In recent years the popularity of caravanning and camping has greatly expanded as more and more friends and families seek fun and adventure exploring the vast Australian wilderness together. Last year Australians enjoyed an estimated 15 million caravan and camping trips, setting new records!
One of the many wonderful things about caravanning is the total freedom it offers. Perth caravans can make the journey east to watch the sunrise over the Pacific while Sydney caravans can head out west to see the sunset over the Indian Ocean! The open road awaits, and the caravan is your ticket to experiencing all that Australia has to offer from the comfort of your home on wheels!
If you are thinking about beginning your caravanning adventure here are a few handy tips to help you get rolling!
Mapping the Way – While one of the great draws of caravanning is the freedom to go where you please, it’s still a good idea to have a few key stops planned ahead of time. Knowing where you intend to go and some places you want to stay at is a useful component of smooth, stress-free caravanning. You can check online for current caravan park information that includes site reviews, prices and what types of bays are available, for example concrete, grass, or dirt. Don’t forget that at certain times of the year like school holidays, the sites are going to fill up quickly so make sure you book yours well ahead. Caravanning in the off seasons is really lovely, the weather might not be ideal, but the peace and quiet with no crowds is well worth it.
Be sure to download plenty of maps, especially if you are planning to explore a remote area. Never rely solely on your mobile devices, your reception can simply disappear out there leaving you lost in the wilderness. Always make sure to check the current road conditions before you begin your journey, keeping an eye out for things like road closures and potential hazards like flooding. Many rural roads are unsealed so be wary of mud and washouts! It’s also very important to know where the next petrol station is located, there can be a significant distance between them once you enter lightly populated areas. Having detailed maps and knowledge of what lies ahead doesn’t spoil the thrill of discovery, it’s good sense to stay safe!
Pre-Trip Checklist – When you embark on any lengthy road trip, it’s important to make sure you have everything you need ready to go before you take off. Compiling a pre-trip checklist of caravan essentials is the best way to make sure everything is working properly and that you haven’t forgotten anything!
● Check the download on your towbar to make sure it doesn’t exceed the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended maximum limits.
● Make sure your caravan and its tow vehicle are in good mechanical condition, check to see if all the lights are working and your tyre pressure is at the proper levels.
● Double check your tow connection to make sure your caravan is hitched correctly.
● Be sure to check the caravan’s weight distribution before you set off on your journey.
● Check your caravan’s wheel bearings every 12 months to ensure there’s no excessive play and that the grease is in good condition.
● Turn your fridge on at least 24 hours before leaving to make sure it’s functioning and that it’s ready for you to store your food in.
Caravanning is a fantastic way to escape your daily routine for some fun and excitement! Don’t forget that it’s important to stay safe while you are out on the road. Always bear in mind that wide turns and driving in reverse are very common, so be sure to invest in tow mirrors that will extend your range of view all around the vehicle. Always be sure to keep to a safe speed limit, towing speed is between 80-90km/h which allows you to maintain a safer braking distance, as well as giving you more control in high wind conditions.
Remember that you are out to have fun, so don’t always hurry from destination to destination, take time to make some stops while you are driving. Australia is full of interesting sights, don’t let them pass by too fast, caravanning gives you the chance to stop and smell the roses!
