Caravanning for beginners: Everything you need to know before you hit the road
But if you’re new to caravanning, there’s a lot to master before those ‘Instagram’ moments become reality. From understanding towing weights and learning how to reverse a van without breaking a sweat, to packing smart and navigating the etiquette of caravan parks, the journey begins long before you hit the highway.
It’s about being fully prepared so that when you finally wake to the sound of waves on an unspoiled beach or kangaroos grazing outside your window, you can relax knowing you’ve done it right.
Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to help you start your journeys with confidence.
Choosing your caravan
The most important decision: picking the right van for you.Think about where you’ll travel and who you'll travel with.
Are you planning relaxed family holidays or rugged off-road adventures?
Consider the amenities you can’t live without – kitchen layout, shower and toilet, sleeping configuration.
If you have never towed before, picking a caravan that is smaller and lighter over bigger and heavier, that will affect your vehicles handling more, would be the better and safer option until you get some experience and feel for how the combination handles.
Above all, make sure the caravan suits your tow vehicle now, and not the tow vehicle you ‘hope’ to buy in the future.
Ensure safe towing
Once you’ve found the right van, check all the specs.
You must respect limits on:
Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM): ATM is the total weight of the caravan when fully loaded and not coupled to a vehicle. The caravan’s ATM must not exceed the vehicle’s braked towing capacity.
Payload: What you can load inside after weighing the van’s empty tare weight. Payload varies significantly between caravans and can be as low as 300–500kg once factory-fitted options are included, so every accessory and extra counts. Monitor the ball load – the vertical weight on your tow ball – and ensure it does not exceed the vehicle or towbar’s rated maximum. Overloading inhibits braking, strains your vehicle, weakens suspension, and risks legal penalties.
Load smarter, not harder
When packing:
Most of the weight should ideally be as close to the axles as possible and definitely not at the front and rear extremities of the van, such as storage boxes on the drawbar or rear bumper bar. It should also be placed as low as possible to reduce the centre of gravity as much as possible. Avoid loading heavy items behind the rear axle, which can significantly increase the potential for trailer sway.
Resist the urge to pack everything – more possessions mean more stress and weight.
Use a pre-trip checklist: Check tyres, lights, brakes, and wheel bearings; secure cabinets; switch off gas; tape down loose items; and stow your chocks, jack, spare tyre and power leads.
Caravanning Queensland’s VANSafe program offers free caravan weight and safety inspections, and towing and weight masterclasses at locations around the State.
Training is worth it
Caravanning isn’t just camping on wheels – it requires a new set of skills.RACQ recommends enrolling in a caravan towing course where instructors guide you through coupling, weight assessments, reversing and manoeuvring in a safe setting.
Many caravaners discover their rigs are over the recommended weight. These courses can uncover and fix that issue before trouble strikes.
RACQ conducts caravan workshops at its Mobility Centre at Mt Cotton in Brisbane. Members are offered a discount on the course which teaches the basics of caravanning and allows participant to practise manoeuvres. Find out more at racq.com/driver-training.
Helpful gear and smooht setups
Throw a few smart additions into your caravan toolkit:
- Tyre-pressure monitor and gauge to catch slow leaks before they become breakdowns
- 15-amp power lead
- Drinking water hose
- Grey-water hose
- Wheel chocks and leveling ramps
- Your van should be fitted with a fire extinguisher and smoke alarm.
More important advice
- Study your electric brake controller owner’s manual so you know how to adjust it and how to use it in an emergency. It is your number one go-to if you experience trailer sway. Both driver and passenger should practice using it.
- Adjust or add mirrors so you can see clearly past the back of the van on both sides.
- Visit qld.gov.au/transport/vehicle-safety/towing for more information on Queensland towing laws and safety advice from the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
- Make sure you have the correct level of roadside assistance that covers both the car and the van. Visit racq.com/roadside for more information.
- Caravans have specific ventilation requirements to help keep occupants safe. If a caravan is designed so that a lower ventilation opening can be covered while travelling, a carbon monoxide (CO) detector must be fitted. While CO and LPG gas leak detectors are not mandatory in all caravans in Queensland, they are strongly recommended safety devices. If you’re unsure about gas safety or compliance, speak with a licensed gas fitter or contact GasSafe Queensland.
Etiquette on the road and in the park
Being a good caravanner is about more than just driving well – it’s about sharing the road and campsite harmony.
Avoid becoming a mobile roadblock: move into passing lanes so faster vehicles can pass safely, especially on hills. In remote regions a UHF radio is essential for letting trucks know what you are doing and for when trucks are about to pass you.
In caravan parks:
- Choose a reasonably separated camping spot.
- Respect the peace and keep noise down at night.
- Keep campsites tidy, share resources politely, avoid blocking paths.
Hitting the road
Once you feel ready to hit the road, it is recommended that you do some shorter trips to get comfortable towing your caravan before tackling any long road trips.Armed with the right caravan, a solid packing strategy, and respect for the rules of the road and park, you’re ready for a hassle-free entry into caravanning life.
Don’t rush, practice your towing skills, use a pre-departure checklist every time, and treat fellow travellers with respect.
You will soon realise that caravanning is a lifestyle that rewards patience, planning, and a spirit of adventure.
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Things to note
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