Are You Sure Your Caravan or Trailer is Ready For Departure?

Are You Sure Your Caravan Is Travel Ready?

Just like checking your car regularly you should also pay attention to your caravan or trailer and make sure it is safe to take out. When you don't use these things regularly on a daily basis you need to be aware of some important things you have to ensure are in working order before hooking up to the car and loading up.

What Are The Things I Should Check?

Many people forget that there are regular things you need to maintain and if you are not vigilant in checking regularly on things like wear and tear and tyre pressure then there is a chance that things can perish overtime or even lose tyre pressure.

Is There A Checklist to Go By?

The answer is yes. Most manufacturers like Carasel or mechanics will recommend a range of safety things you need to check before heading off.

Before Every Trip, You Should Check The Following

• The vehicle and trailer are roadworthy
• All tyres are properly inflated
• The trailer’s wheel bearings, suspension, and brakes work properly
• All lights work and safety chains are properly connected
• Oil, water, brake fluid, battery, and other service checks have been done on the vehicle.

During each trip

• At regular intervals during the trip, check that:
• Couplings, all doors, hatches, covers, and any load or equipment are still properly secured
• Tyres are still properly inflated and not rubbing on suspension or body work.

If travelling to another State, check with the relevant roads authority whether there are different rules.

By following this Caravan/Trailer Departure Checklist you should ensure that your caravan or trailer will be ready to go when heading out and about. This can save you time and money by planning ahead and minimising frustration in getting out on the road.

Did You Remember To Get The Towbar Checked?

Carasel Towbars can perform a maintenance check on your towbar to ensure that it is in the best condition to tow, especially if you do not use it regularly. We are long-established trailer manufacturing company the chances are if there is any maintenance required, we will have the equipment on hand to repair or replace any issues that need fixing before you leave the premises.

Remember To Get Your Caravan/Trailer Serviced?

Carasel prides themselves on ensuring their clients caravans or trailers are ready and safely serviced for the open road. You can call and book a time to have your caravan or trailer serviced.

Carasel's Caravan Service includes:

• Inspect the springs to make sure they aren’t broken or snapped; then fix them up real smart
• Inspect the brakes for wear and tear, if they aren’t up to scratch, we’ll replace them
• Inspect all the lights/wiring are in good working condition, and if not, we will advise you and if you agree we’ll replace or update them with LED lights
• We’ll also replace the wheel bearings and give your tyres a once over, and if they aren’t looking their best, we’ll change them over for you (after notifying you and getting the go ahead)
• We’ll top up the gas bottle, so it’s ready for your BBQ skills to be put to the test on arrival when you reach your destination.
• Then it’s time to verify that the axles aren’t bent, and if they are, we’ll put some straight ones back in.

We quote you first before replacing any items so no hidden surprises on pick up!

You can call us at Seven Hills on 1800 869 227 or Moorebank on 02 9601 3666, and we’ll let you know how we can help you.

Have You Loaded Your Trailer/Caravan Evenly?

When towing either a Caravan or Trailer there are some important tips, you need to ensure you do in order to maintain a level weight to make towing a safe and pleasurable drive for you and your passengers.

• Spread the load evenly across the floor or base of the caravan or trailer and keep it as low as possible to contain the centre of gravity
• If your load in the trailer is smaller than the trailer itself, move the load as far to the front of the trailer as possible.
• Avoid loads in the trailer that stick out wider than your trailer and the tow vehicle.
• Avoid loads that are much longer than the trailer as this could impact the handling of your vehicle and the way it handles on the road. Long or heavy loads can make the trailer sway uncontrollably and become a major risk to you and other road users.
• Secure the load taking into account wind and forces caused by accelerating, braking, and turning.
• Make sure the caravan has an even spread of your load including chairs, luggage, gazebos, etc. as this can cause an uneven weight when you hook up and begin to tow your caravan to its destination.
• Check the weight distribution hitch. When connected to the tow vehicle correctly this will prevent the sagging that you can often see caused by the weight of an uneven load on the road.
• Check your tow ball for wear and tear. Is the tow ball in good condition, has it started to corrode if it does not have a tow ball cover on it when not in use? If this is the case, you can call into either of our two retail stores in Sydney and our team at Carasel can get you back on the road with a new tow ball.

Finally, Once Ready For Getting Out On The Open Road And Towing, Have You Remembered The Laws On Towing?

Each state and territory have their own set of regulations regarding towing, and it is your responsibility to make sure you are aware of these. Whether you are towing a trailer or caravan there are sets of rules you need to abide by.

It is your responsibility to make sure you are compliant when towing anything in NSW or you risk significant fines.

Current rules state:

• You must not tow more than one trailer at a time'
• You must not have any person sitting in the trailer or caravan that you are towing at any time
• You must secure and cover your load, making sure that nothing overhangs at any time.

Learner and Provisional P1 drivers have towing restrictions:

• Learner drivers and learner and provisional motorcycle riders are NOT ALLOWED to tow at any time.
• P1 car licence holders can tow a small trailer up to 250kg of unloaded weight.

You must always be careful and completely aware of vehicles around you when towing a trailer or caravan. If you feel you need more knowledge and skills than normal driving, you can book in and attend a driving course for towing at various places around the Sydney area. You can be fined and loose demerit points when towing incorrectly and this falls on you as the driver for not being fully aware of the things you need to do and follow when you are in control of the tow vehicle.

If at any time you have questions on towing or feel you need to get your caravan or trailer checked, feel free to book in to Carasel. Our team is always ready to service and check your caravan or trailer to ensure you and your passenger’s safety on the open road.