How to Execute a Perfect
Caravan Road Trip
Checklist for preparing for a caravan road trip in
Australia
Are you looking forward to yet another adventure with your familiar crew? What is better than getting a house on
wheels to take you wherever you want to go? You could have your own adventure in the land of OZ. Whether this is
your first time or you are a caravan veteran, there’s a checklist to follow to make sure everything runs
smoothly.
 |
Good preparations are half the fun of having a perfect caravan road trip in
Australia,
or any other contry destination, to ensure everything runs smoothly. |
Take this general piece of advice
As mentioned above, this is your holiday house on wheels and it is a good idea to perceive it as such. Keep the
necessary domestic equipment in at all times and have a set of everything in your caravan. You do not want to
embark on your road trip without essentials such is a set of dishes or a kettle. Try to clean the caravan after every trip. There are plenty of steps to take in preparation for
a road trip and you do not want your old mess to be one of them.
Check and clean again
If you have done your homework properly then this cleaning will be just a quick dusting. Check for signs of
mold. Wash out the water tank and keep it clean for this time round. Inspect the caravan for pests. Keeping your
caravan clean and without left –over food will reduce any interest rodents or insects could have had in it.
However, just in case, have a look a couple of days prior. You can even pretend you are actually using it just to
get to open all the cupboards and look in every corner imaginable. Even if you do not find anything at the first
sight, you can still spray it and destroy a chance of surprises happening.
Grease it up
Depending on the model you have, see if the towing system is in order. Try to set it up and confirm there are no
loose screws and everything is tight and safe. If you come across parts that should be loose but now are tight,
WD40 is your friend. Check the entire water system for leaks. Hoselink’s recommendation is reels for caravans as their design is particularly suited
for the purpose and lack of storage. Check the interior for corrosion and stop it before it starts spreading and
becomes an actual issue.
Check the overall state
There’s no such thing as an emergency road trip so spare a day to have
a mechanic have a look at the overall state of the vehicle. Check the wheels and the tires, the body for corrosion,
the fluids etc. Furthermore, if you are not confident in checking the water system, gas and electricity on your
own, ask the mechanic to have a look at that, too. When choosing a place to do the maintenance for your caravan,
make sure you choose someone who’s had previous experience with it and is familiar with the model you own.
 |
It's a good idea to visit your mechanic to inspect the vehicle before your planned
road trip,
to avoid problems when you the least need them. |
Plan time for planning
The first step of your planning process is to create a list of steps, that is, tasks that need to be completed
prior to setting off. Pretty much all of what’s written above will be on your first list. Consider the needs of
everyone aboard and put together a single list of items required in the caravan. This should be followed by a
shopping list, mostly for groceries and toiletries. If you need to deal with budgeting, the list will help you stay on track and priorities and if need be, willingly give
up certain things and be aware that you won’t have them in the caravan with you.
Plan your destinations
Again, consult the entire crew and come up with a route. Base your stops on the camping sites available and the
sites you would like to visit in the area. Ensure that your vehicle fits the requirements of the campsite. Have a
GPS device and an updated map handy and make sure that at least one of your crew members knows how to read a map
properly.
Entertainment
Don’t forget the music. Prepare your favorite playlist. Make sure it is the type of music everybody, traveling
with you, likes. If your children are on board, be sure to
pack their favorite toys. Pencils, crayons, and paper take up very little space yet, with a little creativity, they
offer a decent number of games to play. You can use your phone or tablet device for entertainment but I would
suggest that only in emergencies as somehow children tend to grow addicted to them and end up wanting to spend all
their time watching videos or playing games.
As with any other road trip, get a roadside service membership and make sure you pack emergency equipment, you
never know when you might need it. I personally hope you never get to use it but better safe than sorry.
|