Caravan safety tips
If you're planning a holiday at home this year, make the most of the time you have and hitch up the caravan!
Our beautiful state has so much to offer and is one of the easiest places to explore in a caravan, but that doesn’t mean you should head out unprepared. Whether it's your first time, or you’re a seasoned pro, here are our top tips to keep your caravan safe and secure away while travelling around Tasmania.
Pre-trip planning:
You really are spoiled for choice in Tasmania. Whether it’s the pristine beaches of the East Coast or the charming and rugged Central Highlands, Caravanning Tasmania should have you covered. They have some great guides for the best caravan sites and attractions, including which ones are dog friendly if you’re bringing your best mate along too. If apps are more your thing, take a look at WikiCamps.
Some of Tasmania’s most beautiful destinations are well away from the major highways. You might find yourself on very narrow, unsealed, winding roads and some may only be suitable for a 4WD. Plan your route in advance and make sure both your towing vehicle and your caravan are up to the task.
If you’re planning on visiting one of our beautiful national parks, make sure you’ve organised your National Parks Pass. If you’re a regular road tripper, the best value might be an annual or two year all parks pass. Multiple vehicles can be recorded on this pass, so long as they are registered at the same address. It includes access to all National Parks in Tasmania, including the Cradle Mountain shuttle bus
Before you leave:
Some of Tasmania’s roads can be pretty hard on your towing vehicle - the steep, winding climbs will make your engine work extra hard towing the weight of the caravan. Then on the way back down, your brakes will be working overtime. If it’s been a while since your last service, have a mechanic check it over for peace of mind before you leave.
Make sure your caravan is roadworthy. Check your wheel bearings to ensure there’s no excessive play and the grease is in good condition. Again, if in doubt, have a mechanic do this for you.
Don’t overload your caravan and make sure any weight you do add is evenly distributed across the axle. Make sure that your contents are secure and all doors and windows are shut. The last thing you want is to open your caravan up at your destination and have all your things fall out on top of you!
When you’re all hitched up, check your caravan lights and make sure they’re working.
Do a final check on your connection to make sure your caravan is hitched correctly. The constant vibration from an unsealed road could shake a poor connection loose.
On-site security:
Even if you’re just popping over to see your campsite neighbours, make sure your vehicle and caravan are locked up tight.
If possible, carry your valuables with you. If not, make sure they are stored securely and away from windows and prying eyes.
Set up some motion activated security lights. If there are any thieves lurking nearby, they’ll be put off if their movements are lit up for all to see.
Consider wheel locks to prevent someone towing your caravan away while you’re out exploring the Tassie wilderness.
Try installing a GPS tracker so if the worst happens, you’ll be able to help police locate it.
Before you set off on your journey, make sure you have adequate insurance. Take a look at our caravan and trailer insurance to see if it meets your needs.