New to caravanning? From packing the van to picking the perfect parking spot, these first-time caravanning tips will help you stay safe on the road and make the most of your adventure.
Once the realm of the infamous ‘grey nomad’ (retirees using their superannuation to buy a rig and explore the country), these days Aussies of all ages are embracing the freedom of having a holiday home on wheels.
But towing a caravan, setting it up, and living out of it can be tricky if you’ve never done it before, and your safety on the road is a priority. According to VicRoads, your caravan must be roadworthy and registered, your vehicle must be powerful enough to tow your caravan, and you must have the correct towbar.
As with any road trip, before you embark, check your emergency car kit is packed, and your emergency roadside assistance is up to date, with RACV Total Care and Extra Care options for caravan and trailer owners.
Here are eight of the biggest rookie caravan errors, and how to avoid making them.
There are many kinds of caravan styles, sizes and constructions on the Australian market. Make sure you're purchasing the right kind of caravan for your adventures.
Do you need a large on-road van that can sleep an entire family, or a rugged off-road van with heavy-duty suspension? Will your caravan fit in your carport or garage, or will it need to sit in your driveway?
Here are some more top tips to help you make the right choice if you’re buying your first van.
Towing heavy caravans requires a suitable towing vehicle - usually a ute or an SUV. Good towing vehicles have a higher maximum towing capacity for pulling heavy loads. It can be dangerous to try and tow a caravan with a vehicle inappropriately rated for towing.
Some of the best vehicles for towing in Australia include the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series VX, Nissan Patrol Ti and Isuzu Ute MU-X LS-U 4x2. Check out more appropriate towing vehicles here.
Some electric vehicles (EVs) have towing capacity, with their electric motors producing almost instant torque, which is akin to pulling power. They typically can't tow as much as a 4WD petrol or diesel vehicle, and some EVs aren't rated to tow at all, but EVs like the BMW iX1, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and Kia EV9 can all tow a certain weight.
First-time caravanners are classic over-packers, and there’s a lot more about towing that you need to know before you hit the road.
The weight of your van when loaded with all your gear, water and extras is incredibly important. If you breach the limits set by the manufacturer and the capacity of your tow vehicle, you will be towing illegally.
Take note of these terms:
Reduce your overall weight by being frugal with your wardrobe, replace crockery with camping-style plastic plates and cups, carrying casks of wine and cans of beer to avoid glass, and doing a stocktake of accessories, water and other holiday gear.
The weight of your van when loaded with all your gear, water and extras must be safe and legal. Image: Getty
Towing a caravan uses more fuel than regular driving, so be mindful of your fuel economy. Travel at slower speeds to not only be safe but also to use less fuel.
Keep an eye on your fuel gauge, and map out stops using a journey planning app like arevo, which can also help you locate your nearest service station and compare fuel prices.
RACV Members can also save extra money on fuel.
There are a few things you need to check before setting off on your big rig adventure, particularly if you purchased your caravan second-hand.
Make sure the van's tyres are pumped up and at the correct pressure, that they have enough tread, and that the spare wheel is packed and in good condition. Double-check that the brakes and vehicle lights are all working and visible, and that all towing components (such as safety chains, stabilisers and coupling socket) are in good order. And lastly, look inside the van and secure any loose items, ensure any gas cylinders are switched off and that the refrigerator door is closed.
If you're never towed a caravan before, it's important to have a test run, so you can feel the difference the extra weight makes to your car, and you can adjust your driving accordingly. For example, you need to allow longer distances between your vehicle and other vehicles on the road for braking, overtaking and joining a traffic stream. You'll also need to take care on corners.
Practise manoeuvres such as reversing, which is tricky to perform. It's easier if you have a spotter, who uses agreed hand signals to guide you into caravan park bay. Importantly, make any steering adjustments while your vehicle is stationary, take it slow, stopping and adjusting as you manoeurvre into the space.
There are rules around where you can park your campervan or caravan, especially in residential areas. Check with the relevant local council. Image: Getty
You dream of an oceanfront vista from a stretch of coast you’ve always wanted to see – but when you get to the caravan park, it’s all booked out. Factor in summer months (and winter in northern Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia) as well as school holidays and plan ahead when booking your campsites. Not everyone likes to schedule every inch of their adventure, but some foresight is necessary to avoid disappointment. Plus, if you book directly with RACV Resorts, you can access exclusive rates and offers.
Being prepared is ensuring your Caravan & Trailer Insurance and Emergency Roadside Assistance are both up to date. Being covered in the unlikely event of an accident, theft or a breakdown can help provide peace of mind.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
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