Caravan Safety Tips

The Dream And The Reality | CIL Caravan Safety Tips 2026

The Dream vs Reality:

Preparation can make the difference between a stressful trip and an enjoyable adventure. Taking a few simple steps before leaving helps ensure your caravan and tow vehicle are ready for the journey.

Checklist:

• Check tyre pressures on both the tow vehicle and caravan
• Ensure lights, indicators and brake lights are working
• Confirm the caravan is correctly hitched and safety chains are attached
• Check towing mirrors are fitted and adjusted
• Secure cupboards, drawers and loose items inside the caravan
• Turn off gas appliances before travelling

Know Your Van | CIL Caravan Safety Tips 2026

Know Your van

Understanding how your caravan and towing setup works helps you travel safely and confidently.

Checklist:

• Confirm the caravan is correctly hitched and safety chains are attached
• Check towing mirrors are fitted and adjusted
• Ensure lights, indicators and brake lights are working
• Secure cupboards and drawers before travelling

Towing And Training Basics | CIL Caravan Safety Tips 2026

Towing And Training Basics

Towing a caravan requires extra awareness and safe driving habits. Knowing how your vehicle behaves while towing can help you stay safe on the road.

Checklist:

• Drive at safe speeds and allow extra braking distance
• Take regular breaks and share the driving if possible
• Avoid sudden steering or braking that may cause sway
• Be aware of wind, road conditions and passing heavy vehicles
• Maintain safe following distances from other vehicles

Freeways, Backroads and Suburbia | CIL Caravan Safety Tips 2026

Freeways, Backroads and Suburbia

Different road environments require different driving approaches when towing a caravan.

Checklist:

• Drive at safe speeds and allow extra braking distance
• Maintain safe following distances from other vehicles
• Take regular breaks on longer journeys

Storing Your Van Safely At Home | CIL Caravan Safety Tips 2026

Storing Your Van Safely At Home

Proper storage and security can help protect your caravan between trips.

Checklist:

• Use a quality hitch lock whenever your caravan is parked
• Consider using a wheel clamp as a visible theft deterrent
• Park with the hitch facing away from the road where possible
• Lock all doors, hatches and storage compartments when unattended

Protecting Your Investments | CIL Caravan Safety Tips 2026

Protecting Your Investments

Protecting the items inside your caravan is just as important as protecting the caravan itself.

Checklist:

•  Photograph valuable items stored in and around your caravan
• Record serial numbers and keep receipts where possible
• Keep a digital inventory of valuables
• Store high value items out of sight when not in use

Arrive Before Sunset | CIL Caravan Safety Tips 2026

Arrive Before Sunset

Arriving early gives you time to assess your surroundings and safely set up your campsite.

Checklist:

• Arrive and set up before sunset where possible
• Check for slopes, overhead hazards and ground stability
• Use wheel chocks and stabilisers correctly
• Secure loose items before nightfall or bad weather

What Your Cover Includes | CIL Caravan Safety Tips 2026

What Your Cover Includes

Understanding your insurance cover helps you travel with confidence and know what support is available if something goes wrong.

For full details of your cover, refer to your CIL policy documentation.

Note

For full details of your cover, refer to your CIL policy documentation.

Quick Safety Check:

Before settling in or leaving your campsite:

• Caravan secured
• Valuables documented
• Fire safety checked
• Site assessed

Click to PDF Checklist