Before you hit the road this summer make sure you run through the checklist. Photo: Photon-Photos.
If the lyrics from Ray Charles’ song Hit the Road Jack are spinning around your mind as you prepare for a summer holiday road trip, there’s a few other things you need to get firmly lodged in your head, say caravanning industry pundits.
With nearly one million registered caravans on Australian roads, and a lot of them about to go road tripping, they say pre-planning and safety is paramount if you don’t want to end up like the second line in the 1961 song and “don’t come back no more, no more, no more”.
“We want to make sure caravan and campers have the most amazing summer break, but importantly we want everyone to get back home safely,” says Caravan Industry Association of Australia’s CEO Stuart Lamont.
“That is why we have developed a comprehensive list of top tips for having a safe summer holiday.”
With so many spots to camp it’s important to be prepared for anything on your caravan adventure. Photo: Rebecca O’Grady.
Whether towing a caravan, charging lithium-ion batteries, or enjoying the amenities of a caravan park, he says planning and awareness are key to ensuring a happy and safe holiday season.
“It’s vital we all take simple precautions to protect ourselves and others. By planning ahead and following safety guidelines, we can ensure the festive season is a time of joy and adventure.”
It’s a sentiment reiterated by Graeme Edgar from Border Bandag Tyre Service who says all too often the age of the tyres on a caravan are not properly considered.
“Everyone’s keen on making sure their car is OK because they drive it all the time, but the caravan, in my opinion, is the one that gets neglected,” said Graeme.
“Age is the killer. It’s the biggest problem with tyres on a caravan which might have been sitting there for some time before they hook it up and go.
“You could go and buy a van and you’ve had it for 10 years and you’ve only done 20,000 kms in it, if that, and your tyres still look half worn but they are 10 years old, and you’ll go for a drive on a hot day and one will explode.”
He recommended getting an inspection if you were concerned or in the least checking the age of the tyres by finding the code stamped on it.
“If a tyre fails on your caravan more often than not it can destroy some fibreglass, some hoses and other things; it does more damage than ‘I’ve got to go and get another tyre’.
“And don’t be skimpy on it! If a standard everyday caravan tyre is $150 and you’ve got tyres that are 10 years old just spend the money and put them on. You’ve got a caravan to tow when you go away and do all that sort of stuff, so it’s still cheaper than a flight!”
Australia’s death toll on our roads stands at 1063, up 12 per cent on 2023, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The top three contributing factors leading to this loss of life are the fatal three: inattention, speed and fatigue. Road safety research indicates:
- Road users are most likely to have a crash on Monday or Sunday as drivers return from their holidays
- Crashes are most likely to occur between 10 am and midday
- While crashes are more likely to occur in urban centres, fatalities are more likely to occur on regional roads.
“With more than 16 million annual caravan trips recorded in 2024, promoting safe practices is a shared responsibility for all road users,” said Mr Lamont.
“Safety isn’t just about protecting yourself — it’s about respecting everyone on the road and in the communities we visit.”
The caravan and camping industry continues to boom in Australia. Photo: Supplied.
Caravan Industry Association’s top safety tips
Battery Safety
Lithium-ion batteries power many caravan essentials, but improper use can lead to serious hazards, including fires.
- Use the correct charger supplied by the manufacturer — avoid cheap replacements
- Never charge unattended, in direct sunlight, or overnight
- Inspect batteries for damage such as swelling or leaks. If damaged, have them checked by a professional
- Be prepared for emergencies with a working smoke alarm and a clear evacuation route.
A comprehensive guide to lithium-ion battery usage can be found in the Lithium-Ion Review.
Towing Safety
- Consider taking a towing course if you’re new to towing or simply want to refresh your skills
- Know your weights and make sure your load is balanced – this helps with towing safety and braking distance
- Always use caravan mirrors to monitor your surroundings and ensure you leave plenty of space between your vehicle and others
- UHF – if you have one, use it to communicate with other heavy vehicles. Displaying your channel number on the back of your caravan is helpful to others. Channel 40 is a dedicated heavy vehicle channel.
Free towing handbooks and guides are available at Let’s Go Caravan and Camping.
READ ALSO: NSW Government ignoring children’s views and not giving them permanency, says foster care review
Getting to your destination safely
Fatigue and distractions are major contributors to road accidents, particularly over long distances.
- Rest every two hours during your trip to avoid fatigue. Use designated rest stops, not truck rest areas. Pre-planning you rest stops is important here, fatigue management is key
- Avoid distractions, make sure the kids are occupied, and your music playlists are set before departing – or designate DJ duties to your passenger
- Stick to safe speeds and watch for changing road conditions
- Road safety statistics reveal that accidents are most likely to occur between 10 am and noon on Sundays and Mondays. Stay alert during these peak times
- Make sure you are rested – we have mentioned this already, but it’s super important!
Learn more about safe road practices through resources like Coexist.
Pool and Caravan Park Safety
Caravan parks are fantastic for family holidays but come with their own safety considerations:
- Supervise children at all times around pools and shared spaces
- Store lithium-powered devices like e-bikes and e-scooters safely, away from caravan exits, and avoid charging them indoors
- Be mindful of fire risks by keeping barbecues and open flames well away from vehicles and structures.
Learn more about safe practices at caravan parks through resources like Caravan Park Safety.
For more safety tips and to access the latest resources, visit Let’s Go Caravan and Camping.
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