Every rig breaks down eventually — a flat tyre, a warning light, a fridge that's stopped, a vehicle that won't restart. What actually matters is what you do in the first five minutes, and whether you'd set yourself up properly before you left home.
Before you ever break down
- Join a roadside assistance provider that actually covers towing a caravan, not just the tow vehicle — check the fine print, standard car cover often excludes a loaded trailer
- Save your provider's number in your phone under a name you'll remember under stress, and write it on paper too — phones die
- Know your policy number and vehicle/caravan registration details without needing to dig for them
- Carry a hi-vis vest and reflective warning triangles for every occupant
The first five minutes
Get off the traffic lane if you possibly can, even if it means rolling a little further than feels ideal — a stopped rig on the road itself is the actual danger, more than whatever's gone wrong mechanically. Turn hazard lights on immediately. Everyone out and clear of traffic, on the verge side away from moving vehicles, hi-vis on if you have it. Set up your warning triangle well back if you're on a highway, especially near a bend or crest where oncoming traffic has little warning.
What to actually check yourself
Before calling anyone, a quick look often tells you a lot: is it a tyre (obvious), a warning light (note exactly what it says — don't just call it "a light"), a smell (burning, fuel, or something electrical are all different problems), or has something simply stopped working with no other symptom? None of this means fix it yourself — it means you can describe the actual problem clearly, which gets you the right help faster.
When to call roadside assistance vs. wait it out
Call immediately if you're on a live traffic lane, in extreme heat, low on water, or it's getting dark in a remote area — don't wait to see if it resolves itself. If you're safely off the road in a shaded, stable spot with supplies, it's reasonable to do a bit more of your own diagnosis first. Either way, call before you're desperate, not after — remote callouts can take hours to reach you.
Once everyone is safe and the immediate roadside issue is under control, use the Australian Caravan Repairer Directory to look for caravan repairers near your location or onward route.
In genuinely remote areas
If you have no phone signal, a PLB (personal locator beacon) or satellite messenger is what actually gets help moving — see our guide on emergency communication with no signal. Stay with your vehicle; it's easier to find than a person walking, and it's shelter. Ration water conservatively rather than assuming help is close.
Breakdown response checklist
- Hazards on, everyone clear of traffic, hi-vis and triangle out
- Identify the actual symptom (tyre / warning light / smell / dead stop) before calling
- Roadside assistance number and policy details ready
- Water, shade and patience if you're waiting remotely — don't overheat trying to fix it in the sun
- PLB or satellite messenger triggered if you're out of phone range and it's genuinely urgent
FAQ
Does normal car roadside assistance cover my caravan too?
Not always — check specifically. Many basic policies only cover the towing vehicle and will leave a loaded caravan on the roadside if you haven't got caravan-inclusive cover.
Should I try to fix an electrical fault myself?
12V faults (a blown fuse, a loose connector) are generally safe DIY territory if you know what you're doing. Gas and 230V systems are not — that always needs a licensed tradesperson.
Sources
Reviewed 22 September 2026. Roadside assistance coverage and response times vary by provider and location — check your specific policy before you travel.