For many Australians, hitting the road with their caravan or camper trailer in tow is one of life’s greatest pleasures. If you’re in the process of planning your next big adventure, there’s a few things worth considering before hitching up your caravan. To help you make the most of your next caravan trip, we’ve put together our top ten tips for planning your next caravan expedition.
1. Choose your caravan
Are you in the market for a new caravan or on the hunt for an upgrade? With so many different options out there it’s important to do your research and find something that’s suitable for you and your family. Whether you’re after a caravan, a camper trailer or something a little different, there are a range of options that are all designed for different purposes and uses.
2. Pick a set of wheels
Once you’ve got your caravan or camper trailer organised, you’ll need to make sure your towing vehicle is good for the job. Check your car’s weight rating against the weight of your caravan or camper trailer. Just make sure you’re considering the weight of the load once it’s all packed and if you’ll have any additional passengers on board. If your current vehicle isn’t capable of towing the load, you’ll likely need to upgrade to a vehicle with the right towing capacity.
3. Plan your route
Being spontaneous can be a blast, but one of the best ways to make the absolute most of your trip is to know where you’re going and what you’re doing. Plot your route on a map and be sure to make note of places to stop to refuel and have a break along the way. If you plan on going off the beaten track, make sure the road surfaces and any potential water crossings are suitable for both your vehicle and your caravan or camper trailer.
4. Research where to park
Have you thought about where you plan on parking up overnight? Whether you’re after holiday parks, campgrounds or free camping sites, there are a range of different options available to you. It’s important to note though that you can’t just pull up on any old patch and camp overnight. Make sure you do your research so you know exactly where you can and can’t park to avoid any fines.
5. Check the weather conditions
For most people, the idea of a rained-out holiday isn’t particularly appealing, especially when your accommodation is attached to the back of your vehicle.
Depending on whether you’re planning on heading north, south, east or west, it’s always worth checking the weather conditions along the way. There’s plenty of ground to cover when travelling Australia, which means you could be in for a range of different weather conditions. Do your research on the region and try to travel during optimal seasons for the best chance of good weather.
6. Pack the right gear
Once you’ve planned your route, figured out what you’re going to be doing, and have looked at the weather, it’s time to start packing. When you’re travelling around Australia, there are a few items that are always worth taking with you like sunscreen, bug spray, walking gear, layered clothing, plenty of water, a first aid kit, some basic tools and some entertainment to keep you occupied on your trip.
7. Pack light
When it comes to packing, not only do you want to make sure you’re packing the right gear, but you’ll want to make sure you’re not overpacking either. Remember, every little bit adds to the load of your caravan or camper trailer. The heavier the load, the more expensive it’ll be to top up your rig at the bowser, so packing light can help to make things more economical.
8. Make a budget
Whether you’re planning a lap around Australia or a quick weekend away, it can be worth putting together a loose budget before you set out. More often than not, the cost of everything can blow out, but it can be worth pulling together some figures beforehand to help guide you.
9. Don’t forget the safety check
From making sure the brakes and tyres are up to scratch, to checking the final load of your caravan, make sure you have a safe journey by running through your safety checks before heading off into the distance. There are a number of state government websites that have their own detailed caravan safety checklists that you can refer to like Transport for NSW and VicRoads. Print a copy and check each item off as you go to make sure you’ve got all bases covered.
10. Protect yourself and your caravan
From your caravan to your towing vehicle, before you set off on your trip it can be worth taking out insurance to protect yourself against loss or damage. Youi has a range of caravan and camper trailer insurances and car insurance offerings that could be right for you.
Planning ahead can make all the difference when it comes to your next caravan adventure. From making sure you’ve got the right caravan and towing vehicle for the job, to plotting your route and packing the right gear, there are a number of different things that can help to make your next trip as smooth as possible.
If you’re in the market for caravan and camper trailer or car insurance, Youi has a range of different offerings that might suit you.
The information provided in this article contains general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account any person’s particular objectives, financial situations or needs. Product issued by Youi Pty Ltd. Consider our Car, Caravan & Trailer Insurance Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations at www.youi.com.au when deciding whether our products are appropriate for you.
