ultimately safety on the road.

Here are the key terms you should know:

• ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass): The maximum total weight your caravan can be when fully loaded. This includes the caravan itself, water in the tanks, gas bottles, luggage, food and anything else you pack inside.
• GTM (Gross Trailer Mass): The maximum weight that sits on the caravan’s axles when hooked up to your tow vehicle. This excludes the weight transferred to the tow ball.
• Tow Ball Download (TBD): The downward force the caravan places on your vehicle’s tow ball. Keeping this within the recommended range is critical for safe towing and preventing sway.
• GCM (Gross Combined Mass): The maximum weight of your tow vehicle plus your loaded caravan. This figure comes from your vehicle manufacturer and must not be exceeded.

Tip: Never rely on rough guesses. Use a weighbridge or portable scales to measure your caravan once it’s fully packed for your trip. Even small extras like camping gear, tools or extra water can push you over the limit.

Caravan Road Trip Essentials Checklist

Travel & Safety

1. Driver’s licence
2. Roadside assistance membership details
3. Caravan and vehicle keys
4. First aid kit
5. Fire extinguisher & fire blanket
6. High-visibility vests
7. Torch/headlamp with spare batteries

Caravan & Vehicle Equipment

• Wheel chocks & levelling ramps
• Jack, wheel brace & tool kit
• Spare tyres (car & caravan)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Tow mirrors
• Tow ball lock & hitch pin
• Electrical adapters & extension leads
• Fresh water hose (food grade)
• Grey water hose & waste water container
• Water filter (if travelling remote)

Comfort & Campsite Setup

• Camping chairs & outdoor table
• Portable stove
• Gas bottles (full & checked for leaks)
• lighter
• Lanterns or camp lights
• Clothesline & pegs

Kitchen & Food

• Pots, pans & cooking utensils
• Plates, bowls, cups & cutlery
• Chopping board & knives
• Washing detergent & sponge
• Tea towels & paper towels
• Non-perishable food (cans, pasta, rice, snacks)
• Fresh food & cooler or fridge
• Drinking water supply

Bedding & Personal Items

• Sheets, blankets or sleeping bags
• Pillows
• Towels
• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant)
• Sunscreen & insect repellent
• Suitable clothing for all weather conditions
• Hats & sunglasses

Navigation & Entertainment

• GPS device and physical map (for backup)
• Caravan park guide or apps
• Books and games
• Photo or video camera (if you’re into recording)
• Chargers for phones, tablets & cameras
• Power bank

Extras (Often Forgotten!)

• Rubbish bags
• Wet wipes
• Folding step
• Duct tape & cable ties
• WD-40 or lubricant spray

Caravan Safety Checklist

Weights & Loading

Overloading or uneven loading can cause poor handling, longer braking distances and dangerous sway.

• Check caravan weight is within ATM, GTM and GCM limits.
• Ensure heavy items are stored low and centred.
• Confirm tow ball weight is within the recommended range.

Tyres & Wheels

Tyres carry the full load, and blowouts are one of the leading causes of caravan accidents.

• Inspect tyres for wear, cracks or bulges.
• Tyre pressure on both caravan and tow vehicle are correct to manufacturers specifications.
• Caravan and tow vehicle spare wheels are packed and operational.
• Wheel chokes and jack stands are working in case tyre changes are needed.
• Caravan wheel bearings are correctly adjusted and lubricated.

Brakes & Suspension

A caravan’s braking system shares the load with the tow vehicle - failure can be catastrophic.

• Test caravan and tow wheels brakes on all wheels are operating correctly before departure.
• Inspect brake pads, shoes and linings for wear.
• Check suspension and shock absorbers for leaks or damage.

Hitch & Coupling

The connection between caravan and tow vehicle must be secure at all times.

• Confirm tow hitch and coupling are correctly engaged.
• Lock the coupling with a hitch pin or safety lock.
• Attach safety chains and check for wear.
• Connect and test electrical plugs (lights, indicators, brake lights).

Lights & Electrical Systems

Visibility and communication with other road users is essential for safety.

• Test all caravan light connections are secure and ensure all lights (brake, indicators, tail and reversing) are working properly.
• Check battery charge and condition.
• Ensure solar or charging systems are working (if fitted).
• Inspect wiring for wear or loose connections.

Gas & Appliances

Faulty gas systems can lead to leaks, fires or poisoning.

• Check gas bottles are full, secure and free from leaks.
• Inspect hoses and regulators for cracks or damage.
• Test stove, fridge, and heater before leaving.
• Turn off gas when towing.

Emergency Gear

Why it matters: Being prepared makes breakdowns or accidents easier and safer to handle.

• First aid kit stocked and accessible.
• Fire extinguisher and fire blanket in working order.
• Torch, spare batteries and high-vis gear is ready to go.
• Roadside assistance membership details.
• Maps, radios and other emergency backup communication and navigation equipment.

After all this, please do a last-minute walk around inspection just in case as it can catch issues before they become a problem on the road.

• Close and lock all windows, hatches and doors.
• Retract awning and secure latches.
• Check the caravan is level and correctly balanced.
• Do one last light and brake test before rolling out.
• The jockey wheel has been removed or if it’s a swivel mount - locked in the travel position.

Prepping your caravan may take a little extra time, but it’s an investment in both safety and peace of mind. By understanding your caravan’s weight limits, packing the essentials and running through a thorough safety checklist, you’ll be ready to enjoy the road ahead with confidence. Whether you’re heading off for a weekend escape or a long-haul adventure, careful preparation helps turn the journey into part of the holiday. So take the time to get your caravan road-trip ready and focus on making memories - not dealing with preventable problems.