A proper pre-departure check takes ten minutes. Skipping it can cost you a caravan on the highway, a fine at a roadside inspection, or worse. Every towing incident investigation starts with the same question: was the rig checked before it left? In most cases, it was not — or the check missed something critical.
This checklist covers every item you should verify before driving. It applies to caravans, camper trailers, boat trailers, and any other towed load. Do it every time you hitch up, not just on the first morning of a big trip.
Coupling and Hitch
Coupling is fully seated and locked. The coupling head should be completely over the tow ball with the locking mechanism engaged. Test by trying to lift the drawbar — it should not separate from the ball. A partially seated coupling can bounce off at the first pothole.
Handbrake released on the caravan. This sounds obvious, but driving away with the caravan handbrake on is more common than anyone admits. It destroys brake shoes and drums quickly, and the smell of burning brakes is your first and last warning.
Jockey wheel fully raised and locked. A jockey wheel that drops at highway speed can dig into the road surface, rip the drawbar assembly, or flip the van. Raise it completely and secure the locking pin or clamp.
Weight distribution hitch (WDH) adjusted correctly if fitted. The vehicle should sit level or very slightly nose-down when the WDH is engaged. If the front of the tow vehicle is noticeably higher than the rear, the WDH is not doing its job or the ball weight is too high.
Safety Chains and Breakaway
Safety chains connected and crossed under the drawbar. Chains must be crossed so that if the coupling fails, the chains form a cradle that catches the drawbar and prevents it from hitting the road. Each chain should have enough slack to allow full turning but not so much that it drags on the ground.
Breakaway cable or chain connected to the tow vehicle. The breakaway system applies the caravan’s brakes automatically if it separates from the tow vehicle. The cable or chain must be connected to the vehicle (not to the coupling or safety chains) and must have enough slack to allow turns without triggering accidentally.
Breakaway battery charged (if fitted). Many breakaway systems use a small 12V battery that charges from the tow vehicle’s electrics while driving. If the van has been in storage, check the battery voltage. A flat breakaway battery means no emergency braking if the van separates.
Electrical Connections
Plug connected and seated fully. A loose plug connection is the most common cause of intermittent trailer lights. Push the plug in firmly and check that the locking ring or clip is engaged.
All lights working. Walk around the van and check every light: tail lights, brake lights (have someone press the pedal), left and right indicators, reverse lights if fitted, and number plate light. Check both sides. A blown bulb on the right indicator means the car behind you does not know you are turning.
Electric brakes tested. If your caravan has electric brakes, test them before driving. With the engine running and in gear, apply the brake controller manually and feel for the brakes engaging. If there is no resistance, the brake connection has failed — do not drive until it is fixed.
Tyres and Wheels
Tyre pressures checked cold. Check every tyre on the caravan and the tow vehicle before driving. Pressures should be set for your actual loaded weight, not just the maximum on the sidewall. If you are unsure of the correct pressure for your load, our tyre pressure guide explains the calculation.
Tyre condition inspected. Look for cracks in the sidewall, bulges, embedded objects, and uneven wear patterns. Caravan tyres age faster than they wear because many vans sit idle for months between trips. A tyre that looks fine on tread depth can be dangerously degraded from UV and age. Tyres older than five years should be inspected by a professional regardless of tread depth.
Wheel nuts torqued. If wheels have been removed recently (for bearing service, tyre replacement, or storage), re-torque the wheel nuts to the manufacturer’s specification. Check them again after the first 50–100 km of driving. Loose wheel nuts are a leading cause of wheel separation.
Spare tyre present and inflated. A flat spare is no better than no spare. Check the spare tyre pressure and condition as part of every pre-trip check. Ensure you have the tools to change it: jack, wheel brace, and a board to place under the jack on soft ground.
Load Security
Internal load secured. Everything inside the caravan should be stowed and unable to move during transit. Open cupboard doors, check the fridge is latched, and ensure nothing heavy is sitting on benchtops or tables. A 5 kg item becomes a projectile under heavy braking.
External items secured. Bikes on a rack, jerry cans on the drawbar, awnings rolled and pinned, aerials lowered, steps retracted. Walk around the entire van and check every external item. Anything that can move, rattle, or fall off will do so on a corrugated road.
Gas bottles turned off. In most Australian states, driving with gas bottles turned on is not permitted unless you have a gas-certified continuous-flow system. Turn the bottles off at the valve and check that the regulator is not leaking (the tell-tale smell of mercaptan or a bubbling soapy water test).
Final Walk-Around
Mirrors adjusted. You need clear visibility down both sides of the caravan. If your van is wider than your tow vehicle (most are), extended towing mirrors are legally required. Adjust them so you can see the full length of the van and the road behind.
Clearance checked. If you are leaving a campsite, caravan park, or any space with overhead obstacles, check your roof height against any barriers, trees, or structures. Rooftop air conditioners, solar panels, and antennas add height that is easy to forget.
Antenna and satellite dish lowered. Driving with a satellite dish up or an HF antenna extended is an expensive mistake. Lower everything before you move.
Make It a Habit
Ready2Tow includes a built-in pre-trip checklist that tracks every item above and more, customised for your rig type. Tick items off on your phone as you walk around, and the app remembers your checklist between trips so you never skip a step. The checklist is available on the Free tier — no subscription required for this one. Because the one check you skip is always the one that matters.
