COMPARED to travellers on the East Coast, West Australians are lucky to have the Kimberley virtually in their back yard.
And one of the best ways to explore this magnificent landscape is by packing up and heading off on the road.
But before you hook up your caravan and head off into the wind, be sure to check in with a reputable caravan expert or dealer that you have everything you need and your home on wheels is in good working order.
We've all been there - how many times have you been waved down to be told your TV antenna is still raised, or a window is not latched, the ceiling vent is still raised? Even the awning unfurling and flapping in the wind and ripping?
With almost 40 years in the caravanning industry, family-owned George Day Caravans in the Perth suburb of Maddington is the exclusive dealer for eight new Australian caravan and trailer brands and also has a selection of pre-owned vans as well as offering an after-sales service.
The dealership is also a great place to pick up parts and accessories to make your trip run smoothly, and to ask any questions and get advice.
They also have a qualified on-site auto electrician for electric brakes, solar panels and all vehicle/caravan 12V electrical work.
So to avoid any on-the-road mishaps, George Day Caravans' has some tips on getting prepared for your Kimberley caravan adventure. The key is to be prepared with a few checklists - one for inside and one for outside.
BEFORE YOU GO
- Wheel Bearings - Grasp the tyres and rock firmly. Is there excessive movement?
- Load mass and weight - Does the suspension look right, properly distributed & balanced? Is it below the weight limit?
- Brakes and brake fluid - Do they function correctly? Are your brake fluid levels correct?
- Handbrake - Has the handbrake on the caravan/trailer been correctly released?
- Tyres - Are your tyres correctly inflated to suit your van?
- Caravan/trailer coupling - Are trailer coupling and safety chain/s securely fastened?
- Crossed safety chains - If two safety chains are fitted, cross them to prevent the draw bar from contacting the road if the trailer becomes disconnected.
- Awnings - Is the roll-out awning stored away and locked in position?
- Jockey wheel - Remove jockey wheel from clamp and store in boot or lock in travelling position.
- Stabilisers - Are the front and rear stabilisers in up position? Stow the winder in a safe place.
- Pop-tops/campers - Ensure that all pop-top and camper trailer roof clips are in place.
- Gas Cylinders - Check gas levels and if all cylinders are turned off.
PACKING UP
- En suite hatch down and secured
- In the bathroom, secure toiletries, put the hand towel in the sink, place showerhead on a towel on the floor (to prevent marking the walls)
- Secure all cupboards and doors.
- In the bedroom/kitchen put the hatch down and secured, bed covered and chairs folded on the bed.
- Secure and lower TV
- Secure crockery and glasses (wrap a tea towel around glasses)
- Check all window latches
- Outside the van, empty toilet canister, flush and add toilet chemicals, store sullage hoses, turn gas off at bottle, secure awning properly (velcro straps are handy), check the handbrake and secure picnic table
9493-5557, www.georgeday.com.au
