Camping guides
Ultimate caravan checklist: budget family adventure
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When hiring a caravan on Camplify for the first time, many people don't know what to take with them. Don't worry — our comprehensive caravan checklist includes a complete packing list and much more to ensure you're fully prepared for your adventure.
Last updated: August 2024
Discover the freedom of the open road with caravan travel through the van sharing platform Camplify** — the perfect way to see more and spend less on your family adventure. Caravanning offers unbeatable value , allowing you to explore far-flung destinations without breaking the bank. However, especially for first-time caravan travellers , the prospect of hiring and towing a caravan can be daunting. Whether you're concerned about packing essentials or safely maneuvering your home-on-wheels, our comprehensive checklist has got you covered. Unfamiliar with our van sharing platform? Here's **how it works .
As passionate caravan enthusiasts ourselves, we've poured our collective experience and love for the open road into this guide. Crafted by the Camplify team , who live and breathe caravanning, this checklist draws on countless adventures and real-world insights. We're here to ensure you're fully equipped to maximize your travel experience while keeping costs down, just as we do on our own journeys.
This caravan checklist covers everything you need to do before setting off, including:
Caravan packing list: All the essential items you need to take in your caravan.
Caravan preparation checklist: How to prepare your caravan for safe travel.
Car preparation checklist: How to prepare your car to tow a caravan safely.
Towing checklist: Important steps for towing a caravan safely.
Caravan hire checklist: Ensure you're hiring the right caravan and returning it in suitable condition.
Safety and emergency preparedness tips
Disclaimer: Our guide provides general information only. Always consult the caravan owner, your vehicle manual, and relevant authorities for specific advice tailored to your situation. When in doubt, seek professional guidance.
The ultimate caravan checklist
Caravan: North Coast Leader Family Van on Camplify.
Before hitting the road in your caravan hire, you need to pack all the essentials. Use this comprehensive packing list to ensure you don't leave behind important items. We've tried to keep this list as concise as possible, given the limited storage space in caravans.
Important: When you hire a caravan through Camplify, many essential items may already be included. Always carefully review the caravan listing to see which items are provided, and don't hesitate to message the owner if you have any questions about the included equipment.
Caravan essentials
Valid driving license
Vehicle registration and insurance documents
Hirer damage cover documentation (included with Camplify hire)
[National roadside assistance](https://help.camplify.com.au/au-help-centre/owners-roadside-assistance# q-a) information (included with Camplify hire)
Caravan keys (plus a spare set kept separate)
Phone and charger (consider a car charger adapter)
Cash and credit cards
Caravan manual and any provided instruction guides
Torch and spare batteries
Matches or lighter (stored safely)
Power cord and adapters for campsite hookups
Drinking water hose (food-grade quality)
Gas bottle (plus a spare if extended trip)
Levelling chocks
Wheel chocks
Fire extinguisher (check it's in-date)
Smoke alarm (test before departing)
Carbon monoxide detector (essential for safety)
First aid kit (check contents and expiration dates)
Insect repellent
Portable solar panel kit (if boondocking/free camping)
Entertainment (board games, cards, books, tablets, kids' toys)
Kitchen
Bottle opener and can opener
Pots and pans
Utensils and cutlery
Plates and bowls
Mugs and cups
Thermos
Food and snacks
Large water bottle
Chopping board
Garbage bags
Dishwashing liquid
Foil
Paper towel
Dishcloth
Plastic bags
Colander (collapsible)
Drying rack
Kettle
Scissors
Dustpan and brush
Bedroom
Clothes for all occasions (see road trip packing list)
Pillows
Bed linen
Spare blanket
Bathroom
Toilet paper
Wet wipes
Medicine
Toiletries
Towels
Mosquito repellent
Sunblock
Zip-lock bags
Soap and shampoo
Deodorant
Razor and shaving cream
Sanitiser
Washing powder
Toilet chemicals
Air freshener
Outdoor
Gas stove
Folding camp table
Folding camp chairs
Esky
Waterproof matches or lighter
Firelighters
Newspaper
Picnic blanket
Camping clothesline and pegs
Portable speakers
Caravan and car maintenance
Spare wheel
Engine oil
Duct tape
Jack and wheel-changing tools
Tyre gauge
Tool kit
Jumper cables
Winter caravanning
Antifreeze
Hot water bottle
Summer caravanning
Beach towel
Car coolant
Extra water
Swimwear
Hammock
Pre-travel caravan checklist
Caravan: Ideal Family Van on Camplify.
Before arranging caravan hire on Camplify, use this caravan checklist to ensure that the hire is right for you:
Towing capability: Ensure your car's towing capacity exceeds the caravan's gross combination mass (GCM). Consult your car's manual and seek professional advice if unsure.
Size of the caravan: Confirm the caravan will fit within your chosen campsite. Check length restrictions for campsites and any low clearance areas on your route.
Off-road capability: For off-road camping, ensure the caravan is suitable and that the Camplify owner has explicitly permitted off-road use.
Equipment and amenities: Verify the caravan has everything you need (sleeping capacity, kitchen appliances, bathroom facilities, solar panels, etc.)
Insurance and roadside assistance: Camplify hires include [roadside assistance](https://help.camplify.com.au/au-help-centre/owners-roadside-assistance# q-a) and hire damage cover. Review the terms of coverage.
Upon collection: Ask the Camplify owner any questions about operation, quirks, or tips for the specific caravan.
How to prepare a caravan for travel
Caravan: 2019 Luxury Off Road on Camplify.
Before setting off on your road trip, ensure that your caravan is ready for travel:
Secure all loose items: Place all loose items away in cupboards and shelves. Try to store them securely so that they won’t roll around when travelling.
Close all windows, doors and hatches: Walk around the caravan and ensure that all the windows, doors and ventilation hatches are closed and locked. This includes internal doors like cupboards, drawers and the refrigerator.
Raise the steps: Ensure that the external steps to the caravan are raised and secured.
Run the refrigerator on DC power: Turn the switch on the caravan fridge so that it runs on DC power instead of AC power.
Secure the awning: Check that the awning has been brought in fully and is secured away.
Turn off the gas: Ensure that the gas bottles are secured and turned off.
Check the caravan tyre pressure: Use a tyre gauge to check that the caravan tyres are inflated to the correct pressure.
Remove levelling chocks: Check that you have removed the levelling chocks from below the wheels and secured them away in the caravan.
Take off the handbrake: Once you are ready to tow the vehicle, make sure that the handbrake is off.
Check the caravan is hitched properly: Ensure that the caravan is hitched securely to the car and that the safety chain is attached.
Raise the jockey wheel: Make sure that the caravan jockey wheel has been raised or removed and placed in a secure position for travelling.
Check that the caravan lights work: Make sure that the exterior caravan lights are connected to the car and working (including the indicators, brake and reverse lights).
Remove the power lead: Check that you have removed the 240V power lead and placed it inside the caravan's storage.
Remove the waste and water hose: Check that you have removed the blue and grey water hoses from the caravan and stored them away.
See our caravan tips for beginners for more advice on setting up and packing down your caravan.
How to prepare your car to tow a caravan
Before towing a caravan, ensure your car is properly prepared:
Professional service: Have your car serviced by a qualified mechanic 1-2 weeks before your trip.
Oil and fluids: Check and top up all fluids (oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid).
Battery: Ensure the battery is in good condition and fully charged.
Brakes: Have brakes inspected, including brake pads and rotors.
Tyres:
Check tyre pressure (including spare) and adjust for towing load.
Inspect tread depth and overall tyre condition.
Consider rotating tyres if due.
Lights: Test all lights, including headlights, brake lights, indicators, and reverse lights.
Windscreen: Repair any chips or cracks. Fill washer fluid reservoir.
Towing mirrors: Install and properly adjust extended towing mirrors.
Hitch and towbar: Inspect for any damage or wear. Ensure correctly rated for your caravan's weight.
Wiring: Check trailer wiring connection is clean and functioning correctly.
Suspension: If towing frequently, consider upgrading to heavy-duty shock absorbers.
Engine belts and hoses: Inspect for wear or cracking.
Air filter: Replace if dirty or if it's been a while since last change.
Emergency kit: Ensure you have a basic toolkit, jack, wheel brace, and emergency supplies.
Always consult your vehicle's manual for specific towing guidelines and weight limits. If you're unsure about any aspect of preparing your vehicle for towing, seek advice from a qualified mechanic.
Towing Safety Checklist
Proper towing technique is crucial for safety. Follow these guidelines:
Practice: If you're new to towing, practice in a quiet area before hitting busy roads.
Speed: Always drive at a safe speed, typically 10-20 km/h below the posted limit when towing.
Braking: Allow much greater stopping distances when towing. Brake gently and early.
Turns: Take wider turns to accommodate the extra length of your caravan.
Reversing: Use a spotter when possible. Take it slow and make small adjustments.
Wind: Be prepared for the effects of crosswinds, especially when passing large vehicles.
Load distribution: Ensure your caravan is loaded correctly with 60% of the weight over the axle.
Regular checks: Stop periodically to check your hitch, tyres, and load security.
Remember: Towing significantly affects your vehicle's handling and performance. Always err on the side of caution and take breaks if you feel fatigued.
Are you still afraid to tow? Check out our detailed Beginner's guide to towing .
Important Pre-Trip Preparations
In addition to packing and vehicle preparation, there are several crucial steps to complete before your trip:
Identity verification: Ensure your identity is verified on the Camplify platform well before your trip. All drivers must present valid licenses during the handover process.
Review cancellation policy: Familiarise yourself with Camplify's cancellation policy. If you need to cancel, log into your account and follow the cancellation procedure.
Handover arrangements: Coordinate with the owner to set a specific time and location for the handover. This is a crucial part of your trip preparation.
Documentation: The pre-hire and post-hire checklists serve as your condition reports. Ensure these are completed thoroughly. Take dated photos of the RV's condition before departing and keep them throughout your trip.
Camplify app: Download the Camplify app on Google Play or the App store to easily manage your booking and access important information on the go.
Post-holiday caravan checklist
When returning a hired caravan to the owner, try to return the vehicle in a suitable state by using the following checklist:
Remove personal items: Go through the entire caravan and remove any items that are yours.
Tidy up: Do a general clean of the caravan.
Check the caravan: Walk around the caravan and check its condition, noting any damage that you caused or features that are not functioning properly.
Report damage: If you cause damage to the caravan, inform the owner as soon as possible and then call the Camplify team for further assistance.
Hire a unique caravan anywhere in Australia
Camping is easy when you use our caravan checklist (and our ultimate guide to general road trip essentials!). And hiring a caravan is easy when you use Camplify. With local owners across Australia, Camplify makes it easy for holidaymakers to find the ideal van for their adventure.
Need to arrange caravan hire in Australia? Here are caravans for hire all over the country, including all major cities:
Simply enter your pickup location, adjust the optional filters and within seconds, you will find the perfect caravan for your camping trip.
The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.