How to Check Your Camper Trailer Before Every Trip in 10 Minutes
Australian roads are tough on camper trailers, with long distances, changing weather and rough outback tracks putting constant stress on couplings, tyres and running gear. A quick, consistent 10‑minute check before every trip helps avoid breakdowns, improves safety and protects the investment families make in a quality off‑road camper. Platinum Campers are engineered specifically for Australian touring, with strong chassis, off‑road suspension and practical layouts designed for families and adventurers who want to tow with confidence. A simple routine check makes it easier for those strengths to shine on every journey, whether heading for a weekend at the coast or a long‑haul outback trip. This guide explains how to check a camper trailer in just 10 minutes using a structured, front‑to‑back system that anyone can follow. It is tailored for owners of off‑road campers, including the Platinum Campers range, and suits both first‑time buyers and experienced travellers looking for a reliable pre‑trip ritual. Key takeaways Why a 10‑Minute Check Matters in Australia Australian touring often means long stretches between towns, rough corrugations and changing conditions that can expose any weakness in a camper trailer setup. A simple fault such as a loose wheel nut or an under‑inflated tyre can quickly become a major failure when towing at highway speeds or along a rocky track. A short pre‑trip inspection before each journey is not intended to replace professional servicing, but it is highly effective at catching visible problems that appear between service intervals. This is particularly important after travelling on corrugated roads, tackling beach access tracks or returning from a long period of storage. Platinum Campers designs its off‑road camper trailers with Australian conditions in mind, using robust construction, off‑road suspension and quality running gear to handle demanding environments. Owners who adopt a quick pre‑trip routine get more from these design advantages and experience fewer unpleasant surprises on the road. For longer‑term care beyond the 10‑minute routine, Platinum’s maintenance tips for your camper trailer give additional guidance on servicing intervals and component care. The 10‑Minute Pre‑Trip System: Front to Back The easiest way to complete a full check in 10 minutes is to follow a consistent pattern every time. Starting at the towbar, work methodically to the rear of the trailer, then loop back along the other side, checking from the top down at each stop. This system can be broken into five clear stages: tow coupling, safety equipment, wheels and tyres, lights and electrics, and load security. By spending one to two minutes on each area, owners can assess the most important safety factors without needing tools or specialist knowledge. Platinum owners and buyers researching their first camper can also review the camper trailers range to see how different models arrange drawbars, storage and running gear, which makes it easier to create a personal checklist for a specific layout. Step 1: Check the Tow Vehicle and Coupling (About 2 Minutes) The connection between tow vehicle and camper is the single most important safety point in the entire combination. If the coupling is not correctly seated or locked, there is a real risk of trailer separation or unstable towing, especially on rough or uneven roads. Start at the towbar and confirm the towball or off‑road coupling is fully seated with no visible gaps. The latch or handle should be in the locked position, and the safety pin or clip installed through the designated hole so that vibration cannot cause it to release. Next, look at the tow tongue and hitch pin to make sure both are correctly installed and secured with a suitable R‑clip or locking device. A quick attempt to lift the front of the drawbar by hand is a practical way to double‑check that the coupling is properly engaged and not just appearing correct from a distance. Platinum’s focus on off‑road ready drawbars and couplings is evident across the Platinum camper trailers lineup, making it easier for owners to use quality hardware that stands up to the demands of Australian travel. Step 2: Safety Chains, Jockey Wheel and Handbrake (About 2 Minutes) Once the coupling has been confirmed, move directly to the rest of the front‑end safety equipment. Correctly fitted safety chains and properly stowed jockey wheels are essential to safe towing and are legally required on public roads. Check that the safety chains are attached to the towbar using rated shackles, ideally crossed under the drawbar where appropriate so they can support it if the coupling fails. The chains should have enough slack for turning but must not be so long that they can drag on the road or catch on obstacles. Verify that rated D‑shackles are tight and in good condition, without distortion or heavy corrosion. At the same time, inspect the trailer handbrake to ensure it is fully released before departure, because any partial application can overheat brake components within a short distance. Finally, confirm that the jockey wheel is fully raised, locked into its travel position or removed depending on design, and that the clamp is tight so that the wheel cannot rotate down while on the move. This simple step prevents roadside incidents caused by a jockey wheel striking the ground during towing. Platinum’s strong A‑frame and front‑end layout, used throughout the off‑road camper trailers range, helps owners position all of this equipment correctly and safely. Step 3: Wheels, Tyres and Suspension Glance (About 2–3 Minutes) Tyres and running gear are among the most common causes of roadside difficulties for caravans and camper trailers. Under‑inflated tyres, uneven wear, loose wheel nuts and bearing issues can all lead to serious trouble if they go unnoticed before a drive. Walk around the camper and look closely at each tyre, inspecting for visible damage such as cuts, bulges or objects lodged in the tread. Even without a gauge, a firm push or kick on each tyre can offer a basic feel for whether it is properly inflated, but using a pressure gauge whenever time permits is strongly recommended. Next, scan each wheel for missing or potentially
