Peace of Mind
2 February 2012
Peace of Mind
Good preparation and in-depth travelling knowledge are the first things to pack for your next tour
There are many things that can take some of the gloss off the 'trip of a lifetime', like gear malfunctions, car breakdowns, caravan problems, or illness. All the preparation in the world cannot prevent some things from happening. However, there are strategies and various preventative techniques you can employ to ensure all is not lost.
PRE-TRIP
We all know about preventive medicine to keep ourselves healthy, but not nearly enough travellers are into 'preventative actions' to keep their rig healthy too!
Much of what you can do is common sense. If you don't have a mechanical bone in your body, co-opt a savvy mate or get professional help. Start by creating a checklist of actions to work through.
1. VEHICLE AND RV SERVICING
Your car and RV should be serviced regularly. Many caravanners wouldn't dream of setting out without their car being in good nick, but barely spare a thought for the caravan or camper trailer. If it's been off the road for a while, organise a service. Before any trip, do the basic checks on tyres, bearings, hitches, and brakes.
2. EQUIPMENT AND SPARES CHECK LISTS
Ensure both car and caravan tyres are in good condition. If possible, try to have the same size tyres on both car and van. This way, you'll have two spares and you can swap them around to even out the wear. This is especially handy if you're going off-road.
Other basic equipment:
• Tyre changing equipment, wheel brace and jacks. Be sure the jack is certified for the load.
• Spanners, large shifting spanner, screw drivers, socket set and large socket for oversized nuts, set of Allen keys, hammer, pliers, mallet for awning pegs.
• Torch and box of fuses.
• Small and large tap fittings, hose connections, plumber's tape, cable ties, gaffer tape.
3. ESSENTIAL DOCUMENTS
Collate essential documents (bank, medical, prescription, insurance, contacts) and make a backup copy. You might like to scan these into your laptop also, and send a copy of the file to a family member. Alternatively, keep the file in a secure online storage system, where you can access it and print it out from any computer. If you're concerned about leaving sensitive information in your caravan, a small safe is a good option. You can then lock away important documents, jewellery, and other valuable items.
4. TRAVEL STRATEGIES
Plan your route ahead of time, and make sure you let others know where you are going. Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone back home, and call in regularly so they know you're okay, particularly if you do a lot of free camping. This can be as simple as a text message saying something like "Have reached X Campground, all is well". In addition, bring enough funds to cover an extra night's accommodation in the event of a breakdown, plus the cost of towing the caravan.
BREAKDOWNS
Breakdowns usually come without warning. However, you're asking for trouble if you head off with a car or van that you know has problems. So, nip any issues in the bud before you leave. If you break down, you could be up for some hefty extra expenses. These can include accommodation costs as well as car repairs.
Here are some of the common causes of breakdowns in older cars, with some accompanying tips. Note, newer models make extensive use of electronics, and you'll probably need expert help to fix problems.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A BREAKDOWN
• Ensure the vehicle is off the road and not impeding traffic flow.
• Check for simple causes first to see if you can get the vehicle going again.
• If unsuccessful, call roadside service for assistance, and phone someone to let them know where you are.
• Most caravanners don't travel at night, but if you've broken down in darkness, lock the car doors until help arrives.
• If there is no phone coverage, wait for another car to come by.
HOW TO MINIMISE THE IMPACT OF A BREAKDOWN ON YOUR JOURNEY
Most breakdowns are relatively minor and shouldn't hold up your trip for long. If you find yourself 'marooned' for a night or two (or even a few weeks) try to make the most of it.
• To stay mobile, hire a car or check out public transport options and plan visits to local attractions/entertainment.
• Take the opportunity to do repairs/ maintenance/cleaning on your RV.
• Spend time enjoying the natural surroundings or making friends with other travellers.
• If you are forced to stay in one place for a long time, one or both of you might be able to find some casual work to offset costs.
CAUSE OF BREAKDOWN & PREVENTATIVE MEASURES/HOW TO FIX
Flat/faulty battery
Check that terminals are clean and protected from corrosion with petroleum jelly or grease. Ensure clamps and connections are secure.
Lost keys
For a long trip, carry two spare sets – one on the other person (not in the car) and one back at the caravan. Electronic car keys are expensive to replace and often can only be obtained from a dealer.
Flat/damaged tyres and wheels
Use the correct pressures for speed/load/dirt roads, check for uneven tyre wear and ensure the spare is in good condition and inflated. Carry a reliable jack and wheel-removal tools.
Alternator
Symptoms of a sick alternator are ongoing battery problems and dim headlights. If this has happened, get it checked before setting out.
Starter motor
Regular servicing should prevent problems.
Distributor cap
Keep it clean, the usual culprits are moisture and/ or dirt.
Spark plugs
Replace at recommended service intervals.
HEALTH
It is not just cars that can have something go wrong, humans can have breakdowns as well. Many travellers are retired or semi-retired, and various aches and pains come with ageing. There's not a lot that can be done, apart from taking prescribed medication. Occasionally, more serious problems can occur, like a heart attack or stroke. Before you set out, have a full medical and run through the 'what-ifs' with your doctor, so you will recognise the symptoms and know what to do if something like this eventuates.
If you are heading for remote areas, find out how to get medical help before you leave. This may mean contacting the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
COMMON SENSE HEALTH MEASURES
• Don't skip medication or put off getting prescriptions renewed.
• Take action quickly if problems start to manifest (knee pain, hip pain, shortness of breath, dizzy spells). Don't dismiss any symptoms or wait until you return to get help.
• If an accident occurs on an organised tour or side trip, no matter how small, document it. Write down a report, and take photos of any injuries. You never know whether problems will arise later.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Not many 'nomads' worry too much about personal safety. If you're staying in caravan parks, you should be fine most of the time. However, the risk is a little higher if you do a lot of free camping. The main problems are likely to be related to anti-social behaviour, rather than anything sinister. Simply use common sense to avoid any major issues. Try not to travel at night, and stay in areas where others have already set up camp.
Fires in caravans are rare, but if you're trapped away from the door, how do you get out? Some auto supply chains carry 'safety hammers' that will break glass if you need to escape quickly. Ensure that your smoke alarms are working, and have your fire-extinguisher checked as required.
Avoid spraying aerosols outside the van near the grille that protects the pilot light for the gas fridge. You could end up with a flame-thrower in your hand! Also, double-check that the gas has been turned off before taking to the road after a stopover.
ON-THE-ROAD STRATEGIES
Driving involves more than sitting behind the wheel and watching the scenery whiz by. Good preparation is paramount, and it's wise to do a towing course and an advanced driving course before your first trip.
Gaining experience in towing and braking will give you confidence. Emergency stopping, which involves hurtling towards a fence at speed before jamming on the brakes, can be terrifying. However, it's best to practise this within the safety of a planned course, so you can understand how the car and van will react.
PRACTISE, PRACTISE, PRACTISE!
Become familiar with the way your rig handles before the big trip. Practise backing at weekends, in an area where you can turn and back without much interruption. Practise towing in short stints, because it requires a lot of concentration. Understand your limits, both regarding the time you should be behind the wheel, and the size of the rig you can drive or tow.
All of this contributes to a safer time on the road not only for you, but for every other road user.
DRIVING ETIQUETTE
'Driving etiquette' is simply consideration for other road users, using familiar and accepted practices.
1. OVERTAKING
Keep an eye on the traffic behind you. If someone is overtaking you, move as close to the left as you can. Remember, if you go too far onto the shoulder you might lose control on soft surfaces or gravel. If the road is narrow, move into a roadside bay to let the traffic pass. Hold the van steady until they have overtaken you. Don't slow down before they pull out to pass, because you will ruin their run up.
It has been said that truckies and caravanners are at completely opposite ends of the scale. Caravanners are usually relaxed and have all the time in the world. Truckies are on a strict schedule, and can't afford to be held up for too long. Use your CB radio to contact the driver of a truck that is behind you and obviously waiting for a chance to pass. Tell him you know he's there, and as soon as he's ready to pass you'll move to the side to allow him plenty of room. He'll appreciate it, and will probably let you know when he's ready to go around.
A convoy of caravans, closely tucked in one behind the other, is likely to make a motorist or truckie feel homicidal. If you're travelling with a group, leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front, so other traffic can get around you and be on its way.
2. PASSING
In the outback there are often narrow roads and big road trains, which is not an ideal combination. In mining areas, huge pieces of equipment are sometimes being ferried around. They are often heavy loads that take up all of the road width. These always have escort vehicles that approach the oncoming traffic down the centre of the road, and they'll indicate that traffic must pull completely off the road. You should do this as soon as a suitable spot appears, and wait until that wide load has passed.
COMMUNICATIONS
Peace of mind means being able to get help when you need it, so reliable communication devices are vital.
Luckily, today's mobile phone network is very comprehensive, and travellers can get decent coverage on Australia's main highways. However, there are inevitable black spots and places with intermittent coverage. If you're going to be doing a lot of travelling in isolated areas, consider taking a satellite phone. Research the provider that has the best coverage for where you're travelling. It's more than likely that this won't also be the cheapest, but when it comes to peace of mind, it's worth paying a bit more.
If you have an accident, you'll be on the phone and sending emails back and forth constantly. Carrying a computer with you will make these tasks a little less onerous, and will also help you stay in contact with family and friends.
HELP IS AT HAND
When you are travelling, you are generally not far from help for too long. Think ahead, and become members of the organisations you might need before you set out. Roadside service is a must, and you can sign up for different levels of assistance. Some premium services cover accommodation costs if you're caught out.
There are various state motoring groups for roadside assistance and insurance, such as the NRMA, RACQ and the RACV. The Royal Flying Doctor Service is renowned for helping people who need medical assistance in far-flung areas of the country, 75% of its non-scheduled callouts are from the travelling public.
Signing up for essential roadside services and insurance is, however, only part of it. You must make sure you can quickly put your hand on all necessary contact details to expedite a claim.
All of this might seem daunting. Rest assured, most caravanners travel without incident, or have only minor problems. Make your mantra: 'Prepare for the worst, and expect the best!'
Set yourself up for a successful trip, do all the necessary maintenance, preparation and checks, and you'll have a wonderful time. Look forward to it with confidence!
CONTACTS:
Berrima Diesel (engine problems etc – tuning, testing, turbocharging)
Advantage Caravan Repairs (all caravan repairs to all makes and models)
www.advantagecaravans.websyte.com.au
TowEd (Towing Training)
GME (CB Radio)
RFDS (Royal Flying Doctor Service)
NRMA (NSW: Insurance and roadside assistance)
RACQ (Queensland: Insurance, roadside assistance, finance)
RACV (Victoria: Insurance, roadside assistance)
AANT (Northern Territory: Insurance, roadside assistance, travel advice)
RAC (Western Australia: Insurance, roadside assistance, finance)
RAA (South Australia: Insurance, roadside assistance)
RACT (Tasmania: Insurance, roadside assistance, finance)
WORDS BY MARG MCALISTER PHOTOGRAPHY BY CARAVAN & MOTORHOME
