Prepare your caravan before transport or loading

A small camping trailer differs from a static cabin mounted on supports, and a fully loaded caravan differs from an empty one. You need to understand gross load, the trailer chassis, axle condition and the permitted tow-vehicle combination before deciding whether it can travel on its own wheels.

If you do not have trustworthy mass data or safe lifting points, avoid guesswork and improvised straps. A qualified inspection may be needed before a static unit can be loaded or a caravan can be towed.

Plan collection and delivery together. Determine who hands over the keys, where the carrier may stop, whether a gate or tight bend is involved and what kind of ground lies at the final unloading point.

Photograph both sides of the entrance and identify any height restrictions, overhead cables, trees, tight turns or sloping approaches. Large carriers may require generous turning room even when the road itself is wide.

Where sand, mud, steep ground or narrow trails are present, agree a safer alternate drop-off location. Do not direct heavy equipment onto unknown soft ground or stand close to suspended loads or moving vehicles.

For campsites, compounds, yards and farms, confirm entry permissions, truck access times and delivery responsibilities before fixing a schedule.