Inside Van
- Close – hatches, windows
- Secure – curtains, blinds, folding door, stove lid.
- Switch Off – 12v lights and pump
- Fridge to 12v (not gas)
- Fridge door locked
- Loose items secured
- Secure roof (pop-tops)
Car
- Levelling bars on
- Safety chain attached
- Mirrors on7 pin plug in socket
- Lights tested to van
- Tyres checked visually
Outside Van
- Push step in
- Door locked, keys removed
- Hook in position
- Gas off at bottle
- Stoneshield locked
- 240 power lead removed and stowed
- Jacks up
- Jockey wheel off
- Tyres checked visually
- TV fittings secured/removed
- Caravan handbrake off
Others
- Annex, etc stowed in van forward of axle.
- Ensure the tow vehicle and caravan are on level ground to facilitate easier hitching.
- Align the tow vehicle and caravan so that they are in a straight line, making it easier to connect the hitch.
- Confirm that the handbrake of the caravan is engaged and the wheels are chocked to prevent any movement.
- Check that the tow vehicle is in park or neutral (for manual transmissions) and the parking brake is engaged. Contact Allbrand Caravan Services for more information.
- Lower the jockey wheel of the caravan to raise the coupling hitch to a suitable height for attachment.
- Back the tow vehicle slowly and align the tow ball with the coupling socket on the caravan.
- Ensure the coupling hitch is clean and free from any debris or obstructions.
- Lower the coupling hitch onto the tow ball, ensuring it fully engages and locks into place.
- Secure the coupling hitch by applying the locking mechanism and check that it is properly latched.
- Attach the safety chains from the caravan to the designated points on the tow vehicle. Cross the chains under the tow bar to create a cradle shape and ensure they have enough slack for turns but not dragging on the ground.
- Ensure the safety chains are connected securely and can support the weight of the caravan in case of a coupling failure.
- Connect the electrical plug from the caravan to the socket on the tow vehicle. Ensure the plug is fully inserted and locked into place.
- Test the trailer lights, indicators, brake lights, and other electrical functions to ensure they are working correctly.
- Attach the breakaway cable from the caravan to a suitable anchor point on the tow vehicle. This cable is a backup safety device that activates the caravan’s brakes if it becomes separated from the tow vehicle.
- If your caravan has stabilizers or weight distribution devices, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to properly install and engage them.
- Adjust the stabilizers or weight distribution system as necessary to ensure proper weight distribution between the tow vehicle and caravan.
- Double-check all connections, ensuring they are secure and properly latched.
- Check that all lights and indicators on the caravan are functioning correctly.
- Ensure the caravan’s handbrake is released and wheels are free to rotate.
- Perform a visual inspection of the hitch, safety chains, and electrical connections to ensure everything is properly secured.
