CIL Safety Tips

Preparation can make the difference between a stressful trip and an enjoyable adventure. Taking a few simple steps before leaving helps ensure your caravan and tow vehicle are ready for the journey.

Checklist

• Check tyre pressures on both the tow vehicle and caravan
• Ensure lights, indicators and brake lights are working
• Confirm the caravan is correctly hitched and safety chains are attached
• Check towing mirrors are fitted and adjusted
• Secure cupboards, drawers and loose items inside the caravan
• Turn off gas appliances before travelling

Understanding how your caravan and towing setup works helps you travel safely and confidently.

Checklist

• Confirm the caravan is correctly hitched and safety chains are attached
• Check towing mirrors are fitted and adjusted
• Ensure lights, indicators and brake lights are working
• Secure cupboards and drawers before travelling

Towing a caravan requires extra awareness and safe driving habits. Knowing how your vehicle behaves while towing can help you stay safe on the road.

Checklist

• Drive at safe speeds and allow extra braking distance
• Take regular breaks and share the driving if possible
• Avoid sudden steering or braking that may cause sway
• Be aware of wind, road conditions and passing heavy vehicles
• Maintain safe following distances from other vehicles

Different road environments require different driving approaches when towing a caravan.

Checklist

• Drive at safe speeds and allow extra braking distance
• Maintain safe following distances from other vehicles
• Take regular breaks on longer journeys

Proper storage and security can help protect your caravan between trips.

Checklist

• Use a quality hitch lock whenever your caravan is parked
• Consider using a wheel clamp as a visible theft deterrent
• Park with the hitch facing away from the road where possible
• Lock all doors, hatches and storage compartments when unattended

Protecting the items inside your caravan is just as important as protecting the caravan itself.

Checklist

• Photograph valuable items stored in and around your caravan
• Record serial numbers and keep receipts where possible
• Keep a digital inventory of valuables
• Store high-value items out of sight when not in use

Arriving early gives you time to assess your surroundings and safely set up your campsite.

Checklist

• Arrive and set up before sunset where possible
• Check for slopes, overhead hazards and ground stability
• Use wheel chocks and stabilisers correctly
• Secure loose items before nightfall or bad weather

Understanding your insurance cover helps you travel with confidence and know what support is available if something goes wrong.

Note

For full details of your cover, refer to your CIL policy documentation.

Quick Safety Check

Before settling in or leaving your campsite:

• Caravan secured
• Valuables documented
• Fire safety checked
• Site assessed

The information is intended to be of a general nature only. Subject to any rights you may have under any law, we do not accept any legal responsibility for any loss or damage, including loss of business or profits or any other indirect loss, incurred as a result of reliance upon it – please make your own enquiries.