Overview

Picking up your new Mars Caravan is exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming with all the information you’re given on the day. This checklist gives you the first 10 things to do after pickup so you can hit the road with confidence and spot any issues early, while you’re close to help and support.

Use this as a practical, step-by-step guide for your first few weeks of ownership.

1. Take Photos & Video During Handover

Before you leave the yard:

• Do a slow walk-around video of the entire van – outside and inside.
• Take photos of:
  
• VIN plate and compliance plate
• Hitch and safety chains
• Control panel / battery monitor
• Breaker and fuse locations
• Gas installation (bottles, regulator, hoses)

Why:

This gives you a visual record of how everything was set up at handover and helps you remember where things are later. It can also help if you ever need to lodge a warranty ticket.

2. Confirm Your Paperwork & Keys

Before driving away, double-check:

• Sales contract and extended warranty(if applicable) are completed and signed
• Warranty and Vendor service numbers sheet is in the van (or digital copies provided)
• All keys and remotes are supplied (doors, boot/hatches, front toolbox, etc.)
• The VIN on the compliance plate matches your paperwork and registration

Tip: Keep a photo of the VIN and rego papers on your phone for easy reference.

3. Check Your Towing Setup Before Leaving

With the van connected to your tow vehicle:

• Confirm the DO-35 hitch is correctly seated and locked
• Attach both safety chains correctly
• Plug in the trailer and Anderson plug and breakaway cable
• Test:
  
• Tail lights, brake lights, indicators, number plate light
• Electric brakes (if fitted) – do a slow test in the yard or nearby street
  
• Reversing camera is connected and operation correctly
  

Why:

A quick towing check reduces the risk of issues in traffic and helps you pick up any simple connection problems straight away.

4. Note the First 50km Wheel Nut Check & 500km Inspection

Mars strongly recommends:

• A check of wheel nuts after the first 50km and again at 500km
• A general inspection of:
  
• Suspension components
• Tyres and wheels
• Coupling and safety chains

If your van has wheel nut indicators (red arrows), take a photo of them at pickup so you can easily see if anything has moved.

Tip: Set a reminder in your phone for a “50km check” so you don’t forget.

5. Check Battery State & Learn Your 12V System

Once you’re parked safely at home or at a nearby caravan park:

• Check the battery monitor and note the state of charge
• Identify:
  
• Battery location
• Main battery isolator switch
• Fuse or breaker panels
• Plug into 240V power (if available) and confirm:
  
• The charger is working (battery level should slowly rise)
• 240V outlets are functioning (test with a small appliance)

Why:

Understanding your power system early helps you avoid accidentally draining your batteries and makes troubleshooting easier later.

6. Test Your Water System

Fill the fresh water tanks (at least partially) and:

• Turn on the water pump and open each tap until water flows smoothly (this removes air in the lines)
• Check under the van and inside cupboards for any signs of leaks
• If you have a hot water system:
  
• Make sure it’s full of water before switching it on
• Run a hot tap until a steady flow comes through, then turn on the unit as per the manual

Tip: Keep a torch handy to look inside under-sink cabinets and storage areas while the pump is running.

7. Test Gas Appliances While Stationary

While the van is parked and level:

• Confirm gas bottles are fitted correctly and turned ON
• Light the stove burners and let them run briefly to confirm consistent flame
• If fitted, test:
  
• Gas hot water
• Gas fridge mode (if applicable)

When you’ve finished testing and are preparing to travel again:

• Turn gas bottles OFF at the cylinder

Why:

It’s much easier to resolve gas issues while you’re still close to home or the dealership, and it reinforces safe habits around turning gas off before moving.

8. Walk Through the Interior & Moving Parts

Inside the van:

• Open and close:
  
• All doors, drawers and cupboards
• Windows and roof hatches
• Operate:
  
• Bed mechanisms (fold-outs, lift-ups, bunks)
• Tables (drop-down, swivel, removable legs)
• Check:
  
• Latches are working and secure
• Flyscreens and blinds move freely

Why:

Many minor issues (sticky latches, misaligned doors, loose screws) show up in the first few uses. Better to find them now than halfway through a long trip.

9. Plan a Short “Shakedown” Trip

Before your big adventure, plan:

• A 1–2 night trip within a couple of hours of home
• Somewhere with:
  
• Access to help if needed
• Power and water (for your first time, if possible)

During this shakedown trip:

• Use as many systems as you can:
  
• 12V and 240V
• Water and pump
• Gas and cooking
• Beds, storage, bathroom

Why:

A short local trip will highlight anything that needs adjustment or attention before you go remote or interstate.

10. Record Any Issues & Contact Mars Support

If you notice anything that doesn’t seem right – even if it’s small – make a note as soon as possible:

• Take photos and/or short videos of the issue
• Write down:
  
• Date you noticed it
• Where you were (at home, on first trip, etc.)
• What you were doing when it happened

Then, lodge a support or warranty ticket with Mars (via the website, phone or customer portal as instructed at handover), including:

• Your name and contact details
• Van model and VIN
• Purchase date and pickup location
• Clear description of the issue
• Photos/videos attached

Important: Warranty assessments can only be made once you lodge a ticket – finding issues early and reporting them clearly helps Mars support you faster and more effectively.

Summary

These first 10 steps will help you:

• Leave the yard safely
• Understand the basics of your Mars caravan
• Catch early issues while you’re still close to help
• Build confidence before a big trip

You don’t have to do everything perfectly on day one, but following this checklist will put you in a great position to enjoy your new Mars caravan from the very first trip.