Camper trailer pre-trip checklist: a repeatable 20-minute inspection

A useful camper trailer pre-trip checklist is short enough to repeat every time and specific enough to catch a real problem. It should not be a once-a-year service list. The purpose is to confirm that the trailer you are about to tow is coupled, loaded and functioning as expected today.

The 20-minute routine below is based on the Transport for NSW caravan safety checklist and brochure, with trailer mass terminology cross-checked against the Australian Government’s Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 (VSB1). Your tow vehicle, coupling, brake controller, tyres and trailer may require additional manufacturer checks.

Before the checklist: know the four limits

Do not begin with the assumption that a trailer is legal because it is below the tow vehicle’s headline towing capacity. The setup has several ratings that must work together.

Rating	Plain-English meaning	Where to verify it
ATM	Maximum permitted total trailer mass, including the load carried through the coupling	Trailer vehicle plate and RAV record
GTM	Maximum permitted mass carried through the trailer wheels when fully loaded	Trailer vehicle plate and RAV record
GVM	Maximum permitted mass of the loaded tow vehicle	Tow vehicle plate/manual
GCM	Maximum permitted combined mass specified for vehicle and trailer	Tow vehicle documentation

VSB1 explains that payload capacity is ATM minus tare mass. That subtraction is a rating calculation, not a substitute for weighing the trailer as actually packed. Water, gas, batteries, awnings, recovery gear, food and aftermarket accessories all consume payload.

Transport for NSW states that it is illegal to exceed the tow vehicle’s GVM, the trailer’s ATM or the combination’s GCM. The towbar, towball, coupling, tyres and axles also carry their own limits. Use the lowest applicable rating, and obtain professional weighing or engineering advice if the numbers are unclear.

The 20-minute camper trailer pre-trip checklist

Walk in the same direction every time—front of the tow vehicle, down the driver’s side, around the rear, then back up the passenger side. A consistent pattern makes omissions easier to notice.

1. Tyres, wheels and bearings

Transport for NSW recommends checking tyre pressure against the manufacturer’s specification, ensuring the spare is operational, tightening wheel nuts to the trailer manufacturer’s specification and inspecting tyres and wheels for damage. Its checklist uses a minimum tread depth of 1.5 mm and calls out deep cuts, bulges, exposed cords and wheel deformation.

For the departure check:

• Measure pressures when appropriate for the tyre manufacturer’s procedure; do not copy another owner’s number.
• Inspect both sidewalls and the visible tread, including the spare.
• Confirm wheel nuts using the trailer manufacturer’s specified torque and method.
• Look for grease leakage, unusual play, heat damage or anything different from the previous trip.
• Confirm the jack, wheel brace, chocks and any required adaptor actually fit this trailer.

A tool carried but never test-fitted is not yet part of a working recovery plan.

2. Coupling, drawbar and safety chains

Check the drawbar and towing components for looseness, cracks, severe dents or visible damage. Confirm the coupling has fully engaged and that its locking mechanism and any secondary pin or clip are fitted as specified by the component manufacturer.

Transport for NSW says safety chains should be connected as specified by the component manufacturer and crossed beneath the towball. Chain length matters: it must allow articulation without dragging, while doing the job intended by the design. Do not improvise a different attachment method because it looks neater.

Then verify:

• jockey wheel fully raised, secured or removed as designed;
• stabiliser legs fully retracted;
• handbrake released only when the combination is ready to move;
• electrical plug and breakaway cable routed so they will not drag, stretch tight or foul the coupling;
• coupling and towbar ratings are suitable for the trailer.

3. Brakes, breakaway system and lights

Transport for NSW calls for brakes to operate correctly on all trailer axles and for the electric-brake system, where fitted, to be charged and working. Test the brake controller according to its manufacturer’s procedure. A dashboard display alone does not confirm correct braking at every wheel.

Check:

• brake controller connection and any error messages;
• service brake response at low speed in a safe area;
• breakaway battery state and test procedure, where fitted;
• tail, stop, indicator, clearance and number-plate lights;
• clean, secure plugs and cables;
• a visible, legible number plate and registration label requirements.

If the brake behaviour changed since the last trip, stop and diagnose it. Do not plan to “see whether it settles” on the highway.

4. Load, latches and loose equipment

Transport for NSW advises packing heavy items low and centred over the trailer axle area, with lighter items higher and distributed appropriately. Incorrect loading can contribute to sway or loss of control.

Before closing the trailer:

• confirm actual loaded mass is within ATM and the complete setup remains within every vehicle limit;
• place heavy items low and secure them against movement;
• account for water carried today, not the amount usually carried;
• latch doors, hatches, drawers, fridge, roof and kitchen components;
• retract steps, awnings and antennas;
• remove or secure external leads, hoses and levelling equipment;
• check nothing can fall against a door and jam it shut on arrival.

Ball load affects the tow vehicle’s payload and axle loads. It must suit the trailer and tow vehicle manufacturers’ requirements. Avoid relying on a generic percentage as if it overrides model-specific limits.

5. Gas, power and water systems

Follow the appliance, battery and trailer manufacturers’ shutdown instructions. This part of the check is deliberately system-specific because installations differ.

At minimum, confirm:

• gas appliances are off and cylinders/valves are configured for travel as required;
• battery isolation and charging equipment are in the intended travel mode;
• solar panels, portable batteries and generators are restrained;
• water caps and drain valves are secure;
• no fluid, gas smell, heat or damaged cabling needs investigation;
• fridge operation during travel follows the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable rules.

Do not use an internet checklist to overrule the licensed professional or manufacturer responsible for your actual installation.

6. Visibility and final walk-around

Transport for NSW says extended mirrors are required when the driver cannot see down the length of the caravan. Confirm mirrors are fitted, adjusted and secure before entering traffic.

Complete one final lap after everybody says they are ready. Look underneath as well as at eye level:

• chocks removed and counted;
• no leads or hoses connected;
• stabilisers, step and jockey wheel clear;
• roof, tent, latches and doors fully closed;
• lights retested with a second person where possible;
• trailer sits level enough for the combination specified by the manufacturers;
• children, pets and bystanders accounted for.

Add a five-minute rolling check

The first check proves the setup was ready while stationary. A second stop soon after departure can reveal movement or heat that was not visible in the driveway.

Choose a safe stopping place and look for a shifted load, a loose latch, abnormal tyre appearance, hot wheel area, cable contact or a brake-controller warning. Do not touch a potentially hot hub or brake component. If something looks or smells wrong, investigate safely rather than continuing to the next scheduled stop.

Repeat appropriate checks after rough roads, water crossings, an impact, a wheel change or any time the handling changes.

Turn the checklist into a setup record

Keep one version for the specific trailer rather than a generic note on a phone. Record:

• tyre and wheel specifications from the manufacturer;
• wheel-nut procedure and torque specification;
• coupling and brake-controller test steps;
• normal loaded weights from a recent weigh;
• expiry or service dates for relevant equipment;
• the location of tools, chocks and emergency gear;
• unresolved defects and who is responsible for fixing them.

Photographing the packed layout can help reproduce a stable load and spot what changed. It is not proof of compliance, but it makes the routine more consistent.

Printable order of work

1. Confirm ratings and the planned load.
2. Check tyres, wheels, spare and wheel-change equipment.
3. Inspect coupling, drawbar, chains, plugs and breakaway cable.
4. Test brakes, controller and every exterior light.
5. Secure the load, doors, roof, awning, kitchen and loose gear.
6. Put gas, battery, fridge and water systems into their specified travel state.
7. Adjust towing mirrors and complete a full walk-around.
8. Stop in a safe place soon after departure and inspect again.

The best checklist is not the longest one. It is the one the whole travelling group can repeat in the same order, every departure, without assuming that yesterday’s setup is still secure today.