Frequently Asked Questions
General
Who is Caravan Care?
Caravan Care is a family owned and run business in Carrum Downs. With over 10 years experience in the sales, repairs and restorations of all types of caravans - they are you're one stop shop for anything caravan, camper or RV related!
Find out more by reading our About Us, checking out our Reviews, having a look at all our Services or by hitting the Contact Us button below!
What Services do you offer?
Caravan Care is your trusted local team for caravan servicing, repairs and inspections. Whether you need a full service, a repair, a pre-purchase inspection, warranty or insurance inspection and repairs, our experienced team is here to help.
With over 20 years of experience in the caravan industry, the Caravan Care team is committed to keeping your caravan safe, reliable and ready for the road - so you can enjoy more holidays, more often.
Servicing Repairs Upgrades Insurance Claims Pre Purchase Inspections
Care & Servicing
How often should I get my caravan or camper serviced?
Caravans, campers and other RV's are complicated machines with many, many moving parts. Often weighing over 2 tonne in their own right Caravan's come under similar stress as your car from the wear and tear of travelling. Caravans should be serviced at LEAST once a year or every 10,000km - whichever comes first.
At Caravan Care we do a full safety inspection and report - this covers everything from your braking and tow assist, seals, gas and electrical, chassis and more.
How do I care for my van?
We'll show you everything you need to know about caring for your vehicle. From understanding how to wash your caravan to educating consumers on the need for Regular Servicing. Let us help you maximise the life your investment but properly caring for it from day 1.
How do I correctly use my caravan and operate it's appliances?
Before we send you off we'll give you a comprehensive understanding of your van and how to operate all of it's accessories. We can show you how to install and operate an awning, how to work your gas and electrical appliances and what to do once you have solar panels installed. We exist to help YOU get the most of your new caravan so give us a call and ask how we can help today!!
Do you offer independent inspections?
We offer one of the most extensive diagnostic assessments on the market. Our 62 point safety check allows us to go over every inch, every appliance and every connection - testing everything to give you an accurate understanding of your van or the van you are about to buy.
Don't risk buying a lemon - call us to help you decide if this REALLY is the van for you. You can read more about it on our Servicing Page or by contact us via the link below!
Do you offer a minor service?
As well as our full servicing and detailing options, Caravan Care are also able to offer a tyre, brake and bearing service. Whilst not recommended as a replacement to a full service - this can be an affordable way to ensure safety between major service appointments.
Read about it on our Servicing Page or contact us via the link below!
Repairs & Upgrades
Do you offer caravan repairs?
Caravan Care are set up to handle ALL of your repair needs. Experts in all framing, structural, gas, plumbing and electrical - the team at Caravan Care have the experience required to handle any job, big or small!
Find out more by checking out our Repairs page or giving us a call today!
Can you help me handle an insurance claim?
Caravan Care are committed to helping their clients with every aspect of their Insurance Claim. From helping you write and submit your claim, to working with your insurance company on an approval and finally into the repair work itself. Our trusted team of professionals will assist you along every step to help you get back on holidays where you belong!
Contact Us Insurance Repairs
Can you update or upgrade my caravan or it's accessories?
Absolutely! Whether it be your van that needs updating or you're looking to buy one that needs some added features we have the solution. We can upgrade cabinetry, upholstery, install new accessories or even add an annex. Caravan Care are always on the look out for the latest in caravan technologies to ensure they offer their clients the very best products available on the market.
Accessories Contact Us
Towing
Can you help me hitch my van?
Needing a bit of help with your hitching and reversing? No worries!! Make an appointment with one of our staff and we'll show you all the tips for correctly reversing onto and then hitching up your caravan. Alternatively you can check out our Accessories page to find out more about a towing upgrade packages which include electric brakes, auto hitches and more!!
Another great resource can be found here: https://caravantowingguide.com.au/
How do I best load my caravan?
Understanding how to load your caravan is one of the most important things any traveller can learn. Understanding things like 'ball-weight' and 'distribution' might sound confusing but can be the difference between a safe, fun, family holiday and a disastrous accident or roll-over.
Ask us for a diagram on how to load your van - or get in touch to find out what your Tare Wright, Ball Weight and your ATM really are!
Contact Us
How do I find out my vehicles towing capacity?
You can either call the manufacturer of the vehicle or head over to RedBook and find your vehicle amongst their comprehensive lists. If you're towing kit was installed aftermarket you can contact the manufacturer of the towing kit to find out this information.
Can I really tow 3.5 tonne?
Once you've found your vehicles advertised towing capacity - it's important to understand what is already included in that allowance. Have you got 4 passengers in your car or is it just you? Have you got gear in the back? How have you packed your caravan? All these things have an impact on your ACTUAL towing capacity.
This can get a bit confusing and manufacturers aren't helping things by advertising these huge towing capacities when, in truth, they know it's a bit of a fib.
This article from Carsales.com.au is pretty handy when trying to wrap your head around what you can and can't actually tow. The good news is we have a few accessories that can help - ESC, Brake Assist and Anti Sway technology has come a long way and can all be fitted to most vehicles and trailers. Ask us about how these installations can make your next trip safer again!
Accessories & Upgrades Contact Us
What is the difference between my 12 pin and my Anderson Plug?
The 12 pin plug, when wired and installed correctly, provides power to your van - including clearance and brake lights. The Anderson Plug charges your caravan's battery from your tow vehicle.
How much air should I put in my tyres?
Almost everything you need to know about your tyres can be found on the tyre itself. It will tell you the size, the age and, of course, the optimum air pressure needed to tow the trailer safely. Regular checks of your tyres are important as it allows you to track wear and tear, allowing a chance to replace them BEFORE anything goes wrong.
Otherwise you can give us a call and book in for our 62 point safety check - this will allow us to diagnose every aspect of your caravan - tyres included.
Camping
Do you know any cheap places we can camp?
As a starting point we recommend everyone check out Camping Australia and their website Freerangecamping.com.au. They have a comprehensive database of all free and low cost campsites and caravan parks around Australia.
Do you know how to budget and plan a trip?
There are a tonne of resources available online to help people plan their next trip. One of our favourite families have a resource centre through their website My Rig Adventures. there you can learn how to load your caravan, where to take the family for activities and even how to budget for an entire year travelling around Australia. We love these guys because their tips are not hypothetical - they live full time on the road with their family. All of their resources are based on their experience of travelling which makes them a brilliant website for anyone with questions!!