Towing a caravan can be a great way to adventure Australia. But, it’s important you understand caravan towing weights before hitting the road. Specifically, the weight and size of a caravan your vehicle can tow safely.
Understanding your vehicle’s towing capacity, the weight of the caravan, and the tow ball weight is crucial to avoid accidents, legal issues, and unnecessary wear on your vehicle. And by learning this capacity, you’ll be able to match a vehicle to your caravan or caravan to your vehicle confidently, ensuring a safer trip.
When talking caravan weights, you’ll notice the same key weight terms mentioned. The most commonly mentioned terms include:
Most of these will be displayed on your caravan’s compliance plate. But if not, they will likely be in your manual. If you can’t find it on either, it’s recommended you contact your manufacturer for advice.
Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) refers to the maximum weight a caravan can reach when fully loaded. This includes all gear, fluids, and passengers. Essentially, ATM is the total weight exerted on the ground by both the wheels and the tow ball when the caravan is not hitched to a vehicle.
It’s crucial to ensure the ATM does not exceed your towing capacity. Exceeding it can put undue strain on your vehicle, leading to dangerous situations. If the caravan is too heavy, it can cause your vehicle’s engine, brakes, and transmission to struggle. This can increase the risk of accidents, such as loss of control or brake failure.
The Tare Mass is the unladen weight of the caravan. In other words, the weight of the caravan as it leaves the manufacturer, with no cargo, water, or personal items inside.
The tare mass is the starting point for calculating your caravan’s total weight once loaded. Always check the Tare Mass to ensure you’re not overloading the caravan when preparing for a trip.
Extended mirrors are important because they reduce these blind spots, offering a more comprehensive view of the road. This enhanced visibility is critical for making safe lane changes, reversing a caravan, and navigating tight spaces, ultimately reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring a safer towing experience.
The Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) is the maximum weight that the caravan’s wheels can bear when the caravan is fully loaded and attached to the towing vehicle. It excludes the weight on the tow ball.
This measurement is important for understanding how much weight is transferred to the caravan’s axles and ensuring that the caravan is safely balanced during towing.
Tow Ball Weight (TBW) refers to the amount of weight the caravan exerts on the tow ball of the towing vehicle.
Ideally, the TBW should be around 10% of the caravan’s total weight. Too much or too little weight on the tow ball can result in poor handling, swaying, or even a loss of control while driving.
The Gross Combined Mass (GCM) is the total allowable weight of both the fully loaded towing vehicle and the fully loaded caravan combined. This is the maximum weight that the vehicle’s engine, transmission, and chassis can handle.
Exceeding the GCM can cause strain on your vehicle. This could lead to unsafe conditions and potentially void your insurance.
Towing a caravan heavier than what your vehicle is designed to handle can affect critical driving functions, such as braking, steering, and overall vehicle control. This can lead to dangerous situations, including loss of control, increased stopping distances, and instability at higher speeds. This is especially true on winding or uneven roads.
These safety risks are why laws in Australia strictly regulate towing capacities, requiring drivers to stay within the limits set by their vehicle manufacturer.
In Australia, the legal towing capacity for a vehicle is set by the manufacturer and must be followed to comply with road safety regulations. This limit includes both the towing capacity and the Gross Combined Mass (GCM). Each state and territory in Australia may enforce these regulations separately. While the general rules are consistent, some states may have specific towing requirements.
For example:
Like with caravan parking requirements, it’s recommended you check the specific towing laws in your state or territory (or where you plan on travelling) to avoid penalties.
These safety risks are why laws in Australia strictly regulate towing capacities, requiring drivers to stay within the limits set by their vehicle manufacturer.
The first step in determining what size caravan your vehicle can tow is to check your vehicle’s Gross Combined Mass (GCM) and towing capacity.
These specifications will most likely be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or by checking the manufacturer’s website. The GCM is the maximum allowable weight for both the fully loaded towing vehicle and the fully loaded caravan combined. The towing capacity, on the other hand, is the maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow. Ensuring that both figures are within your vehicle’s limits is critical for safe and legal towing.
The recommended towing capacity of a vehicle isn’t just an incentive to buy a larger or more upgraded model.
Manufacturers calculate tow ratings based on the vehicle’s engine power, braking system, chassis strength, and other key components. These ratings are set after rigorous testing to determine the vehicle’s ability to tow safely under various conditions. The two common ratings provided are:
Following these recommendations is important, as exceeding them can cause mechanical issues or accidents, and may void your vehicle warranty.
To figure out which caravans you may be able to tow, you should consider both the aggregate trailer mass of a caravan and your vehicle’s recommended towing capacity. A caravan’s aggregate trailer mass must be lower than your vehicle’s towing capacity to ensure safe towing.
It’s also crucial to account for the caravan’s Tare Mass (unladen weight) and estimate how much additional weight will be added when the caravan is fully loaded. The caravan should not exceed your vehicle’s towing capacity even when loaded with all your gear, food, water, and passengers.
In addition to the weight of the caravan you can safely tow, you should make sure your vision is full too. This will help when safely reversing a caravan. In some cases, you may need extended mirrors.
It’s usually best to leave a bit of a buffer or safety margin between the maximum towing capacity of your vehicle and the weight of the caravan. It’s always better to be safe than sorry as your vehicle parts may have degraded over time or could be experiencing a fault you’re unaware of.
A good rule of thumb is to aim for 80-85% of your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity. This safety buffer ensures your vehicle performs at its best and gives you extra peace of mind, reducing the risk of mechanical failure and ensuring a safer towing experience.
Now you’re familiar with the common towing terminology and where to find the numbers, here’s a simplified formula for calculating the maximum caravan weight your vehicle can tow:
Gross Combined Mass (GCM) – Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) = Maximum Towing Capacity
This is the simplest formula to work out how much weight your vehicle can tow. GCM refers to the maximum weight of your vehicle and the trailer combined when fully loaded. GVM refers to the maximum weight your vehicle can carry, including passengers, cargo, and tow ball weight.
Example use:
Maximum Towing Capacity = GCM – GVM
Calculation:
In this example, it would mean the maximum weight your vehicle can tow is 2,500 kg. As mentioned above, it’s best to leave a buffer between your towing weight and the maximum weight. Just in case you forget to carry the one.
Before hitting the road on your next adventure, make sure you’re familiar with your vehicle’s towing capacity to ensure you’re fully prepared for a safe journey.
Whether you’re in the market for a new hybrid caravan, hybrid pop-top, or something a fair bit larger, you should familiarise yourself with the capabilities of your vehicle to help make your purchase decision.
For more helpful advice on towing, caravanning, and travel, visit the SWAG blog. Or, say g’day to the SWAG Community on Facebook where like-minded travellers share their latest adventures and tips for caravanning.
Towing a caravan brings a unique set of challenges, with safety being the top priority. One crucial aspect of towing safety is ensuring that you have a clear view of the road behind and around your caravan. Whether you’re towing a hybrid caravan or smaller hybrid pop-tops, extended mirrors may be essential to maintain visibility. They’ll help you to make informed decisions and react to changing road conditions.
Extended towing mirrors are specialised mirrors designed to give drivers a wider field of vision when towing a caravan or trailer. Unlike standard vehicle mirrors, which may be too narrow to provide a full view of the road behind a larger towed load, extended mirrors are either clipped onto existing mirrors or replace them. Additionally, extended mirrors extend outward, allowing you to see past the caravan or trailer and better monitor your surroundings.
When towing a caravan, standard vehicle mirrors often fall short providing the necessary visibility, particularly when changing lanes or reversing. The caravan’s width can create significant blind spots, making it difficult to see vehicles approaching from behind or alongside.
Extended mirrors are important because they reduce these blind spots, offering a more comprehensive view of the road. This enhanced visibility is critical for making safe lane changes, reversing a caravan, and navigating tight spaces, ultimately reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring a safer towing experience.
In Australia, the legal requirements for mirrors when towing a caravan can vary slightly between states and territories. However, the principle remains consistent.
Your mirrors must provide a clear and unobstructed view of the road behind and alongside your caravan. This means that if your standard vehicle mirrors do not allow you to see the full length of your caravan and the adjacent lanes, you are required to use extended towing mirrors.
This is the case in:
Regardless of the specific state or territory regulations, the requirement for mirrors when towing a caravan across Australia is straightforward. You can learn more about them following the links above.
Before setting off on your next camping trip, you can assess whether your vehicle’s standard mirrors are adequate for towing a caravan.
Start by sitting in the driver’s seat and adjusting your mirrors as you normally would. Then, check to see if you can clearly view the entire length of your caravan and the lanes beside it. If any part of the caravan or the area around it is obscured, your current mirrors are not sufficient.
You should be able to see directly behind the caravan and down both sides to ensure you have a comprehensive view of the road. If your mirrors do not meet these criteria, extended mirrors are necessary.
Extended mirrors are required when your caravan extends beyond the width of your towing vehicle, blocking your standard mirrors’ view. Some common scenarios where extended mirrors are necessary include:
Depending on the size of the caravan you’re towing, it can be illegal to tow a caravan without extended mirrors.
Australian law requires that your mirrors provide a clear view of the road behind and to the sides of your caravan. If your standard mirrors do not meet these requirements, you are legally obligated to use extended mirrors. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and penalties, which vary by state but are designed to enforce safe towing practices. Law enforcement can issue on-the-spot fines if they determine that your mirrors are inadequate.
Poor visibility when towing a caravan significantly increases the risk of accidents. Without proper mirrors, you may not see vehicles approaching from behind or alongside your caravan, making lane changes and merging dangerous.
This lack of visibility can lead to collisions, particularly in high-traffic areas or on highways. Beyond the immediate safety risks, being involved in an accident due to improper mirrors can also result in legal consequences. In addition to fines, you may face liability for damages and higher insurance premiums. Making sure your vehicle is equipped with the right mirrors is essential not just for legal compliance but for the safety of everyone on the road.
If you’ve come to the conclusion that extended mirrors are going to be required for towing your caravan, it’s important to choose the type that best suits your needs and vehicle.
There are three main types of extended mirrors. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, but they should all increase visibility when towing.
These mirrors attach directly to your vehicle’s existing side mirrors using clips or clamps. They are a popular choice due to their ease of installation and affordability. Clip-on mirrors are typically adjustable, allowing you to extend them as needed to improve visibility.
These mirrors are secured to your vehicle’s side mirrors using durable straps. They offer a more secure fit compared to clip-on mirrors, reducing the risk of movement or vibration while driving. Strap-on mirrors are also adjustable and can be easily removed when not in use.
These mirrors completely replace your vehicle’s standard side mirrors. Replacement towing mirrors are designed specifically for towing, offering a broader and more stable view. They are often more expensive and may require professional installation, but they provide the most integrated and permanent solution for towing.
The mirrors should fit securely on your vehicle without obstructing your standard mirrors. It’s important to check that the mirrors are compatible with the shape and size of your existing side mirrors. Poorly fitting mirrors can cause vibration and reduce visibility.
Stability is crucial for maintaining clear visibility while driving. Look for mirrors that offer a secure attachment to minimise movement, particularly at higher speeds. Mirrors that vibrate or shift can create a distorted view, making towing more challenging and potentially unsafe.
Not all extended mirrors are suitable for every vehicle. Before purchasing, ensure the mirrors are compatible with your vehicle’s make and model. Some mirrors are designed specifically for certain types of vehicles, such as SUVs or trucks, so it’s essential to choose ones that are appropriate for your towing setup.
Towing a caravan safely requires more than just a well-maintained vehicle and careful driving—it also demands the right equipment, including properly fitted mirrors if necessary.
Whether you’re navigating tight city streets or cruising on the open highway, having the correct mirrors in place will help ensure you can see your surroundings and react appropriately to traffic conditions.
Before heading on your next trip, try to hop into your vehicle and line your caravan up directly behind you. Check for visibility and make sure your mirrors provide a clear and unobstructed view of the area behind and alongside your caravan. Additionally, become familiar with and try eliminate any blind spots you can.
Make it a habit to adjust your mirrors before every road trip, ensuring that you’re fully equipped for a safe and enjoyable trip on the road.
Understanding where you can and can’t park your caravan is important for avoiding fines and ensuring you don’t upset your neighbours.
Caravans provide the freedom to take the comforts of home with you and explore, but with that freedom comes the responsibility of parking regulations both during and in between trips. These rules can vary across Australian states and territories, making it tricky to be well-informed about the specific requirements in your area.
There are general rules that will apply to most states and territories across Australia for both public and private spaces. But for the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit your state’s relevant site or local council websites under ‘city parking’.
As a general rule of thumb, caravans can be parked on residential streets as long as they are parked safely and legally. If leaving your caravan on a street for longer periods of time, the caravan must:
Each state and territory (even local council) can have different specific laws about parking your caravan on residential or main streets. For example, vehicles parked on residential streets must be under 7.5m and 4.5 tonnes to park on residential streets in Queensland. Once a caravan exceeds this, they fall under heavy vehicle parking laws which are more strict and specific.
As well as council parking regulations, you should consider the area itself where you’re planning to park your caravan. Like, would it be a nuisance to residents, or would it be at risk of being damaged or stolen?
Understanding and following these guidelines, you can park your caravan on residential streets without worrying about fines or your caravan being towed away.
Failure to adhere to local parking regulations can result in fines, penalties, and your caravan being towed. These fines can pinch a bit, especially if the caravan has been deemed an obstruction or safety hazard.
For parking on residential streets or main roads, the general rules caravan users should be aware of include:
Local councils typically have specific rules about parking caravans on front gardens or lawns. These rules can include limitations on the size and duration of the parked caravan, and some councils may prohibit it altogether. If your residence is part of a shared area (like duplex or part of a complex), you may have additional restrictions too.
Typically you’re allowed to park your caravan in front of your house as long as it’s still within your property lines (not on the council nature strip) and not obstructing entry points or pedestrian footpaths.
Parking a caravan in your driveway is generally more straightforward than parking on public property, but there are still a few guidelines you’ll need to note before leaving it there in the long term. When parked on a driveway, caravans must:
Similarly to parking in front of your property in some residential spaces or properties (such as within complexes), there may be a few additional guidelines like avoiding visitor spaces or blocking shared drives or roads too.
Parking caravans in carparks like beaches or shopping centres, is often regulated to ensure safety and availability of spaces for all users. Because of this, across most of Australia, it isn’t recommended you leave your caravan unattended for longer periods of time in carparks or similar spaces.
Parking in unregulated parking areas, such as shopping centre carparks or in private carparks for entertainment or hospitality businesses, is controlled by the owner or managers of the parking area.
That means that the manager can enforce parking conditions at their own discretion (within reason). These rules can dictate duration of parking, size of vehicles permitted, and purpose of parking (for example if you’re using the carpark for shopping or not).
So, you can park your caravan in carparks like these with your towing vehicle as long as you fit within designated parking spaces without obstructing traffic or pedestrian pathways. But, typically, you can’t leave your vehicle unattended for extended periods of time.
Misuse of private carparks can lead to towing of unauthorised vehicles.
Parking a caravan in public parks and at beaches shares similar guidelines to parking on residential streets. As long as your caravan fits within parking spaces safely without obstructing traffic of both vehicles or pedestrians, you can park it and leave it unattended within the allowed time restrictions.
Some public parks and beaches may also have additional parking laws guided by signs (for example, paid parking between 9am-5pm).
The best and safest places to park your caravan between trips are either on your own property or in a purpose-built caravan storage facility.
Purpose-built caravan storage facilities provide a highly secure and protective environment for your caravan when not in use. These spaces often offer various storage options, including indoor, outdoor, and covered storage, catering to different needs and budgets.
When leaving your caravan for longer periods of time, you’re going to want to make sure that:
For more camping tips and information about travelling with caravans or storing your caravan in between each one of your trips, feel free to check in with the SWAG Community where members share their experiences and recommendations for caravanning in Australia.
Planning a trip to Cape York? We’ve gathered the best tips and advice from our SWAG community to help make your journey to Australia’s northernmost point an unforgettable experience. From where to camp to what to see, here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your epic Cape York adventure.
Cape York can get busy, especially at the tip. One of our community members shared a valuable tip: parking right at the tip can be a nightmare. It’s best to leave your caravan behind and make the final stretch without it to avoid long waits. Two guys took their campers in and waited hours to turn around and get out. Save yourself the hassle and enjoy a smoother experience by parking further back.
Traveling off-peak can offer a more serene experience. One family found that by visiting at the end of the September school holidays, they practically had Seisia Holiday Camp to themselves, camping right next to the beach on a powered site with only ten other campers. They also recommend a day trip to Thursday Island, which they found well worth it. Keep in mind that places start closing for the wet season around this time.
Maintenance is key to a smooth trip. One traveller shared that their hitch on both the car and van rattled loose, so they had to tighten them up. They also mentioned that minimal dust got inside the van on the way up without a DRS system. However, they encountered more dust on the way back from Punsand to Musgrave. Regular checks and a good dust prevention system can make a big difference. Check out Gusto Dust Reduction System
The corrugations and water crossings on Cape York can take a toll on vehicles and caravans. It’s common for issues like alternator failures, suspension problems and bearing issues to occur. Having roadside assistance like RACQ can be invaluable, as the operate tow trucks in the region.
Crossing the Jardine River can be pricey; it was $192.50 last year and has gone up again. Budget accordingly to avoid surprises. While no permits are required for the main roads like the Peninsula Developmental Road, you will need to purchase a permit from the Injinoo people to access the northern peninsula area, including the tip. This permit is included in the cost of the Jardine River Ferry crossing. Camping permits are also required for national parks, which can be booked online in advance.
Preparing your gear before the trip is crucial. One of our community members mentioned ordering a stone stomper to protect the front of their SCT16. This addition can help shield your caravan from debris on the rugged tracks to Cape York.
Due to the vast size of Cape York and the slower travel price, it’s recommended to allocate as much time as possible for your trip. Two to three weeks is suggested for a round trip from the southern states, but a month or more allows you to fully explore the region without feeling rushed.
We hope these tips from our SWAG community help you plan your ultimate Cape York adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or embarking on your first big trip, the insights from fellow SWAG owners will ensure you make the most of your journey. Happy travels, and don’t forget to share your experiences with the SWAG community!
**All information is current and correct at time of publication (June 2024). Please ensure you research at the time of your trip for accurate information.
Dust can be an inevitable road trip companion for caravans. Whether you’re travelling offroad in the outback or camping on sites by the coast, your caravan will likely be in conditions that collect dust and similar particles on both the exterior and interior.
In particular, the varied landscapes in Australia create challenges for dust. Airborne particles from red desert roads, sand from the coast, and debris from dirt tracks can all make their way in, leading to layers of dust across interior surfaces. And more than the build-up of dust across your countertops being annoying, it can also add wear and tear on equipment, and clog your caravan’s vents.
Dust-proofing a caravan is crucial for those with allergies or respiratory conditions like asthma or those of us who struggle with seasonal hay fever– particularly in closed spaces.
Dust can settle on surfaces and infiltrate electronic equipment, potentially reducing their lifespan and their general efficiency. Some of the most common dust-affected electronics in caravans include fridges, televisions, and power points. Dust can also wear down seals and upholstery over time, leading to more frequent replacements or repairs of bedding and lounges.
A dust-free environment makes your travels easier by reducing the need for constant cleaning and allowing you to enjoy a comfortable, fresh interior. It also prevents the uncomfortableness of dust settling on bedding, cooking areas, and living spaces, providing a cleaner and healthier living environment throughout your journey.
Many caravans have gaps and seams that make them unavoidably vulnerable to dust. Even with sealing, their design often includes joints and hinges that can expand or contract, leading to tiny openings. Dust particles easily find their way through these gaps, even if they’re not immediately visible.
Good ventilation is essential for airflow and keeping cool in Australian conditions, but the downside is that it’s often the main entry point for dust. External vents allow airflow in and out, and without proper filters, they can also let in dust and debris, contaminating the caravan’s interior.
Over time, door seals can wear out, become misaligned, or degrade, allowing dust and other debris to make their way in. This is particularly problematic when driving on unsealed and dirt roads where fine dust is stirred up. Even small gaps or cracks in the seals can become major points of entry over time, making it difficult to maintain a dust-free interior.
One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce dust, is to seal the entry points to your caravan and to re-seal when necessary over time. Closing up entry points like doors, windows, and vents (particularly for while travelling) will be your first steps to reducing dust. Then, if you find more vulnerable areas, you can use weather seals or foam strips to secure your caravan.
It’s easy to forget about the underbody of your caravan, but this is another common entry point you can reduce dust in your caravan by addressing. Some of the underbody protection you can add to your caravan to reduce dust include:
Ventilation is important, but as mentioned, keeping vents and windows open is a top offender in attracting dust into your caravan.
To help prevent dust from coming through your vents, while keeping a positive airflow, you can:
Regularly checking seals and keeping the interior organised will maintain the effectiveness of your dust-proofing measures. Two things to add to your general cleaning and maintenance checklist to reduce dust in your caravan include:
Some caravans come equipped with dust reduction systems like positive air pressure systems, which keep the internal pressure slightly higher than the external environment, preventing dust ingress.
These features, along with door seals and filtered ventilation, offer extra protection and can make a big difference when travelling in particularly dusty or off-road areas. Investing in features like these early on can save you a lot of time and potentially money in future.
Like with many things, the best way to get rid of dust in your caravan is to prevent it from getting in with prevention methods such as protecting entry points, ensuring ventilation is properly maintained, and routinely cleaning your gear.
Investing your time into adding these dust-proofing methods will ensure your caravan remains clean and comfortable, no matter where your travels take you.
Explore our diverse selection of hybrid caravans and hybrid pop-tops designed to provide comfort and versatility for your adventures. Our hybrids combine the best features of traditional caravans and pop-tops, offering flexibility and convenience whether you’re offroading in the outback or setting up camp by the coast.
And for more tips for camping and travelling with caravans, check out our latest blogs or connect with the SWAG Community. Our community members share their experiences and knowledge, helping you make the most of your adventures with SWAG Campers Australia.
What exactly is a shakedown test? A shakedown test comprises of 2-3 short trips taken close to home. The purpose of the shakedown is to thoroughly assess all the systems and features of your new camper and resolve any issues that may arise.
The process involves pressure testing the plumbing, testing electrical components under load, setting up the annexe, testing the hot water system, cooking meals and subjecting the doors, latches and locks to rigorous testing. This in-depth testing not only resolves any issues, it instils you with a better understanding of your camper and provide the confidence to go places you only ever imagined.
Our team rely on checklists to thoroughly inspect all components of your camper. Although we maintain stringent quality standards during the manufacturing and delivery process, certain systems benefit from real-world testing.
Please understand, all our campers, hybrids and off-road caravans are assembled right here on the Sunshine Coast by our dedicated team. But we are only human, and despite our best efforts we acknowledge the potential for minor issues. So please, take your time during these shakedown trips, test everything thoroughly, enjoy the experience, and if any issues should arise, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Travelling with your camper or caravan provides you with independence, self-sufficiency, and a sense of control. However, when planning a trip, it is important to consider the safety aspects.
When planning a camping trip, we tend to think of what to pack in terms of food, drinks, recreation equipment, and comfort items. But safety considerations are the most essential part of holiday planning. So, how can we travel more safely?
Have you serviced your vehicle? Are you able to competently tow your rig? These questions are vital to address before heading off into the sunset. A serviced vehicle minimises the chances of a breakdown and up-to-date driving skills will help you along the way. If you’re travelling a large distance, it might even be useful to take along some spare parts and have the knowledge of how to use them. Small towns may not have timely access to replacement parts, so it’s best to be prepared.
Let a friend or family member know your itinerary and check in at each stop. That way, if you don’t hit a target, someone will know your approximate location and be able to report it if necessary.
A mobile phone is fine if you’re sticking to the beaten track. Mobile reception in Australia is great in populated areas, but if you’re heading into the outback, you may want to consider a personal locator beacon (PLB). A PLB can be activated anywhere, and your distress signal will be received by emergency services.
A CB radio is another option for emergency communication, and it also helps with communicating with others on the road. If you do become lost, staying with your vehicle is the best chance you have at rescue. Not only will it provide much-needed shade, it will be easier for rescuers to spot a vehicle than a lone person.
If the worst was to happen and you became lost, it is vital that you have a good amount of drinking water with you, especially if touring the outback. Water is more important than food to human survival, so don’t eat unless you have enough water to aid digestion.
If you lack a water source, remember that grain-eating birds fly to water sources at dawn and dusk, so look for low-flying birds.
Mosquitos are well-known vectors of serious diseases, such as Ross River fever and malaria. Long sleeves, if weather appropriate, are good protection against the blood-sucking insects, and it is advisable to take along some good quality mosquito repellent. Remember to apply mosquito repellent after your SPF suncream protection, as applying it before can affect the performance of sunscreen.
Plan, plan, plan. This was mentioned previously, but it’s absolutely essential to plan ahead. A solid safety plan and precautions gives you a greater sense of confidence to enjoy your trip. Safe travels!
A Hybrid camper could be what you need to add more adventure to your weekends, contact the SWAG Camper Trailers team today. We’d be happy to help and answer any enquiries you have about our Campers, Hybrids and Caravans.
Packing for a camping trip is a significant part of the planning stage. Given that towing weight for campers is becoming a huge regulatory and safety issue, it’s important to consider everything that you take on an adventure very carefully.
We’re all guilty of carrying unnecessary things in our camper. No matter the season, some items seem to remain in the camper year-round. Consider when you’re travelling and the potential environment and weed out any ‘permanent’ items that are not required. If travelling in the winter, you’re unlikely to need your blow-up pool toys or sun umbrella. If you’re travelling inland away from rivers, put away the fishing gear and life jackets. In summer, consider your bedding needs carefully. Does everyone really need a sleeping bag and two blankets?
To decide what to take on a trip, you must first understand your destination and all that it offers. If you’re staying in a holiday park, find out what amenities they offer. Many tourist parks have activities and equipment for children, which means there’s no need to pack so heavily with outdoor toys.
Also, what do you plan to do on your holiday? Visiting the beach? Great, don’t forget sun protection, swim gear, a surfboard, and beach towels. Going hiking? You’ll need a backpack, water containers, and potentially some maps.
So much space is taken up by children’s equipment and entertainment devices. If your child is an infant, you’ll need to think of the usual things … portacots, highchair seats and so on. If your kids are a little older, technology may be the answer to your prayers. While no one likes to see a child on an electronic device 24/7, they can prove very useful in long trips and inclement weather. Compact board games are also a great idea.
With kids comes dirt and adventure! Pack some extra changes of clothes to account for messy outdoor activities, such as catching bugs, collecting firewood, or walks on the beach or around the lake. If you’re free camping without ready access to clean water, take along some wet wipes for quick clean ups, but remember to take your rubbish with you.
One item that should remain in your camper year-round is a good first aid kit. Your kit should contain items that are good for smaller incidents (think bug bites, sunburn, small burns, cuts, and grazes) and up-to-date equipment for bigger incidents (pressure bandages for snake bites and bandages for slings). It’s also a good idea to carry extra batteries, a torch, scissors, sunscreen, and insect repellent. If you’re handy and can attend to your own repairs, a toolbox is also an excellent inclusion.
Depending on where you’re travelling, you may prefer to stock up when you get there, though sourcing groceries in small towns can be more expensive. If camping remotely, ensure you take enough drinking water for yourself and your camping companions. If you’re taking a family, it’s a good idea to pre-cook some easy meals that can be easily reheated in the camper oven. This makes the first night so much easier!
Take plenty of snacks in the car for the kids. Boredom sometimes manifests as hunger, so healthy snacks are a must for a long trip.
Packing correctly means you don’t have to waste precious holiday time worrying about missing items or having to buy new ones. However, no matter how confident you are that you’ve packed efficiently, it’s wise to put some spending money aside for emergencies.
Happy camping!
A Hybrid Caravan or camper trailer could be what you need to add more adventure to your weekends, contact the Swag Camper Trailers team today. We’d be happy to help and answer any enquiries you have about our Campers, Hybrids and Caravans.
With the good weather kicking in, more of us are jumping in the car with our campers in tow to head off to our favourite holiday destinations. But even the most seasoned of Aussie campers needs to be reminded of how to stay cool and safe in the heat.
As summer heats up and the rain finally holds off, it is more tempting than ever to sprawl yourself in the sun and soak up the heat. But while the lizard lifestyle might seem like an idyllic escape – remember, that beautiful golden sun is still as vicious as ever and you need to take precautions.
Going back to the basics, one of the first summer slogans ingrained into us is ‘slip, slop, slap’ – an iconic campaign led by the Cancer Council to teach Aussies that when you’re in the sun camping or swimming, slip on a shirt, slop on the sunscreen and slap on a hat. The latter of which was also ingrained into many a school child via the motto ‘no hat, no play’.
For those travelling with families, keep an eye on the kids. Children’s skin is more vulnerable to the sun’s less than loving rays, but they are also the ones who are more likely to strip down when it gets hot and jump in the water and effectively wash off that sunscreen you’ve just slathered on to them.
In more recent years, the ‘slip, slop, slap’ slogan was extended to include ‘seek and slide’. While it rolls off the tongue a little less smoothly, these two additions are just as important. Seek shade and slide on the sunnies, even when it doesn’t seem too bright out.
Sun doesn’t just damage your skin – UV exposure to your eyes builds up over time and long periods of time in the sun, or even from indirect reflection off water can damage the surface of your eyes and increase risk of developing a cataract or macular degeneration. So, check out the rating on your sunnies, and make sure you keep a pair on you throughout the summer months – even on those seemingly cloudy days. The sun might be sneaky, but in Australia it is strong.
When rocking up to camp, maximising the views might be your first priority, but don’t forget to consider your camper’s orientation when parking. Ideally, you want to be parked so that your camper is shaded throughout the hottest part of the day. So suss out the sun’s location (or pull out a compass if you’re feeling extra thorough) and park yourself on the western side of any tree coverage you can find.
Shade is your friend in the summer, and if you aren’t able to secure a spot with a well-placed tree or two, bring your own. Awnings and gazebos are a great way to create outdoor living spaces that are protected from the sun, allowing you to make the most of the daytime hours. And versions that include a mesh or fly screen are doubly helpful in keeping away the mosquitoes and midges that are incessantly trying to hunt you down.
While camping on a waterfront location might seem idyllic – these uninvited buzzing friends are something to think about. Make sure you pack plenty of insect repellent and light, long-sleeved clothing to keep as much covered as you can.
Shade isn’t the only way you can keep your campsite cool. During the day, open up your window’s canvas covers or doors to let in the breeze allow the hot air to escape. Think about the way the air moves, and how you can open or close your camper’s screens to create circular air movement to cool down the interior or disrupt that hot stagnant air that is making it impossible for you to fall asleep. If you have some on hand, and power available, fans can assist in this endeavour. And remember – airflow is another defence against any insects wanting to sing you the song of their people throughout the night.
A Hybrid Caravan or camper trailer could be what you need to add more adventure to your weekends, contact the SWAG Camper Trailers team today. We’d be happy to help and answer any enquiries you have about our Campers, Hybrids and Caravans.
Continuing our travel around Australia, this article will be camper trailer sa destinations. 3 amazing places to consider visiting on your next trip.
For those people who enjoy camping on a beach with the sun, surf and sand, Cable Bay Campground is the first choice! Located just over 3 hours away from Adelaide, Innes National Park has many beautiful, natural features to investigate which include tucked away beaches, incredible limestone cliffs and dense bushland perfect for hiking. There is also a marine park and a shipwreck!
There are many activities you can do at this campground, including:
If you’re looking for a non-crowded area to get away for quiet rest and relaxation, this should be your first stop with your camper trailer sa.
This campground is found about an hour south of Adelaide. Home to a multitude of natural wildlife, it is best suited for tents and camper trailer sa. This is one of the best areas for bushwalking and enjoying nature. While you’re on your walks, you can even play games of eye spy to search for locals such as
Facilities include toilets and hot water showers and there is a low entry fee for this area. There are no powered sites, so you will need to take this into consideration. You will also need to bring your own drinking water.
Particular spots to check out include Blowhole Beach (you will need a 4WD), Cobbler Hill and the spectacular view to Kangaroo Island.
Talia Caves is located on the Eyre Peninsula, 2 hours south of Port Lincoln. This place is a true bush camping experience with no toilets or water facilities. Its main talking point is the monsterous sandstone cliffs known as “The Tub” and “The Woolshed”. Fishing is possible, however you will need to take caution as the beaches and the ocean can be quite rough.
This is a site for more experienced campers, therefore less family-friendly as the previously mentioned camper trailer as destinations above.
Visit our website to see our previous article of camper trailer NSW destinations here.
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