GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #69 | Page 27

RV FEATURE
TRIP PREPARATION
It may go without saying that you should get your rig serviced before you head off on a holiday but it ’ s probably more important to focus on certain service items given the conditions you will face . Wet weather plays havoc with electrical systems in a poor state of repair so that is one area you should focus on .
Wet roads are slippery roads , so ensure your tyres are in good condition with plenty of tread . Wet weather also means the roads will be in poor condition , so ensure your vehicle ’ s suspension can cope with roads strewn with potholes and eroded edges .
We cannot stress enough the need to make sure the seals of your vehicle are in good condition . The last thing you need is a leaky caravan .
Before you head off , you might want to give some careful thought to the location in which you intend to stay . For instance , if you stay at a caravan park and you ’ re faced with days on end of inclement weather , at least there may be other activities at the park that can keep the kids entertained . There may also be camp kitchen facilities to make cooking outdoors a little easier . If you can get a site with a concrete slab , you ’ ll be able to minimise the mess that gets dragged into your caravan .
Many caravan parks will have a website with a map of the park , allowing you to see what sites are available and book a particular site well in advance of your arrival .
If you ’ re free camping , make sure you park well away from any creeks , rivers or causeways that may be subject to flash flooding during a heavy downpour .
Check the weather along the route you intend to travel . Most weather apps can give you a detailed outlook of weather conditions for up to 10 days . You can see if an area is expecting strong winds or heavy rain . You then have the opportunity to alter your route to avoid any adverse conditions .
Never underestimate the power of flowing flood water .
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