A caravan is a long trip, often through remote or mountainous country, with a group depending on you to keep going. Do this preparation four to six weeks before departure so there is time to fix what you find.
Mechanical
- Oil, filters, belts, hoses and coolant checked or changed as due.
- Transmission and differential fluids checked. A long trip with mountain grades is hard on them.
- Battery tested, terminals clean. See our battery guide.
- Generator serviced and run under load. See generator problems.
- Windshield chips repaired, wipers new, headlights and all lights working.
- Cooling and air-conditioning checked if you will travel in summer heat.
Tires and brakes
- Tires inspected for age, cracks, sidewall damage and tread. Check the date code. Many tire and RV makers advise replacing RV tires after roughly five to seven years regardless of tread, so check your manufacturer’s guidance.
- Correct pressure for your actual loaded weight, checked when cold.
- A usable spare, a jack that lifts your rig, and the correct lug wrench.
- Brakes inspected, including trailer brakes and the brake controller. See brake and tire warning signs.
- Wheel bearings greased or inspected as due.
RV systems
- Propane system leak-tested, regulator and hoses checked. Propane work needs a qualified technician.
- Furnace, water heater, refrigerator and air conditioner all tested. See the troubleshooting guides.
- Roof, sealants and seams inspected. See roof sealant guide.
- Slide-outs and awnings operated and inspected.
- Water system sanitized, filters new, hoses and fittings good.
- Smoke, CO and propane detectors working, with fresh batteries.
- Fire extinguisher charged and within date.
Book service early. RV service departments fill up in spring and early summer. Find a shop in your area in our repair directory, and book well before departure.
Safety and tools
- First-aid kit, flashlights, reflective triangles or flares.
- Basic tools, fuses, spare hoses and clamps, tape and zip ties.
- Tire repair or inflation kit, and a way to check pressure.
- Extra drinking water and non-perishable food, especially for remote sections.
- Two-way radios or whatever the operator uses; a phone charger for the vehicle.
Documents
- Passports for every traveller and pets’ vaccination records. See crossing the border.
- RV registration, insurance and roadside plan details.
- Provincial or travel medical insurance cards and the insurer’s phone number.
- Tour contract, itinerary, confirmation numbers and emergency contacts.
- A printed copy and a digital copy of all of the above.
Packing
- Check your loaded weight against your rig’s limits. Weigh it if you can.
- Clothes for a range of weather. Mountains and coasts can be cold in summer.
- Bug repellent, sunscreen and rain gear.
- Cooking basics and a small stock of non-perishables. Remember border limits on fresh food.
- Binoculars, a camera and a book for the quiet evenings.
The final week
- Confirm all reservations, including ferries, and the departure time and meeting place.
- Do a full walk-around of the rig, checking tires, lights, hitch and latches.
- Tell family where you are going and how to reach the operator.
- Top up fuel and propane the day before, if the route requires.
Our general RV checklists cover pre-trip, set-up and storage.
About this guide. This is general planning information, not a recommendation of any operator and not a booking service. Tour prices, itineraries, fees and rules change, so confirm anything that affects your money or safety in writing with the operator, ferry line or park. See our full disclaimer.