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quoteRemembering what needs switching off, unplugging, detaching, etc…setting off on a caravanning holiday can be a job in itself! That’s why we’ve created this handy video guide and printable pre-towing checklist to make sure you don’t forget to do the necessary checks.
These pre-towing checks can be vital for a pleasant and safe tow, for caravan safety, and to make sure nothing gets accidentally damaged.
Cupboard and locker doors
Start by checking that all cupboards, locker doors and wardrobes inside the caravan are closed and locked. Caravan Guard often deals with caravan insurance claims where heavy items have dropped out of overhead lockers smashing worktops, hob covers, sink covers and even shower bases! Avoid unnecessary claims by making sure heavy items are secured away correctly and stored low down. Also be sure to carefully load your caravan for a safer towing experience.
Kitchen checks
There are a few things to remember in the kitchen and shower area. First, turn the fridge selector switch to 12v and lock the fridge door. If you have a microwave with a rotating plate, remove this and store in between cushions or in a plate rack wrapped in a tea towel. Lower the TV antenna too.
Caravan Guard receives a steady flow of caravan insurance claims for damaged rooflights that have been left open, so an obvious check is to make sure these are closed throughout the caravan, as well as windows.
Heating and hot water
Switch off the heating and hot water at the heating control panel and turn off the water pump master switch, opening all taps and the shower between hot and cold. If you’ve been holidaying in your caravan, open the yellow drain taps to allow the hot water tank, the pipes and any onboard tanks to drain fully.
Once the inside of your caravan is taken care of, there are a few things to be done outside.
Disconnect services
If on a campsite or if hooked up in storage, disconnect the electric hook up cable from the electric post first and coil this up. A top tip is to wipe the cable clean with a cloth as you wind it up, also feeling for any damage on the cable.
Then switch off the gas at the cylinder and make sure all water, waste and flush tanks are emptied – not forgetting to empty the toilet cassette if you’ve been on holiday.
Security devices
Many caravan owners have invested in a wide range of caravan security devices. You’ll have to remove your hitchlock and wheel clamp or axle wheel lock, but don’t forget if you have a proactive tracking device that triggers on movement sensor or via a geo fence, you need to deactivate it before setting off otherwise you’ll create a false theft alert for your tracking device’s monitoring centre.
Tyre and wheel checks
To help for a smooth, uneventful journey, always check the car and caravan’s tyre pressures. Over or under inflated tyres can lead to caravanning accidents and premature tread ware. See our tyre safety video for more tips.
To avoid any unnecessary wheel detachments make sure that all wheel nuts are torqued up. Again if you’re not too sure how to do this, take a look at our guide on tightening caravan wheel nuts.
Noseweight
It’s also always important to check your caravan’s noseweight before you set off. If this is too light or too heavy the caravan could become unstable whilst towing or your towcar’s steering could be affected.
We’ve got many more checks to perform on our downloadable caravan pre-towing checklist, such as attaching the breakaway cable, carrying out a connection check when you’ve hitched up the caravan to the towing vehicle, disengaging the motor mover and connecting towing mirrors.
We think this is a comprehensive list of things you need to do before towing your caravan but you can even write in a few checks of your own checks at the bottom of the design if you think we’ve missed anything.
Of course we want you to tell us what you think in the comments below.
Don’t forget – check the cat hasn’t sneaked in before you close the door!
Brilliant. And thanks to all who’ve added further suggestions. My partner and I always do the same checks in opposite directions, rather than follow the leader. Always said we should have a checklist, so thanks a mill. Now where did we leave the car!
As a husband and wife team we find two heads are better than one, it pays off too, we are all human and at times overlook to check certain items. Good article
Thanks Arthur! Wise words indeed.
Just came back to caravaning agter a. Umber of years and I used this last year to remind us of wvwrything to do, it was great, although some of rhe ofher caravanwrs looked atme as if, newboy !!!!!!!
It is essential to have a checklist, which should include more than one checker to prevent an oversight.
I would also advise (not necessarily a checklist) an awareness of impending rain where roof windows are concerned, particularly overnight rain.
All good common sense, both in the Check list and in the customer’s comments, but what about ensuring that towing mirrors are affixed before starting off, also that the road lights on the caravan are working, and the break away cable properly connected?
Three really good suggestions Josie, thanks! Don’t forget there are three spare lines at the bottom of the checklist to add your own checks! That way you won’t forget a thing.
Will you add the other suggestions to your list and then arrange a reprint. I can then encapsulate it knowing it will not get worn out and soiled.
We could do yes Paul – keep the suggestions coming everyone!
Additional check:
Check ALL exterior locker doors are closed and locked.
(Re-check main door).
Two great suggestions, thanks Tim and Bob!
Don’t forget to disengage mover mechanism.
I have done my own check lists for starting off, for setting up and for coming back home.It means there are no mistakes like leaving skylight open or many other things that could get missed
It sounds like you’re very organised Michael – you can never have too many checklists!
Very handy article and checklist. Trouble is, don’t seem able to print it!
Dear Lawrie, I’m sorry you were unable to print this. I have sent you the pdf of the checklist as a file attached to an email. Please let me know how you get on with that.
a/ Ensure all external access doors are closed and secured
b/ All taps including shower are open at mid point for for hot and cold
This is brilliant! A simple but effective reminder of things to do because I always seem to forget something when hitching up!
Thanks Jimmy, glad you found the checklist useful.