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PACKING CHECKLIST
Just how well prepared do you like to be on holiday depends on your personal needs and interests. Below is a suggested Packing list which can be customized to suit your own needs. Remember not to overload or take unnecessary items with you. Apart from taking up valuable space it will make the Caravan unnecessary heavy and could increase your fuel consumption.
YOUR CARAVAN
• Inform relatives and neighbours that you will be away
(make sure they have your contact details)
• Lock your house and leave key and alarm code with neighbour/relative
• Arrange with neighbour/relative to switch lights on/off
• Arrange with neighbours/relative to feed pets
• Cancel newspaper and milk deliveries
• Mail deliveries to be removed by someone on a daily basis
YOUR CARAVAN
• Check tyre pressure (including spare wheel)
• Tighten wheels nuts
• Check tyre thread as well as inside of tyre for corrosion
• Check if 12 volt battery is charged
• Fill gas bottles and check if appliances are in working order
• Check and make sure that the rooftop is closed
• If your Caravan has rooftop air vents, make sure they are closed properly before towing
• Check all windows are locked
• Secure all lose items inside the Caravan
• Ensure that the fridge door is closed/locked
• Check the general condition of your Caravan fixtures, i.e. microwave and doors
• Lock the Caravan door, the front outside compartment and also the tent pole compartment
• Before towing make sure the Caravan is properly hitched to the vehicle and make sure the
Caravan handbrake is released
• Make sure the jockey wheel is in a secure position
• Check all lights (rear, brake, indicator and parking lights) Caravan and Towing vehicle
• Tents, ropes, pegs, hammer, wind-straps and ground sheet
• Portable toilet (chemicals)
YOUR TOWING VEHICLE
• Check tyre pressure (including spare wheel)
• Check general condition of the tyres
• Check oil, battery, brake-fluid, radiator, gearbox oil, etc.
• Check if all lights are working correctly
• Make sure the handbrake and brakes are in working order
• Towing rope and jumper lead in vehicle
• Secure the Towing mirrors
• Keep a spare fan belt
• Wheel spanner
• Basic tool kit
• Lose Tow Ball (in the event of the Caravan being loaded onto a Low-bed Truck)
PAPERWORK
• Bank, Credit Cards, cash and cheque book
• Caravan Club membership Card
• Caravan Resort booking confirmation
• Driving license
• Passports (if applicable)
• Identity Document
• Contact numbers
• Insurance Details (Towing vehicle and Caravan)
• Territorial Limit (if you are visiting a Neighbouring country) – Obtained from Insurance
company
BEDDING
• Stretcher/inflatable mattress (mattress plug)
• Pump for inflatable mattress
• Blankets, Sleeping bags, pillows, pillowcases, duvets, sheets, electric blanket
KITCHEN
• Cutlery, knives and forks, tea-table, spoons, plates (paper), breakfast/pudding bowls,
glasses, coffee mugs/cups
• Kettle, toaster, pots, frying pan, pans, egg lifter, water jug, flask, tin/wine opener, braai
tongs, spatula, serving/salad spoons, salad bowls, grater, cutting/bread board, table cloths,
food nets
• Water stand and basin plus wash rack, dish washing liquid, dish clothes, swipes, washing
gloves, steel wool and scrubbing sponge
• Foil, glad wraps, Carlton rolls, serviettes, refuse bags and dustbin bags
FOOD / GROCERIES
• Coffee, Sugar, milk, milo, coffee creamer, etc.
• Breakfast cereals
• Rusks, biscuits, crisps, snacks, sweets, etc.
• Spices, tomato sauce, mustard, packets of different sauces, Tabasco, garlic, tin food, jam,
etc.
• Food (your own selection)
• Liquid refreshments
CLOTHING
• Light/warm jacket, jersey, long and short pants/shorts, belt
• Long/short sleeve shirt, top/blouses, t-shirts
• Dress (one set smart clothes, just in case)
• Costumes, hat/caps
• Underwear, pajamas, gown, slippers, socks, hankies
• Hair drier, hair tongs, curlers
• Closed shoes, open sandals, smart shoes (in case)
• Raincoat, umbrella
• Washing powder, stay-soft, pegs
• Clothing/towel stand
TOILETRIES
• Shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, perfume, after shave, lotion, razor, shaving cream
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, facecloth, sponge, shower cap, towels
• Sun block, insect repellent (Peaceful sleep/Tabard, etc.)
• First Aid Kit/Medicine chest (A must, Staaldruppels)
• Toilet paper, Tissues, toilet spray
• Bath and Basin Plug. (Not all Resorts provide this)
ACCESSORIES
• Torch, Spare batteries, lead lamp globes
• Radio/TV, Satellite dish, DSTV, Cd’s, Binoculars, books, games, playing cards
• Camera, spools, disks, video camera (chargers)
• Cell phone chargers
• Chopper, fire-lighters, charcoal, matches, portable braai, braai grid, skottel, potjie
• Camping chairs, tables, cooler box, portable deep freezer, picnic basket
• 220 volt extension lead (50m). Caravan adaptor plug
• Exterior light, spirit level and Caravan leveling blocks
• Water container (funnel), spade and dustbin
• Skottel for camp fire (remember to tell everybody about Cara-Sure!)
• Fan heater, hot water bottle
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PLUG WIRING DIAGRAM
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This diagram is stipulated by the SABS.
Both Plug and Socket are numbered at the rear and therefore
makes no difference which way the diagram is facing.
If the Tow vehicle are on a single circuit, it is necessary to bridge
Pin 5 and 7 on the socket only.
It is most important that cable with a nominal area of not less than 2mm be used for this installation.
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SERVICING YOUR CARAVAN
Always make sure that your Caravan is properly serviced before a weekend away or going on holiday. Your Caravan service should consist of the following:
WHEELS
• Tyres for irregular wear
• Tyres inflated to specific pressure
• Wheel nuts torque to 85-90 nm
• Wheel bearings checked for play, greased and end play reset to specifications if needed
• Split-pins fitted to all drums
• Dust caps fitted to all drums
• Jockey stem worn and clamp, cleaned and re-greased
BRAKES AND COUPLINGS
• Interference free operation of entire brake mechanism
• Cleanliness and condition of brake linings and brake drum surfaces
• Correct adjustments of hand brake and overrun mechanism
• Correct brake synchronization
• Correct action of tow ball locking mechanism and safety chain
CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION
• Condition of chassis members. Check for corrosion
• Corner steadies warns cleaned and re-greased
• Condition of under floor timbers, wiring and hoses
EXTERIOR BODYWORK
• All locks, catches, hinges and fittings
• All visible screws and fasteners for tightness
• Firm fitting of all door, window, ventilator and extrusion weather seals for proper
waterproofing
• Elevating roof operation, including roof supporting and locking mechanism
• Condition of exterior moulded plastic components and aluminum cladding
• Neutralising of any rust or corrosion on chassis, suspension, body and fasteners
INTERIOR BODYWORK
• All locks, catches, hinges and fittings
• All visible screws and fasteners for tightness
• Condition of furniture, upholstery, curtains and fly screens, lubricate curtain tracks
• Condition of elevating roof fabric surround and fittings
• Condition of interior ceiling, wall and floor cladding
• Condition of hammocks, pull-out double beds
• Condition of interior moulded plastic components
• Operation of fresh and waste-water systems. Check for leaks
• Check Fire Extinguisher serviceability, per manufacturers recommendations
GAS EQUIPMENT
• Pressure setting of main regulator
• Gas system leak test
• Operation of cooker and refrigerator on LP Gas (as applicable)
• Condition of gas cylinders for corrosion and valve operation
• Condition of gas cylinder housing and mountings (as applicable)
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
• Operation of road lights and seven pin vehicle connector
• Operation of interior and exterior 12 volt lights, pumps, equipment and fittings (as applicable)
• Operation of 220 volt fitting, including charger, earth leakage and circuit breaker protection unit (as applicable)
• Condition of 220 volt supply cable and weatherproof socket (as applicable)
• Cleaning and condition of 12 volt battery, including topping-up of distilled water level (as applicable)
WATER SYSTEM
• Condition of sinks, basin, water-waste hoses and fittings
• Condition of faucets, valves, hoses and containers for fresh water
• Water system leaks test
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
It is as important to carry out maintenance on a Caravan which is relatively static, as it is for one which is used to cover long distances at regular intervals.
A poorly maintained Caravan can deteriorate rapidly, especially if not protected from heat and moisture, plus effects of the salt-laden air in coastal areas.
The importance of immediately sealing any cracks or openings, however small, in the interior aluminum cladding cannot be over-emphasised. Small dents or penetrations can be caused by minor accidents. The pressure of a slight rub along one of the aluminum extrusions may be sufficient to break a sealed joint or loosen a screw or rivet.
This minor rectification work must be carried out immediately to avoid the entry of moisture which, if ignored could lead to the need for a far more expensive repair.
Remember that well-maintained Caravans ensure a good resale value or trade-in value.
We suggest that you carry out the following checks on a regular basis:
• After the first 150km, check to ensure that the wheel nuts are tight. You can use the corner steady winding handle. It is recommended that this check is repeated every 400km for the first 1 600km travelled and also before the start of every trip.
• Whenever possible, check that the Caravan brake drums are not overheating. This check should, of course, not be made immediately after the brakes have been subjected to heavy use. If you do find the drums are overheating, which could indicate that the shoes are binding, the Caravan should be taken to a Caravan Dealer as soon as possible for brake adjustment.
• All visible screw and bolts should be kept firmly tightened, without being forced.
• In the interest of safety, it is recommended that you have the gas and brake systems checked at least every 3 000km travelled (or every six months), depending on the roads over which the Caravan is generally towed.
REMEMBER A well-maintained Caravan will ensure a good resale or trade-in value as well as a reduction in insurance premiums.
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