Departure Checklist: Packing Down and Hitting the Road

Before towing your Mars caravan away from a campsite, it’s crucial to pack down in a safe and consistent way. A good departure checklist helps prevent damage, reduces the risk of accidents, and makes sure nothing important is left behind.

Use this guide every time you’re getting ready to leave a camp or caravan park.

1. Inside the Van – Pack Up and Secure

1.1 Secure Loose Items

• Put away loose items from benches, tables and beds.
• Secure heavier items low down and close to the floor.
• Pack away kettles, toasters, coffee machines and anything that could move while driving.

1.2 Cupboards, Drawers and Doors

• Close and latch all cupboard doors, drawers and wardrobes.
• Check that fridge and freezer doors are properly latched.
• Close and latch any internal sliding doors or shower doors.

1.3 Windows, Roof Hatches and Vents

• Close and lock all windows and flyscreens.
• Close and secure roof hatches and vents.
• Turn off internal fans and any vent fans.

1.4 Appliances and Power

• Turn off gas appliances and ensure burners and pilot lights are out.
• Turn off any 240V appliances at the wall.
• Check that the fridge is set to the correct mode for travel (as per your model’s instructions).

2. Turn Off Gas at the Bottles

• Go to the gas bottles and turn each cylinder OFF at the valve.
• Visually inspect hoses and regulator for any obvious issues.

Important: Gas bottles should be turned off while travelling for safety.

3. Awning Pack-Down (If Used)

Always follow the awning manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model. General steps:

• Remove any tie-down straps, pegs and guy ropes.
• Lower the awning arms and release any tension.
• Retract the awning slowly, ensuring the fabric rolls up evenly.
• Lock all latches and catches for the awning arms and casing.

Never travel with the awning partly extended or unlocked.

4. External Connections – Power, Water and Waste

4.1 Disconnect 240V Power

• Turn off and reset any internal appliances as needed.
• Switch the site power outlet OFF first.
• Unplug the 240V leads:
  • Remove the plug from the caravan inlet.
  • Then remove it from the park power outlet.
• Coil and store the power lead safely.

4.2 Disconnect Water and Waste

• Turn off the mains water tap (if connected).
• Disconnect the fresh water hose and drain any remaining water.
• Disconnect the grey water hose or portable tank and empty it as per park rules.
• Allow hoses to drain and store them so they won’t leak inside storage areas.

5. Raise Stabiliser Legs and Remove Chocks (In the Right Order)

1. Inside, do a final check that everything is packed away and secured.
2. Outside, raise all stabiliser legs fully and lock them in position.
3. Only once the van is back fully supported on its wheels should you remove wheel chocks.

Tip: Store chocks and stabiliser tools in an easy-to-reach location so you always remember to use them.

6. Hitching the Van to the Tow Vehicle

6.1 Position the Vehicle

• Reverse the tow vehicle slowly towards the drawbar, using a spotter if available.
• Align the pin beneath the coupling (or as required by your hitch system).

6.2 Connect the Hitch

• Lower the jockey wheel until the coupling fully engages with the pin.
• Ensure the coupling latch is properly locked.
• Install any weight distribution or sway control equipment as required.

6.3 Safety Chains, Breakaway and Cables

• Attach safety chains to the tow bar as per legal requirements.
• Connect the breakaway cable to an approved point on the tow vehicle – not the safety chains.
• Plug in:
  • The main trailer plug for lights and brakes.
  • The Anderson plug (if fitted) for charging and auxiliary power.

7. Jockey Wheel and Handbrake

• Once hitched and safety connections are complete:
  • Raise the jockey wheel fully.
  • Lock it in the travelling position or remove it and store safely, depending on style.
  • Release the caravan handbrake.

Never travel with the handbrake engaged or the jockey wheel down.

8. Final Lights, Brakes and Walk-Around Check

8.1 Lights and Brakes

• With the tow vehicle running:
  • Test brake lights, tail lights, indicators and hazard lights.
  • If fitted, test that the electric brake controller is working and properly adjusted.

8.2 External Walk-Around

Do one final slow lap around the van and vehicle:

• Check all doors, hatches and storage compartments are closed and locked.
• Confirm the awning is fully retracted and locked.
• Ensure steps are folded away.
• Visually check that wheel chocks are removed and stabilisers are up.
• Look under the van for any leaks or items left behind.

9. Leaving the Site

• Drive slowly out of the site, watching for rocks, posts and low branches.
• Once safely on the road, check your mirrors and feel how the van is towing.
• If something feels unusual, stop in a safe place and re-check your setup.

Summary

A consistent departure routine is one of the easiest ways to stay safe and avoid damage to your Mars caravan. By following this checklist every time you pack down and hitch up, you greatly reduce the risk of missed steps, forgotten items or unsafe travel conditions.