Camper trailer prep made simple

There’s nothing like the excitement and anticipation of packing your camper trailer or hybrid and setting off on a major adventure. But, as the team at Austrack Campers knows only too well, pre-departure preparation is key to a successful and happy trip.

Austrack Campers is owned and staffed by passionate outdoor enthusiasts who ‘practise what they preach’. So, beyond giving advice on what off-road camper trailer or hybrid caravan best suits your needs, they’re experts on getting ready for a long trip, including servicing, packing, planning and – an aspect often overlooked – what to check once you’re back home.

So, whether you’re heading off for a few weeks or you’re all for ‘The Big Lap’, here are some gems of camper trailer wisdom to help you make the most of your time on the road, and help keep unexpected issues to an absolute minimum.

Don’t wait until you’re on the cusp of your departure to check that your camper trailer is operating as it should. After all, repairers aren’t likely to share your enthusiasm for your looming departure, and will appreciate some time to properly address your issues.

So, at least a couple of weeks before you plan to leave, take some time to run through the following checks…

• Does the hot water system ignite and operate properly?
• Are the gas bottles full and still within their service life?
• Does the cooker operate as it should?
• Are all lights and switches working?
• Can you locate the fuse box? Carry spare fuses and relays in case you need to replace any on the road.
• Flush your water tank(s) and ensure mains water connects as it should. Check that all taps are working, without leaks.
• Is the fridge working?
• Are the batteries charged? Run the batteries for a few days without mains power to check the batteries and any solar set-up is working properly.
• Check the trailer lights and tow hitch (and check that the brake controller on your tow vehicle is working too, if applicable).
• Pack some basic tools to carry out maintenance and minor repairs, if required.

While far less complex than your tow vehicle, regular servicing is vital to keep your camper trailer in top condition. Austrack Campers recommends service intervals of between 2500 to 5000km, depending on the severity of usage, and an inspection of main wear components before longer trips or when heading into tough terrain.

The standard items to inspect on your camper trailer include…

• Wheels: Are the tyres in good condition? Is the wheel alignment correct? Are the wheel bearings and brakes in good condition? The wheel nuts should be tightened to the manufacturers recommended torque settings. Ensure your trailer’s spare wheel is in good condition and at the correct pressure too.
• Suspension: Are the dampers and springs in good condition? How about the suspension bushes, seals, and grease points?
• Hitching: Are all hitch points on the RV and tow vehicle in proper working order? Check that all the nuts and bolts are tight.

The conditions you’re likely to encounter on your big trip will have a major bearing on your preparation. So do your research well in advance to help you prepare for what lies ahead.

Based on your destination, consider the following…

• Tighten all adjustable latches and locks and check the condition of the compression seals to reduce the ingress of water and dust.
• On corrugated and rocky roads, lower tyre pressures to deliver more traction and to reduce the likelihood of a puncture from sharp, jagged rocks.
• Carry a tyre pressure gauge, tyre repair kit, compressor, wheel jack and recovery gear so you can get rolling again if something happens.

When loading your camper trailer, always be mindful of the RV’s weight. The specified ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) should be printed on your rig’s compliance plate. It states the absolute maximum the loaded camper can weigh (including the trailer itself, the gear you have packed into it, and with full water and gas). Do not exceed this figure – both for your own safety, and so as to not risk invalidating your insurance if the worst comes to pass. If in doubt, ensure you obtain an accurate loaded weight via a weighbridge or specialist RV centre.

When you are packing, keep the following points in mind…

• Tare weight is what your camper trailer weighs when empty.
• ATM, or Aggregate Trailer Mass, is the camper’s maximum legal weight.
• Payload is the ATM minus the Tare weight, ie: the weight of what you can pack into your camper trailer. Please also consider the gross combined mass (GCM) of your towing vehicle.
• Be mindful that your payload also includes the weight of water, gas, fridges and other consummables.
• When loading the van try to place items towards the front of the trailer rather than the rear. As a general rule, the towball weight should be about eight to 10 per cent of the overall weight of the camper trailer.
• Placing more weight behind the wheels can create an imbalance, potentially leading to wobbles and the trailer not tracking behind the tow vehicle as it should.

Besides thoroughly cleaning your camper trailer, on your return home ensure it will be ready to go for your next adventure by checking the following…

• Flush the tanks and empty the water completely.
• Turn off the gas.
• Make sure the camper trailer is put on charge or that there is a way to maintain its batteries while stored.
• Only fold away your camper trailer’s tent if it is completely dry, to prevent mould (which can quickly ruin canvas). And remember to open the camper trailer occasionally and air it out so condensation does not build up and invite mould or corrosion issues.

Big trips in your camper trailer require significant investments in both time and money. Ensuring you following these simple steps will give you your best shot at an enjoyable, smooth and trouble-free adventure while savouring all the travel highlights our vast nation has to offer.

For further travel and camper trailer advice visit Austrack Campers’ Austrack Academy, where you’ll find a wealth of information, or simply visit the Austrack Campers website.