What to Pack Before You Hit the Road
Most caravanners don’t set out thinking about breakdowns, they think about sunrise over red dirt. Coastal campgrounds. That first coffee outside the van when everything is quiet and still working exactly as it should.
But the road has its own ideas about plans. And when it does, the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major headache usually comes down to what you packed long before anything went wrong.
THE THINGS THAT KEEP YOU MOVING
Most roadside issues aren’t dramatic, they’re practical. Think: a loose fitting, a flat tyre, a dead battery at the wrong time. So your first priority is simple: tools that restore motion.
You’re not aiming for perfection here, you’re aiming for “we can get to the next safe stop”.
● Tyre pressure gauge and portable compressor
● Spare tyre (properly maintained, not just “stored somewhere”)
● Wheel brace and jack suited to your setup
● Basic tool kit for quick fixes
● Duct tape and cable ties for temporary solutions
THE THINGS THAT KEEP YOU SEEN
If you’re stopped on the side of a road, visibility becomes your best protection. Don’t make other road users guess you’re there.
● Hi-vis vests for everyone in the vehicle
● Reflective warning triangles or LED hazard lights
● Torch or headlamp for night situations
● Reflective tape for added visibility on the van
THE THINGS THAT KEEP YOU SAFE
Safety isn’t just about accidents, Australia has a habit of adding sunburn, bites and “how did that happen?” injuries into the mix. It’s about being able to manage the unexpected without stress escalating.
● First aid kit that is actually stocked and in date
● Sunscreen and insect repellent
● Pain relief and basic medications
● Tweezers, antiseptic wipes and bandages
● Fire extinguisher within easy reach
THE THINGS THAT KEEP YOU CONNECTED
Distance is part of the appeal of RVing, but it also means you can’t rely on always being connected. When reception drops out, preparation becomes your signal.
● Power banks and charging cables
● Vehicle charger adapters
● Offline maps downloaded before departure
● UHF radio for remote travel
● Optional solar charger for longer trips
THE THINGS THAT KEEP YOU COMFORTABLE
Sometimes the biggest challenge isn’t fixing the problem, it’s waiting while it’s fixed. Comfort matters more than people expect in those “we’ll just wait here a bit” moments.
● Drinking water (more than you think you’ll need)
● Non-perishable food and snacks
● Warm layer or extra clothing
● Emergency blanket
● Basic camp stove (where appropriate)
THE THINGS SPECIFIC TO YOUR RV
Every setup has its quirks. Your emergency kit should reflect yours.
● Spare fuses and bulbs
● Water hose and fittings
● Levelling blocks
● Gas fittings (if applicable)
● Spare parts relevant to your system
These are the items you rarely think about, until they stop everything
PREPARATION MATTERS AS MUCH AS THE KIT
The kit is important. But it’s not the full picture. Preparation is what turns a problem into a pause instead of a crisis:
● Know your route and share it with someone
● Check weather and road conditions before leaving
● Do basic checks on tyres, fluids and connections
● Carry emergency contacts offline
Because out on the road, confidence doesn’t come from luck. It comes from knowing you’ve already thought ahead.
