Download: A printable one-page PDF version of this checklist is attached to this article for you to download and keep in your van.

Tip: Do most checks while the van is parked on flat ground, with the handbrake on and wheels chocked if needed.

1. The Day Before – General Preparation

• Service up to date
  Confirm your caravan is within its recommended service interval, especially if you’re heading on a longer trip.
• Load the van sensibly
  
  • Heavy items low and near the axle line where possible.
  • Items secured so they can’t move or fall while travelling.
  • Total load within the van’s ATM and GTM limits.
• Check essential items onboard
  
  • Wheel brace and suitable jack (if you’re comfortable changing a wheel).
  • Spare wheel in good condition and inflated.
  • Basic tool kit, hoses, power lead and levelling equipment.

2. Tyres & Wheels

• Tyre pressures set correctly
  Inflate tyres (including the spare) to pressures suitable for your load and road conditions, following manufacturer guidelines.
• Tyre condition OK
  
  • No cuts, bulges or exposed cords.
  • Tread depth adequate and even.
• Wheel nuts secure
  Visually check wheel nuts; use a torque wrench if you have one and know the correct settings(135nM).

3. Coupling, Jockey Wheel & Safety Chains

• Tow bar and coupling compatible
  Make sure your tow vehicle and hitch are compatible with your caravan’s coupling type and weight rating.
• Correctly hitched
  
  • Coupling fully seated and locked on the tow ball or pin as designed.
  • Handbrake on the caravan released before towing.
• Safety chains connected
  
  • Chains crossed (if applicable) and attached to rated points on the tow vehicle.
  • Rated shackles used and properly secured.
• Jockey wheel stowed
  Jockey wheel fully raised, locked and pinned, or removed and stored securely as per your setup.

4. Brakes, Breakaway & Lights

• Electrical plug connected
  Plug the trailer wiring connector into the tow vehicle socket and ensure it is secure.
• Lights working
  
  With a helper if possible, check:
  • Indicators (left and right).
  • Brake lights.
  • Tail and clearance lights.
  • Number plate light (if fitted).
• Electric brakes functioning
  
  If you have an electric brake controller:
  • Check the controller powers up in the tow vehicle.
  • Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area.
• Breakaway system checked (if fitted)
  Ensure the breakaway cable is attached correctly to the tow vehicle and not wrapped around the tow ball or chains.

5. Gas, Water & Power

• Gas bottles turned off for travel
  Turn off gas cylinders at the bottle for towing (unless specific local regulations and manufacturer instructions permit otherwise).
• Gas bottles secure
  Check bottles are strapped in firmly and brackets are tight.
• Water tanks and caps
  
  • Tank caps fitted correctly.
  • No obvious leaks under the van.
• Power leads stowed
  Ensure 240V lead and any external 12V leads are disconnected and packed away – nothing dragging or hanging.

6. Inside the Van – Secure & Safe

• Cupboards, drawers and fridge doors latched
  Check all catches are engaged so doors won’t swing open while driving.
• Loose items secured
  
  • No heavy objects loose on benches or beds.
  • TVs, microwaves and appliances secured as designed.
• Roof hatches and windows closed
  Close and latch roof hatches and windows (or lock in travel position) to prevent damage and dust entry.
• Bathroom and toilet ready
  Shower doors, toilet lids and any sliding doors secured as per their travel position.

7. Final Walk-Around

Just before you drive off, do one last slow lap around the van and tow vehicle:

• Steps up and doors locked
  Entry steps folded away and doors locked or latched.
• Awning properly stowed
  Awning retracted, arms locked and travel locks on (if applicable).
• Stabiliser legs up
  All stabiliser legs fully raised and secured.
• Nothing left on the ground
  Check for chocks, mats, ramps, hoses, power leads or leveling blocks.
• Plates, mirrors and visibility
  Number plate visible, rear lights not blocked, towing mirrors fitted and adjusted as required.

8. Documents & Legal Requirements

• Registration and insurance current
  Your tow vehicle and caravan are both registered and insured as required.
• Licence and weight limits
  Your licence class is suitable and the combined weight is within your vehicle’s and van’s stated limits.
• Emergency info handy
  Keep roadside assist details and any key Mars Campers contact details accessible.

Summary

This pre-trip checklist is designed to be quick but thorough. The more often you run through it, the more it becomes a simple habit that greatly reduces the risk of avoidable issues on the road.

You can use the attached PDF version to print a hard copy for your van, or save it on your phone. If you’re ever unsure about any item on this checklist, or you notice something that doesn’t look or feel right, please speak with a qualified service centre or lodge a support ticket with photos and details so our team can help before you hit the road.