Most trip-ruining problems come from small oversights. Every time we leave a camp, we run the same few checks. 

They take less than a minute. So if you tow, tour, or camp anywhere off the beaten track, these are worth building into your routine.

The Walk-Around

Slow down & do one proper lap. Before the key even turns, we do a quick loop of the setup. Because this is where you catch the stuff that costs money (or worse) once you’re moving. Our quick checklist looks like this: 

• Windows or roof vents shut (especially dust or wind days)
• Awning packed away tight
• Tyres looking healthy, no weird bulges
• Drawers, toolboxes and hatches latched
• Nothing left sitting on the car (eg on the bull bar, RIP to my coffee cup)
• Maxtrax/shovels locked in
• Nothing loose on seats, nothing heavy not secured that could be dangerous in an accident
• Rear Bar Swing Arm Latched
• Dogs secured / barriers up (or your version of children😂)

It sounds basic… because it is. But doing this has probably prevented more damage than anything else we do. We’ve all seen that roadside yard sale where someone’s life just exploded out the back door.

Tow Connection + Lights

Next up is the link between car and trailer. We don't tow very often, but when we do, we check every time: 

• Hitch seated properly and locked

• Safety chains crossed and rated

• Breakaway cable clipped on (not wrapped around something random)

• Trailer handbrake OFF

• Brake controller powered and set

• Check Hazards & Brake Lights working

Leave no Trace

Last check isn’t about the vehicle at all. Stop, turn around, and look back at the campsite. It's just about respecting the place you just called home. We ask ourselves:

• All rubbish picked up? Your rubbish and more if others have left it. 

• Fire fully out and cold to touch? We will often put some water on it regardless, especially if it's fire season. 

• Pegs, ropes, gear, random bits all accounted for?

Simple stuff. But it keeps these places open, clean, and wild for everyone. Free camps, bush spots, station stays, they only stay good if we look after them. 

Where are we going & do we need anything to get there?

We run solar, dual batteries, fridges, as well as other gear, and will be often on remote tracks not just a caravan park hop.

We quickly check:

• Downloaded Maps/ Paper Maps Available

• Weather (wind, storms, heat)

• Road/track closures or creek levels

• Rough distance to next stop

• UHF on the right channel

• Fuel level vs next servo/town

• House battery / lithium SOC
  

• Solar/regulator showing charge

• Water level (if heading remote)

It’s amazing how many dramas come from “Ah we’ll fill up later…” …and then later is 240km of corrugations at 25ks/hr away 😅

None of this is complicated or groundbreaking!

Just small habits done consistently. Because we’d rather spend our energy chasing experiences and sunsets, not fixing problems we could’ve avoided. Consistency beats complacency every time.

Travel days should feel good. Windows down. Coffee in hand. Music up. Dogs or the kids asleep in the back. The next adventure waiting.

These three checks help us leave camp calm, confident, and ready for whatever the road throws at us. Take a minute, every single time.

Less stress. More adventure. See ya out there 🤙