Preparing for a Chrissy Road Trip? Here’s Your ‘Safety To-Do List’

The holiday season is here and it’s time to get travelling! If there’s one thing Aussies excel at during the Christmas season, it’s hitting the adventure trails. But with so many vehicles on (and off) the roads, it’s essential you plan ahead – and that means prepping with a safety to-do list before you go.

The following tips will help get you to your destination, and home again, with amazing memories to boot.

1. Know Your Vehicle

You might feel this is a given, but you'd be surprised at how many people who own a caravan don't know what the EHU or GVM is. Both acronyms (and many other aspects of the vehicle) are essential for smooth operation and safety. Do you know what they are? You can find out here. 

2. Check Your Tyre Pressure

Having the right tyre pressure will keep you safe on and off the roads. The pressure changes depending on the load you’re carrying and the terrain you’ll be driving on. From a recommendation of around 60 psi on bitumen roads to 18 psi for bad corrugations, it varies, so make sure you know what you need (and take along a portable pump so you’re prepared for anything). Learn more here.

3. Know Your Tow

Understanding the features of your towing is crucial, and it includes everything from your tow ball weight to your gross vehicle mass, payload, and TARE to aggregated and gross trailer mass. These all play a part in ensuring a safe and secure connection and load and a great adventure. Get to know them here. 

4. Watch the Weather.

Summer is a great time to travel in Australia, but it's also storm season, so you need to keep an eye on the weather. Be prepared for anything; pack an emergency kit, stay up to date with the forecasts, avoid parking under trees, and make sure you keep everything secure if you do hit a storm. Learn more here.

5. Be Safe, Not Silly!

If you’re new to caravanning and towing, it’s important you understand common newbie mistakes – so you can avoid them. Knowing how to drive for towing is crucial, particularly when it comes to overtaking and keeping control of your caravan in high winds or traffic. Swaying caravans are hazards for you and everyone else on the roads, so it's important you're aware of the risks and how to prevent them. Read more newbie tips here.

6. Be Prepared!

The last thing you want when you're on the road is for something to go wrong with the caravan or camper, and you're not prepared. Maintenance is crucial: before you travel, during your adventures, and when you get home. And the better you treat your vehicle, the longer you'll be able to enjoy it. Prepare here.

7. Off-Road Risks

If you’re planning an off-road adventure, it's essential you have a quality caravan or camper that's equipped for off-road travel. That includes aspects like off-road suspension systems and tow couplings, off-road tyres, under-body deadeners to protect the chassis and drawbar, high-quality auto seals, and, of course, a structural warranty! Find out more about off-road essentials here.

So, whether you’re a seasoned traveller, or you’re heading off on your first big caravanning holiday, don’t let the ‘silly season’ get in the way of your safety. Take note of the tips above and get ready to have some fun (safely)!