Caravan checks before setting off

Caravan Checks Before Setting Off: Double-Check for Safety and Peace of Mind

Before you hit the road on your caravan adventure, it’s essential to ensure everything is secure and in place for a safe journey. The last thing you want is to be caught off guard by an oversight that could cause damage to your van or put you at risk while towing. A thorough safety check is a must—ideally, make it a habit to do a double safety check, and if you’re traveling with a partner, have them go around after you to ensure everything is as it should be.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the key checks to make before setting off on your caravan journey:

1. Tow Hitch Check

Alko Hitch Indicators: Start by checking the Alko hitch indicators. They should be green, showing that the hitch is properly secured to the towball.
Jockey Wheel Test: With the Alko handle still raised, wind the jockey wheel down. This ensures that the hitch is fully lowered onto the towball and can lift the back of the car. It’s crucial to test this properly to avoid any issues with towing.
Lower the Alko Handle: Once you’re sure everything is properly aligned, lower the Alko handle and attach the caravan’s electric plug.
Check ATC: If your caravan is fitted with an ATC (Active Trailer Control), listen for the system to activate and check that the indicator light turns green. This confirms that the ATC is working properly.

2. Jockey Wheel and Clamp

Raise the Jockey Wheel: Wind the jockey wheel back up, making sure the bottom of the wheel fits securely into the slots in the main tube.
Tighten the Clamp: Keep winding until the jockey wheel handle is tight. If you don’t do this, the jockey wheel may lower while driving, which can be dangerous.
A-Frame Check: Make sure the jockey wheel tube is fully raised, with the wheel tucked under the A-frame as far as it will go. Tighten the clamp to hold it in place.

3. Safety and Locking Checks

Brake Away Cable: Attach the brake away cable to the appropriate point on the car to ensure that if the caravan detaches, the brakes will automatically engage.
Check All Locks and Covers: Walk around the caravan in a clockwise direction, ensuring that all lockers are secured. Double-check that any external covers (e.g., water pump, gas point) are closed.

4. Roof and Windows

Roof Vents: Look up to check that the roof vents are fully closed. These are often overlooked and can easily be ripped off by wind or trees.
Aerial Down: Ensure that the TV aerial is fully retracted to avoid damage while towing.
Windows: Double-check that all windows are fully closed, especially any ventilation settings that might be left open. Open windows can result in damage while traveling.

5. Stabilizer Legs and External Parts

Steadies: Slowly walk around and make sure all steadies are fully retracted. Forgotten steadies can easily be damaged or even ripped off during transit.
External Connections: Inspect the caravan’s gas point and external electrical connections to ensure they are securely covered and closed.

6. Final Visual Check

Once you’ve walked around the caravan, do a final visual check at the A-frame:

Alko Hitch: Ensure the Alko hitch is still securely attached, and the green indicators are visible.
Handbrake Off: Double-check that the handbrake is off.
Electric Cable: Make sure the electric cable isn’t so slack that it could drag on the ground while driving. The cable should be neatly stored.
Front Locker: Don’t forget to check that the front locker is securely closed and locked.

7. Lights and Indicators Check

If you’re traveling with a partner, now is a good time to do a light check together. Have one person check the tail lights, brake lights, and indicators while the other operates the car.

Final Thoughts

It may seem obvious to check your caravan before setting off, but we’ve all seen caravans on the road with roof vents still open, aerials sticking up, and doors or lockers flapping in the wind. You don’t want to be one of those people!

It’s crucial to make your pre-departure checks a routine and always do a double-check. A second pair of eyes can spot issues that might otherwise be missed. Remember, a caravan is an investment, and keeping it safe and secure not only ensures a smooth journey but helps prevent costly damage.

Check once, check twice, and enjoy your trip with peace of mind!

Why should I raise the jockey wheel fully?

Raising the jockey wheel fully and tightening it prevents the wheel from lowering during transit, which could damage it or create a dangerous situation on the road.