A departure check should begin before the tow vehicle moves, not at the park exit. Work in a fixed direction around the caravan and confirm every connection, opening and item is ready for travel.
Quick departure sequence
- Prepare the caravan interior and secure loose items.
- Turn off, isolate and disconnect services in the required order.
- Pack the awning and outdoor area.
- Retract steps, stabilisers, aerials and other deployed equipment.
- Hitch using the vehicle, coupling and caravan instructions.
- Check lights, brakes, mirrors, tyres and visible load security.
- Complete one uninterrupted final walk-around.
- Move slowly, stop again and inspect the vacated site.
Inside the caravan
Close and latch windows, roof hatches, cupboards, drawers and appliances. Secure loose items and confirm loads are distributed as planned. Check that people and pets are accounted for and that nothing can interfere with doors or emergency access.
Disconnect services
Follow the appliance and system instructions. Isolate power and gas as required, disconnect and store the electrical lead, water and waste equipment, and cap fittings. Never drive over or leave a connected service behind.
Pack the outside
Retract the awning completely and confirm its travel locks. Collect pegs, guy lines, mats, chairs, blocks, hoses, chocks and tools. Check under the caravan and around neighbouring boundaries. Store heavy items securely and consider their effect on payload and balance.
Hitch methodically
Use the exact coupling and tow vehicle procedure. Confirm the coupling is correctly engaged and secured, safety chains are connected as required, electrical and breakaway connections are made, the jockey wheel is raised and secured, and the park brake is released only at the correct stage.
Complete the final walk-around
- All doors, hatches, windows, vents and access panels are travel-ready.
- Awning, steps, stabilisers, antennae and accessories are retracted and secured.
- Tyres look serviceable and are set using the correct load and manufacturer information.
- Lights, indicators and braking systems operate as required.
- Mirrors and cameras provide the intended view.
- Number plate and safety equipment are unobstructed.
- No lead, hose, block, chock, tool or rubbish remains.
Use two separate checks
After the main inspection, move the combination only a short distance where safe, stop and recheck the site and hitch area. This can reveal an item hidden by the caravan or a step missed during interruptions.
Common mistakes
Splitting the final walk-around between several people without clear ownership, being interrupted and resuming halfway, leaving an antenna or step deployed, and assuming someone else checked the coupling are common process failures. One person should own the final uninterrupted check while another can verify critical items.
Connected planning
Use the pre-trip inspection checklist for mechanical and readiness checks and the towing calculator when the load changes. Return to the Setup & Campsite Safety Hub for the full arrival-to-departure pathway.
Safety note
This is a general planning checklist. The tow vehicle, coupling, brake controller, breakaway system, caravan and accessories have model-specific requirements. Follow current manufacturer instructions and road rules. Seek qualified assistance if any safety-critical component is damaged, uncertain or not operating correctly.