Have you bought a caravan and need it transported? Or do you want it to be on the campsite straight away? There are many situations in which transporting a caravan is not a simple matter. Imagine, for example, that you are moving abroad. Apart from the fact that the move is already quite complicated to organise, you still have to think about what to do with the caravan.
Securing your caravan before transport is crucial for safety and to avoid damage. To do this, follow the steps below:
Empty the caravan: Remove all loose items from inside the caravan, such as crockery, electronics, food or decorations. Make sure all cabinets are empty and closed. Secure doors and windows so they do not open during transport.
Turn off gas and electrical appliances: Before transporting, disconnect the gas cylinder and turn off and unplug any electrical appliances. Make sure all hoses and cables are secured and the gas tank is closed.
Check exterior lighting: Before transporting the trailer, make sure that all exterior lights such as position lights, turn signals and brake lights are working properly.
Secure the roof and windows: Check that all roof components are properly fastened and secured. Make sure all windows are closed and secured against opening during transport.
Check tyre condition: Check the pressure in the trailer tyres, as well as the general condition of the tyres. If necessary, replace the tyres before transport.
Suspension and brake inspection: Check the condition of the trailer's suspension and brakes prior to transport. If necessary, carry out repairs or maintenance.
Prepare the tow bar: Check that the tow bar is in good condition and also check the attachment and securing of the trailer to the tow vehicle.
Secure the power cable extension: Ensure that the power cable extension is properly coiled and secured to prevent free movement during transport.
Check condition of supports and steps: Ensure that the trailer supports and steps are secured in the transport position to avoid accidental slipping out during travel.
Markings and documents: Before transport, make sure the trailer is properly marked and that you have all the necessary documents such as registration, insurance and technical inspection.
Secure the awning: If your trailer has an awning, make sure it is properly secured and fastened. If necessary, use additional security devices such as straps or locks.
Secure the antenna and other external components: If your trailer has a TV antenna, air conditioner or other external components, make sure they are properly secured against damage during transport.
Inspect the braking system: For trailers with self-brakes, check that the braking system is working properly. Make sure the emergency brake is in working order and properly secured against accidental application while driving.
Plan your route in advance: Before transporting your caravan, it is a good idea to plan your route, taking into account any height or weight restrictions on the roads. Choose roads with as little traffic as possible to avoid too much stress on the caravan.
Monitor weather conditions: Check the weather forecast for transport and, if possible, avoid travelling in severe weather conditions such as high winds, rain or snow.
Plan breaks: When transporting your caravan, it is a good idea to plan regular breaks to check the condition of the caravan and make any adjustments. Carefully check the security and condition of the caravan if necessary.
If your caravan is in good working order, if you don't have a lot of stuff to carry and you happen to have time to make a longer journey, you can drive your caravan to your destination yourself. If, however, you do not have a holiday planned at the moment, it is not in your way at all, or you just want to have someone else do it for you, then find a transport company that will take care of the transport of your trailer. The most common practice is: towing the trailer transporting the trailer on a car transporter Before carrying out the transport, your carrier may ask you about: Dimensions of the trailer width x height x length in metres Approximate weight of the trailer In what condition is the trailer What type of trailer transport you are interested in? Does the trailer have a current third party liability?
If you or your haulier intend to tow the trailer using a towbar it is important to make sure that the regulations allow this. These vary depending on your licence category and the weight of the vehicle being towed. Make sure you give the haulier good dimensions and weight of the trailer so that the transport is carried out legally.
As with most loads, the cost of transporting a caravan depends on a number of factors. Here are the ones you should be aware of: the distance the caravan has to travel, the type of transport (towing, car transporter), the size of the caravan, additional services to be paid (who unloads and loads the caravan for transport?).
The dimensions and weight of caravans can vary considerably depending on the model, manufacturer and type of caravan. Below are indicative values for different categories of caravans:
Small caravans (e.g. teardrop caravans or small caravans with folding roofs):
Dimensions: length between 3 and 5 metres, width between 1.5 and 2.2 metres, height between 1.2 and 2.5 metres.
Weight: between 400 and 1,000 kg.
Medium-sized caravans (e.g. classic caravans with one or two rooms):
Dimensions: length 5 to 7 metres, width 2.2 to 2.5 metres, height 2.5 to 3 metres.
Weight: between 1,000 and 1,800 kg.
Large caravans (e.g. caravans with vestibules, folding sides or bunk caravans):
Dimensions: length 7 to 12 metres, width 2.5 to 3 metres, height 3 to 4 metres.
Weight: between 1,800 and 3,500 kg.
Please note that the dimensions and weight of individual caravan models may vary depending on the configuration, equipment or materials used in the construction of the caravan. Always check the specifications of the specific caravan model for accurate information on its dimensions and weight.
Caravans come in different types and configurations to meet a variety of user needs and preferences. Here are some popular types of caravans:
Teardrop (drop) caravans: These are small, lightweight and compact caravans whose shape resembles a drop. They usually have sleeping space for two people and a small kitchen at the rear of the caravan.
Trailers with a folding roof (popup): These are trailers whose roof can be raised to increase interior space and height. They are often fitted with folding sides or vestibules, giving you more sleeping and living space.
Classic caravans: This is the most common type of caravan, offering fixed walls and roof. Depending on the model, they can have one or two rooms, a bathroom, kitchen and lounge area.
Caravans with sliding sides (slide-out): These are caravans that have one or more sliding walls, increasing the interior space. This allows for greater comfort and spaciousness, especially in the kitchen or bedroom.
Bunk trailers (fifth-wheel): These are large trailers that connect to the towing vehicle via a special coupling (called a fifth-wheel) mounted in the vehicle's load bed. They offer ample space, a high level of comfort and are often equipped with luxury amenities.
Caravans with an extended vestibule: These are trailers that have a fixed or removable vestibule, increasing living and storage space. The vestibule can be used for a variety of functions, such as a dining room, living room or extra bedroom.
Off-road caravans: these are trailers designed for rough terrain, with high ground clearance, reinforced suspension and special tyres. This allows exploration of less accessible areas and camping in wilder locations.
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