This checklist focuses on the wheels, tyres and suspension of your Mars caravan and is designed to be completed within the first 500km of use.

1. Why the First 500km Matters

During the first few hundred kilometres:

• Wheel nuts can slightly loosen as the wheel, hub and studs settle under load.
• Suspension components and bushes take their initial “set”.
• Tyres wear through their very first layer and any minor defects may become visible.

Checking everything early allows you to correct small issues before they become serious.

2. When to Do the Check

We recommend:

• A quick wheel nut and visual check after the first 50km, and
• A more thorough check by 500km of towing.

Whenever possible, perform this check somewhere safe, flat and off the road (e.g. driveway, service station, rest area).

3. Wheel Nuts – Visual and Tension Check

3.1 Visual Check

• Inspect each wheel and look at the wheel nut indicators (red arrows) if your van is fitted with them.
• The arrows should still line up in the same pattern as they were at handover. Any movement can indicate a nut has turned.
• Check for:
  • Visible gaps between wheel and hub.
  • Missing wheel nuts.
  • Any signs of metal dust, cracking or damage around the studs.

3.2 Tension Check (By a Suitable Person)

• Wheel nuts should be checked with a torque wrench set to the correct specification for your wheel/stud size (Mars recommends 135nM).
• If you are not confident using a torque wrench, get a qualified tyre shop, service centre or mechanic to perform this check.

Important: Do not over-tighten wheel nuts. Excessive force can damage studs and wheels. Always use the correct torque and pattern (usually a star pattern).

4. Tyres – Condition and Wear

Walk around the caravan and inspect each tyre:

• Tread: Should be even across the width – no bald spots, cuts or chunks missing.
• Sidewalls: Check for bulges, cuts, cracks or abrasions.
• Foreign objects: Look for nails, screws or embedded stones.

If you see any unusual wear or damage, have the tyre inspected by a tyre professional before continuing long-distance towing.

5. Tyre Pressure Check

Correct tyre pressure is critical for safety, handling and tyre life.

• Check tyre pressures when the tyres are cold (before a long drive).
• Use the recommended pressures as a starting point from:
  • The tyre placard or documentation supplied with your van, and
  • The tyre manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Adjust pressures for:
  • The load the caravan is carrying.
  • The type of road (sealed, gravel, off-road), following your tyre manufacturer’s advice.

If you are unsure, a tyre specialist familiar with caravans can help you select appropriate pressures for your specific tyres and load.

6. Suspension – Visual Inspection

With the caravan safely parked and chocked, visually inspect the suspension:

• Look at springs and control arms for any obvious signs of damage or misalignment.
• Check bushes and mounts for signs of excessive movement, cracking or unusual wear.
• Look for any fresh metal rub marks, bent components or anything that doesn’t look right.

If you notice anything unusual, have the suspension inspected by a qualified workshop experienced with caravans.

7. Hubs and Bearings – Temperature Check

During rest stops in the first 500km:

• Carefully (and briefly) place the back of your hand near each wheel hub after stopping.
• Hubs will be warm after driving, but very hot hubs compared to the others may indicate a bearing or brake issue.
• Do not touch hot metal directly if it could burn your skin.

If one hub is noticeably hotter than the others, have it checked by a qualified person before continuing a long journey.

8. Chassis and Underbody Check

While you are down near the wheels, do a quick visual check under the van:

• Look at the chassis rails and cross members for any obvious damage.
• Check that cables, brake lines and hoses are secured and not hanging down.
• Confirm there are no fresh scrapes or impacts from rocks or obstacles.

9. Keep a Simple Record

It’s helpful to keep a brief note in your service or trip log:

• Date and odometer reading (approx. km towed).
• Checklist completed (wheel nuts, tyres, suspension, hubs).
• Any issues found and what was done (e.g. “wheel nuts re-torqued”, “rear right tyre replaced”).

This information is useful for your own records and if you ever need to discuss an issue with Mars support or a repairer.

Summary

The first 500km safety check on your Mars caravan is a simple but important step. By inspecting wheel nuts, tyres, suspension and hubs early on, you:

• Increase towing safety.
• Catch small issues before they become big ones.
• Build confidence in your caravan’s running gear.

If you are ever unsure about what you’re seeing, contact Mars Campers support or a qualified service centre for advice.